Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at 2pm
Updated: 2:00pm Friday 26 June
PLEASE NOTE: This daily statement about the Public Health
Wales response to Novel Coronavirus in Wales, which includes details of
specific local outbreaks, is published at 2pm every day on the Public
Health Wales website.
Dr Robin Howe,
Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response
at Public Health Wales, said:
“Testing of the
workforce associated with an outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the
Wrexham area is continuing.
“We are in the process
of combining information to identify the full scope of the ongoing testing
process and total number of positive cases. To date a total of 166 cases have
been identified, an increase of 69 cases reported in the past 24-hours.
“The identification of
additional cases does not mean that the infection is increasing. However, it
also reminds us that COVID-19 has not gone away and remains in the community.
“Rapid contact tracing
also continues, and as expected, is identifying additional cases associated
with the workforce.
“There is no evidence
that the employer is the source of the infection, but we continue to review the
situation and work with our multi-agency partners, the employer, their
workforce and wider community to bring this outbreak to a swift conclusion.
“Following the
multi-agency Outbreak Control Team meeting which took place on Thursday 25
June, I can confirm that a total of 204 cases of Novel Coronavirus have been
identified in the workforce associated with the 2 Sisters plant in Llangefni, Anglesey.
“As a result of the
rapid testing process introduced, and the small increase in cases identified,
we are confident that the focused track and trace programme has worked well and
that we are on track to bring this outbreak to a rapid conclusion.
“Any increase in the
number of cases found in the workforce does not mean that the infection is
increasing in the local population as a whole.
“Non-essential retailers in Wales were permitted to
open from Monday (22 June), providing that they were able to comply with social
distancing measures.
“Public Health Wales welcomes the relaxation of
lockdown measures, but reminds the public that we are not yet back to business
as usual.
“We all have a vital role in preventing the spread
of Coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines – that’s
staying two metres away from others and washing hands regularly.
“While shopping, members of the public should use contactless
payment where possible, and reduce contact with goods. Where available,
use sanitiser outside your home, especially as you enter a building and after
you have had contact with surfaces. Avoid
touching your face.
“Further relaxation of lockdown measures,
including the lifting of the restriction on non-essential travel to around five
miles, is planned for Monday 6 July, providing that community transmission
continues to reduce.
“It is important to note that until a further
announcement is made by Welsh Government, then the current measures remain in
place - 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.
“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. Complying with
social distancing and hygiene measures remains
extremely important.
“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.
“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 you were in contact
with. 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.
“You do not need to have any concerns about
providing names to the tracing team. Tracers are trained staff and personal
information that you provide will handled in line with data protection
regulations and will not be shared widely.
“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 is
supported by a national 119 phone service, through which people can also order
a home test.
“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.
Diweddarwyd: 2:00yp Dydd Iau 25 Mehefin - I ddilyn