Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at 2pm
Statement: Monday 2 November 2020
Dr Giri
Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
response at Public Health Wales, said:
“Public
Health Wales supports the new measures from Welsh Government which will come in
at the end of the current fire-break period on 9 November 2020, in particular
the call for the public to take personal responsibility for their actions and
to ensure that they are doing as much as possible to limit the transmission of
Coronavirus.
“As we
enter the second and final week of the fire-break, we urge the public to stick
to the current rules, which are vital to help us regain control of the virus,
to protect the NHS, and save lives.
“Although national
and local measures have made a difference, further action is needed. Cases continue to rise in Wales, hospital
admissions are increasing, including those into critical care, and sadly so are
the numbers of people dying from the virus.
“Under the rules,
people must stay at home, except for very limited purposes. They must not visit other households or meet
other people they do not live with.
“Certain
businesses and venues, including bars, restaurants and most shops must close.
“Secondary
schools will provide learning online only for the week after half-term, other than
for children in years seven and eight. Primary schools and childcare settings
will remain open.
“Face
coverings continue to be mandatory in the indoor public spaces that remain
open, subject to certain exemptions and exceptions, including on public transport
and in taxis.
“More
information about the new rules is available at the Welsh Government website.
“Due to a
data transfer issue between NWIS and Public Health Wales over the weekend,
today’s figures on our dashboard includes a backlog of data from the previous
24 hours.
“During the
firebreak it is still important to look after your health, and you can you
continue to attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues.
“Attending
a booked NHS flu vaccination appointment and any of Public Health Wales’ screening clinics is a legitimate
reason to travel during the firebreak.
“NHS Wales
is still here to help you if you need care, and it’s important you continue to
attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues. You can leave your
home to access local health services, including your GP surgery, dentist,
optometrist or other health service.
“You should
phone beforehand and follow any guidance your local surgery, dentist,
optometrist or health service has put in place to protect you and staff,
including the need to keep 2m away from other patients.
“It’s
especially important to look after our mental health and wellbeing at this
time. You can find sources of advice and
guidance on our website if you need some help
or are worried about a loved one.
“If you or
a member of your household develop symptoms of the Coronavirus, such as a
cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate
immediately and book a free Coronavirus test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
“Helpful
advice and support is available via the NHS COVID-19 app. As well as
providing alerts if you have been in contact with someone with Coronavirus, the app will
also tell you the current risk level in your area.
“Information
about the symptoms of Coronavirus is available on the Public Health Wales
website, or via the NHS 111 Wales symptom checker.
“For those
travelling from overseas, as of 4am on Sunday 1 November, Cyprus and Lithuania have
been removed from the Welsh Government’s list of countries from where you may
travel to Wales without the need to self isolate. Therefore, travellers
returning from those countries will need to self-isolate on their return.
Datganiad: Dydd Llun 2 Tachwedd 2020
I ddilyn