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

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Statement: Tuesday 1 December 2020

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

“It is now clear from the data that the Coronavirus cases are rising in most parts of Wales, reversing the downward trend we had observed as a result of the fire break.

“The Welsh Government have today introduced restrictions for the hospitality sector from Friday 4 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 in the coming days.

“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 Mawrth 1 Rhagfyr 2020

Dywedodd Dr Giri Shankar, Cyfarwyddwr Digwyddiad ar gyfer yr ymateb i'r achos o'r Coronafeirws Newydd (COVID-19) yn Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru:

“Erbyn hyn, mae’r data yn ei gwneud hi’n amlwg bod achosion o’r Coronafeirws ar gynnydd yn y rhan fwyaf o Gymru, gan wyrdroi’r duedd i’r ffigurau ostwng yr oeddem wedi’i gweld o ganlyniad i’r cyfnod atal dros dro.

“Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cyflwyno cyfyngiadau ar gyfer y sector lletygarwch o ddydd Gwener 4 Rhagfyr cyn cyfnod y Nadolig, er mwyn lleihau’r cyfleoedd i’r feirws ledaenu yn ein cymunedau ac i gadw pobl yn ddiogel.

“Bydd angen i dafarndai, bwytai, bariau a chaffis gau am 6pm ar wahân i wasanaethau tecawê, ac ni fyddant yn gallu gweini alcohol.

“Rhaid i leoliadau adloniant dan do fel sinemâu, neuaddau bingo, canolfannau chwarae meddal ac alïau bowlio gau o'r un dyddiad, yn yr un modd ag atyniadau ymwelwyr dan do fel amgueddfeydd, orielau a safleoedd treftadaeth.

“Mae Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru yn annog pawb yn gryf i ddilyn y rheolau hyn, i osgoi trosglwyddo Coronafeirws ac i ddiogelu pawb yn ein cymunedau, gan gynnwys y rhai mwyaf agored i niwed.

“Oherwydd niferoedd uchel o achosion positif yn Nhorfaen, mae Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Aneurin Bevan yn agor nifer o unedau profi COVID-19 symudol ledled Torfaen.  Bydd yr unedau symudol yn darparu gwasanaeth profi cerdded i mewn i breswylwyr sy'n byw gerllaw rhwng 9:30 a 15:30 ar ddydd Llun 30 Tachwedd a dydd Mawrth 1 Rhagfyr. Cyhoeddir rhagor o leoliadau ar draws Torfaen a dyddiadau ar gyfer y pythefnos nesaf yn ystod y dyddiau i ddod.

“Dylai trigolion Torfaen, hyd yn oed os ydynt yn profi symptomau ysgafn coronafeirws - twymyn, peswch parhaus neu golli synnwyr blasu neu arogli - neu sy’n teimlo’n sâl yn gyffredinol, ffonio 0300 30 31 222 neu dylent ymweld ag https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test i archebu prawf.

“Mae cyfnod y Nadolig yn bwysig i bobl ledled Cymru sydd eisiau treulio amser gyda’u hanwyliaid yn ystod y gwyliau, yn enwedig ar ôl blwyddyn anodd iawn, ond byddem yn atgoffa pawb bod yn rhaid i bob un ohonom barhau i gymryd cyfrifoldeb personol i gyfyngu ar ledaeniad y feirws ac i amddiffyn ein hanwyliaid, yn enwedig os ydyn nhw'n agored i niwed neu'n eithriadol o agored i niwed.  I lawer o bobl, bydd hyn yn golygu nad yw’n bosibl dathlu’r Nadolig yn y ffordd y byddech chi fel arfer yn ei wneud. 

“Mae Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru yn annog pawb sy’n byw, yn gweithio neu’n astudio ym Merthyr Tudful i fynychu’r gwasanaeth profi torfol yn y ganolfan hamdden cyn gynted ag y gallant - hyd yn oed os nad oes symptomau ganddynt.

“Diolch i’r rhai sydd eisoes wedi mynychu ac wedi cael prawf. Bydd hyn yn ein helpu i dorri’r cadwyni trosglwyddo yn yr ardal.  Fodd bynnag, er mwyn i'r ymarfer fod mor llwyddiannus â phosibl, mae angen i ni brofi cynifer o bobl yr ardal â phosib.

“I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am yr ymarfer profi, ewch i wefan MTCBC.

“Gall unrhyw un dros 11 oed sydd heb unrhyw symptomau gael prawf, ond bydd angen caniatâd rhiant ar blant dan 18 oed. Po fwyaf o bobl sy'n cael eu profi, po fwyaf y siawns sydd gennym o leihau lledaeniad y feirws.

“Gall pobl sydd â symptomau gael eu profi hefyd, ond bydd angen iddynt archebu prawf naill ai drwy ffonio 119 neu drwy glicio yma.

“Rydym yn deall y bydd pobl eisiau gwneud eu siopa Nadolig yr adeg hon o’r flwyddyn. Byddem yn awgrymu ceisio ymweld â siopau yn ystod amseroedd y tu allan i'r oriau brig, cadw pellter cymdeithasol bob amser a gwisgo gorchudd wyneb, os gallwch chi. Efallai y bydd opsiynau megis ‘clicio a chasglu’ neu brynu ar-lein hefyd yn bethau i’w hystyried.

“Gofynnwn i’r cyhoedd gadw at y rheoliadau a chyfyngu ar eu cyswllt â phobl eraill gymaint â phosibl fel ein bod i gyd yn gweithio gyda’n gilydd i leihau nifer yr achosion positif.

“Mae hyn yn golygu aros allan o gartrefi pobl eraill, cyfyngu ar faint o weithiau a nifer y bobl rydych chi'n cwrdd â nhw, cynnal pellter cymdeithasol a hylendid dwylo, gweithio gartref os gallwch chi, a hunanynysu os oes gennych chi symptomau coronafeirws, neu os gofynnir i chi wneud hynny gan swyddogion olrhain cysylltiadau.

“Bydd yr holl gamau hyn yn helpu i dorri cadwyni trosglwyddo, yn lleihau lledaeniad y feirws, ac yn cadw pobl yn ddiogel.

“Cymerwyd camau yn dilyn adroddiadau gan awdurdodau iechyd yn Nenmarc y canfuwyd brigiadau eang o achosion o Coronafeirws Newydd (COVID-19) mewn ffermydd minc, a bod feirws amrywiolyn minc yn cael ei ledaenu i'r gymuned leol yn sgil hynny.

“Fel mesur rhagofalus, tynnwyd Denmarc oddi ar restr coridor teithio Coronafeirws y DU ddydd Gwener 6 Tachwedd. Bellach, bydd gofyn i unrhyw deithwyr sy'n dychwelyd i'r DU hunanynysu am 14 diwrnod yn unol â’r canllawiau a'r ddeddfwriaeth genedlaethol https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/self-isolating-when-you-arrive. 

“Byddem hefyd yn cynghori pob aelod o’r cyhoedd sy’n cadw mincod neu ffuredau fel anifeiliaid anwes i osgoi dod i gysylltiad â nhw tra bod ganddynt unrhyw symptomau COVID.

“Rydym yn cydnabod y gallai llawer o bobl fod yn cael bywyd yn fwy heriol, a all arwain at anawsterau iechyd meddwl. Mae llawer o asiantaethau sy'n darparu help a chymorth, gan gynnwys  llinell gymorth C.A.L.L. ar 0800 132 737, a fydd yn cyfeirio galwyr at y sefydliad mwyaf priodol yn unol â'u hanghenion.

“Os ydych chi’n wynebu trallod meddwl difrifol, neu os ydych yn meddwl am gyflawni hunanladdiad, cysylltwch â Samariaid Cymru yn rhad ac am ddim ar 116 123. Os oes angen rhywfaint o help arnoch, neu os ydych chi'n poeni am anwyliaid, gallwch ddod o hyd i ffynonellau cyngor ac arweiniad hefyd ar ein gwefan. 

“Mae GIG Cymru yma o hyd i'ch helpu os oes angen gofal arnoch, ac mae'n bwysig i chi barhau i fynychu apwyntiadau a cheisio cymorth ar gyfer materion meddygol brys. Dylech ffonio ymlaen llaw a dilyn unrhyw ganllawiau mae eich practis meddyg teulu lleol, deintydd, optometrydd neu wasanaeth iechyd wedi'i roi ar waith i'ch diogelu chi a staff, gan gynnwys yr angen i gadw 2m i ffwrdd oddi wrth gleifion eraill.

“Os byddwch chi neu aelod o'ch aelwyd yn datblygu symptomau Coronafeirws, fel peswch, twymyn neu newid i synnwyr blasu neu arogli, rhaid i chi hunanynysu ar unwaith ac archebu prawf Coronafeirws am ddim yn www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test neu drwy ffonio 119.

“Mae cyngor a chymorth defnyddiol ar gael trwy ap COVID-19 y GIG.  Yn ogystal â darparu rhybuddion os ydych wedi bod mewn cysylltiad â rhywun â Coronafeirws, bydd yr ap hefyd yn dweud wrthych beth yw lefel gyfredol y risg yn eich ardal.

“Mae gwybodaeth am symptomau Coronafeirws ar gael ar wefan Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru, neu drwy wiriwr symptomau GIG 111 Cymru.