Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at 2pm
Statement: Monday 30 November 2020 Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response
at Public Health Wales, said: “The Welsh Government
have today introduced restrictions for the hospitality sector from Friday 6
December ahead of Christmas period, in order to reduce the opportunities for
the virus to spread in our communities and to keep people safe. “Pubs, restaurants,
bars and cafes will need to close at 6pm apart from takeaway services, and will
not be able to serve alcohol. “Indoor entertainment
venues such as cinemas, bingo halls, soft play centres and bowling alleys must
close from the same date, as must indoor visitor attractions such as museums,
galleries and heritage sites. “Public Health Wales
strongly urges everyone to follow these rules, to avoid transmission of
Coronavirus and to protect everyone in our communities, including the most
vulnerable. “Due to high numbers
of positive cases in Torfaen, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is opening a number of mobile COVID-19
testing units across Torfaen. The mobile
units will provide a walk up testing service for residents who live nearby from
9:30 until 15:30 on Monday 30 November and Tuesday 1 December. More locations
across Torfaen and dates for the next two weeks will be announced early this
week. “Torfaen residents who experience even
mild symptoms of coronavirus – a fever, continuous cough or loss of taste or
smell – or feel generally unwell, should call 0300 30 31 222 or visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test to book a test. “The festive period is
important for people across Wales who want to be with loved ones during the
holidays, particularly after a very difficult year, but we would remind
everyone that we must each continue to take
personal responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved
ones, particularly if they are vulnerable or extremely vulnerable. For
many, this will mean that it isn’t possible to celebrate Christmas in the way
you normally would. “Public
Health Wales is encouraging everyone who lives, works or studies in Merthyr
Tydfil to attend the mass testing service at the Leisure Centre as soon as they
can – even if they do not have symptoms. “Thank you
to those who have already attended and undertaken a test, as this will help us
to break the chains of transmission in the area. However, in order for the exercise to be as
successful as possible then we need as many people in the area as possible to
be tested. “For more information about the testing
exercise, visit the MTCBC website. “Anyone aged 11+ without any symptoms can
have a test, but children under 18 will need parental consent. The more people
who get tested, the more chances we have to reduce the spread of the virus. “People with symptoms should
also get tested but need to book a test either by calling 119 or by clicking here. “We would remind
everyone that Coronavirus is still active in our communities, and therefore
this does not mean a return to normality.
“We understand that
people will want to do their Christmas shopping at this time of year. We would
suggest to try to visit shops during off-peak times, to always maintain social
distancing and to wear a face covering if you can. Options such as ‘click and
collect’ or online purchasing may also be something to consider. “We ask the public to
observe the regulations and to limit their contact with other people as much as
possible so that we all work together to bring the numbers of positive cases
down. “This means staying
out of other people’s homes, limiting the times and the numbers of people that
you meet, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene, working from home if
you can, and self-isolating if you show symptoms of coronavirus or are asked to
do so by contact tracers. “All of these actions
will help to break the chains of transmission, reduce the spread of the virus,
and keep people safe. “Action has been taken
following reports from health authorities in Denmark that widespread outbreaks
of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been found in mink farms, with subsequent
spread of a mink-variant virus to the local community. “As a precautionary
measure, Denmark was removed from the UK Coronavirus travel corridor list on
Friday 6 November. Any travellers returning to the UK will now be required to
self-isolate for 14 days according to the national guidance and legislation https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/self-isolating-when-you-arrive. “We would also advise
all members of the public with pet mink or ferrets to avoid contact with them
while symptomatic with any COVID symptoms. “We recognise that
many people may be finding life more challenging, resulting in difficulties
with mental health. There are many agencies which provide help and support,
including the C.A.L.L. helpline on 0800 132 737, which will refer callers to
the most appropriate organisation according to their needs. “If you are in severe
mental distress or are having suicidal thoughts, please contact Samaritans Cymru
free on 116 123. You can also find sources of advice and guidance on our website if you need some help
or are worried about a loved one. “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 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. “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. Datganiad: Dydd Llun 30 Tachwedd 2020 I ddilyn