Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“I am deeply concerned by today’s figures, which show that 129 people in care homes died as a result of Covid-19 in the week ending 22 Jan, the highest since the pandemic began.
“These figures represent heartbreak and loss being felt by families and friends throughout Wales, and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one.
“It is crucial that care homes continue to work with local public health teams to identify any additional measures that could help to protect older people and the staff who care for them, and ensure these are put in place immediately.
“Today’s sad news also underlines why all possible action must be taken to ensure that older people living in care homes – the group at the very top of the JCVI’s priority list – receive their vaccines as soon as possible to protect them from becoming seriously ill with Coronavirus.”
