The head of the team investigating a Covid surge among North Wales teenagers has confirmed the incident is being treated as an outbreak of the Delta variant.

Denbighshire Council confirmed yesterday there were 25 “linked” cases of the virus split between three Ruthin and Denbigh secondary schools.

Some of the cases linked to the increase have already been identified as the Delta variant said the authority.

The infections came after a series of gatherings of young people, including parties, brought them into close proximity.

It means 428 pupils from Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin, Denbigh High School and St Brigid’s (also in Denbigh) have been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.

It emerged on Friday last week there were 10 linked cases of the virus but that had increased to 25 by Monday.

Chair of the county’s Incident Management Team, Nicola Stubbins, warned against complacency because of relaxed lockdown measures.

She said: “Not all cases have been confirmed as the Delta variant, but the strain is becoming the dominant variant in the UK and we are treating these connected positive tests as the Delta variant.

“The Delta variant is more transmissible and sticking to the guidelines is the best way of slowing its spread within our communities.

“Enquiries are still being made and further test results are still pending and we would like to reassure residents we are working to reduce any further spread.

“This includes offering an additional testing site in the county as well as an enhanced Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) process and 14 day self-isolation for any contacts.

“The emergence of these new cases is a reminder we should not become complacent, even as rates of the virus across Wales remain low.

“It is vital residents do not attend any gatherings which contravene Welsh Government Covid-19 guidelines and remain vigilant by following the rules, including wearing masks in indoor spaces and maintaining social distancing.”

A wider range of symptoms have been circulated for the virus after the emergence of the Delta strain (also called the Indian variant).

They include flu-like symptoms, not caused by a known condition, muscle ache or pain, excessive tiredness, persistent headache, runny nose or blocked nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing and generally feeling unwell.

Anyone displaying symptoms is being urged to book a PCR test at a mobile testing centre as soon as possible.

Ms Stubbins added: “We are also reminding those eligible and not showing symptoms to undertake regular lateral flow tests at home, which are free and can be ordered online for home delivery.

“I would also urge anyone eligible to get a vaccine to do so as soon as possible and for those who have had their first dose to take up the offer of the second dose.”

  • You can book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
  • Order a lateral flow test at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
  • You can book a test by telephone on 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free).
  • You can pick up free lateral flow tests from HWB Dinbych, Smithfield Road, Denbigh, LL16 3RG from June 15 on Tuesday 8.30am – 1pm; Wednesday 4pm – 6pm; Thursday 8.30am – 1pm and Friday 8.30am – 1pm.
  • You can also pick up free lateral flow tests from Rhyl, Quay Street Car park LL18 1NS, between 8am and 1pm, seven days a week.