The number of people in Wales found to have died from coronavirus has more than doubled to 12.

In the latest statement from the chief medical officer, Public Health Wales confirmed that seven more people had died from the disease, taking the overall total to 12.

The body said the deaths did not occur overnight, but have taken place over the course of the last week.

Public Health Wales said five of the deaths were at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, one in Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, and one at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. All those who died were over 70 and had underlying medical conditions.

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the novel coronavirus outbreak response at PHW, said: The chief medical officer has today confirmed the death of seven patients in Wales who tested positive for novel coronavirus.

"Public Health Wales offer our sincere condolences to families and friends affected.

"These deaths did not all happen overnight, but have occurred in the past week."

The official advice for the public regarding the virus remains unchanged – those who can work from home should do so, anyone with symptoms in their household should self-isolate for 14 days, those who live alone and experience symptoms should do so for seven.

Over-70s and vulnerable people of any age should be shielded from social contact.

Nine people in Powys have so far been diagnosed with coronavirus, but the true number of cases is probably much higher.