Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at 2pm
Updated: 2:00pm Wednesday 13 May
NOTE: Detailed
information on new cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales is now
available on our user-friendly data dashboard on the Public Health Wales website.
Dr Giri Shankar,
Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at
Public Health Wales, said:
“We have been working hard to
increase our testing capacity, and in the last week we have more than doubled
our capacity to 5,330 tests a day in Wales.
We know there is more to do as demand increases, and we will continue to
ramp up this capacity.
“The Welsh Government
announced on Friday (8 May) that lockdown arrangements will continue in Wales for
a further three weeks, with minor adjustments so people can exercise more often,
and to allow garden centres to open if they can comply with social distancing.
“Please note that
changes announced by the UK Prime Minister on Sunday were for England only, and
that in Wales stay-at-home guidance remains that, wherever you can, you should
stay at home.
“Although we appear to
have passed the peak of new cases in Wales, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is
still circulating in every part of the country.
The single most important action we can all take in fighting the virus
is to stay at home, and we thank each and every person across Wales for doing
their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.
“We are currently working with Welsh
Government to determine the best approach for when the lockdown is eventually eased.
“Public Health Wales
continues to support the implementation of the Critical Workers Testing Policy to make sure we use
the current testing capacity in Wales to the full, ensuring we test the right
people, at the right time, in the right place, to reduce the spread of Novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“We are encouraging
everyone to download the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Study app, which
has been supported by Welsh Government. The app allows users to log daily
symptoms to help build a clearer picture of how the virus is affecting people.
For more information, including how to download the app, visit covid.joinzoe.com.
“Public Health Wales
is working to address the negative impact of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on
the social, mental and physical wellbeing of people in Wales. Our latest
campaign, ‘How are you doing?’ is now live and offering practical advice from phw.nhs.wales/howareyoudoing.
“People no longer need
to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus
(COVID-19). Information about the symptoms to look out for is available
on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales
symptom checker.
“Anyone with a
suspected coronavirus illness should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or
hospital. They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope
with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do
not get better after seven days.
“Only call 999 if you
are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you
are on hold to 111. We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will
get through after a wait.
"While emphasising the
importance of staying at home, we also want to reinforce the message from NHS
Wales that urgent and emergency care services for physical and mental health
are still open and accessible.
“For parents, if your child is
unwell and you are concerned you should seek help. If you have urgent
dental pain you should still call your dentist. If you have a health complaint
that is worrying you and won’t go away you should call your GP practice. If you
or a family member are seriously ill or injured you should dial 999 or attend
your nearest Emergency Department.”
DATGANIAD CYMRAEG
Diweddariad: 2:00yp Dydd Mercher 13 Mai - I ddilyn