Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Thursday 4 June

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 Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“Public Health Wales welcomes increased testing resulting from Welsh participation in the UK-wide system.

“From Thursday 4 June, Public Health Wales is reporting the number of tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) undertaken on Welsh residents in Non-NHS Wales laboratories.

“These laboratories were established to support NHS laboratories in increasing COVID-19 testing capacity e.g. UK Lighthouse laboratories.  They are currently receiving samples from a number of testing sites, such as the COVID-19 drive-through testing centres in England and from home testing kits.

“Today we are publishing as a separate tab of the dashboard an additional 12,191 tests undertaken by Welsh residents up to 03 June 2020.

“Of the total tests, 91 per cent recorded a negative test result, and four per cent were positive.  Indeterminate test results accounted for the remaining five per cent. 

“The patients will have been given their results, and will have been given advice to self-isolate.

“Whilst we have prioritised publishing national level figures from this dataset, we are currently working through data issues with NHS Wales Informatics Service (NWIS) and Welsh Government and plan to publish at Health Board and Local Authority level. We expect these testing figures to increase as additional home and community testing increases amongst Welsh residents over the next few weeks.

“Public Health Wales is currently undertaking work to review this data and determine how this links with our existing data from tests undertaken in NHS laboratories in Wales.  Whilst this work is ongoing, these figures have not been incorporated into any other outputs including the headline number of cases.

“Contact tracing continues in Wales as part of the Welsh Government’s ‘Test, Trace, Protect’ strategy.  Contact tracing is the process of identifying people who have come in contact with an individual with Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to prevent the risk of others spreading the infection in our communities.

“Anyone who has a positive Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) test will be contacted by a team of contact tracers, and asked for details of everyone they have had close contact with while they have had symptoms.

“Please keep a note of your activities so you can easily remember your whereabouts on a given day, along with who were in contact with. You do not need to have any concerns about providing names to the tracing team. This is for everyone’s benefit and we are grateful for your continued cooperation.

“If you are asked to self-isolate, you should also comply with this request to prevent further spread of the virus.

“Tracers are trained staff and personal information that you provide will handled in line with data protection regulations and will not be shared widely.

“Over the last few weeks, Public Health Wales has been setting up the methods and guidance for how contact tracing will operate.  We will continue to work closely to support local health boards and local authorities in delivering contact tracing.

“The Welsh Government’s revised lockdown arrangements also continue. People from two different households in the same local area can meet up outdoors, provided they continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene.

“The announcement adds that, as a general rule, people should not travel more than five miles from home. This will help to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading as people begin to travel more.

“Revised lockdown arrangements also apply to people in Wales who have been told to ‘shield’ from the virus.  They are able to go outside and meet people from another household, provided they keep a two-metre distance.

“Future relaxation of lockdown measures will also be dependent on everyone following advice set out in the ‘Test, Trace, Protect’ strategy, including self-isolating when required.

“Information about the symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 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 experiencing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms can now apply for a home testing kit using the new UK online portal. For further information and a link to the booking website, visit: www.gov.wales/coronavirus or www.llyw.cymru/coronafeirws. This will be supported by a national 119 phone service, through which people can also order a home test.

“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.

“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.

"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: 

Diweddarwyd: 2:00yp Dydd Iau 4 Mehefin - I ddilyn