Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at 2pm
Statement: Friday 11 December 2020 Dr Robin
Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response
at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales is
concerned at the high levels of Coronavirus in nearly every part of Wales and
we note that the Welsh Government will be publishing an updated Coronavirus
Control Plan next week. “If
we are to have meaningful and safe interactions within the permitted exclusive
Christmas ‘bubble’, then everyone should immediately start to limit their
interactions with other as much as possible in the lead up to the festive
period. “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. As the number of cases
continues to accelerate in Wales, we would also advise people to consider their
plans for Christmas from the perspective of what they ‘should’ do, rather than
what they ‘can’ do, in order to protect their families and communities. “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. “On Friday 11 December
there will be planned maintenance of the NHS Welsh Laboratory Information
Management System (WLIMS) to allow for essential service upgrades to take
place. “This will affect our
daily reporting of Coronavirus figures, and therefore there will be no release
of daily figures on Sunday 13 December. There will be a period of data
reconciliation and validation that will affect our daily reporting figures for
several days after this downtime. “Public Health Wales is
also making some changes to the way we publish information on our website and
data dashboard. “From Monday 14
December, we will be changing the daily ‘data correct as of’ from 1pm the
previous day to 9am the previous day for operational reasons. “From Monday 14
December, we will be bringing forward the publication time for our data
dashboard and our daily statement from 2pm to the earlier time of 12pm. “From Monday 14
December, we plan to extend the lag period for seven day case rate reporting
from two to four days. This will further
improve the accuracy of Coronavirus cases per 100,000 population by local
authority area for the most recent 7 day incidence. “Welsh Government has
announced that Coronavirus regulations relating to self-isolation periods have
changed in Wales. “Under the revised
regulations, people who have tested positive or have come in to close contact
with someone who has had a positive test for Coronavirus will be required by
law to self-isolate for 10 days. Previously, close contacts were required
to self-isolate for 14 days. “This change has been
made to reflect the latest evidence around transmission of the virus. “These regulations will
apply retrospectively, so anyone on days 11-14 of self-isolation will be
immediately released. This applies to all settings, so will mean that school
bubbles can return. “This new 10 day
requirement also applies to people who are isolating after travelling from a
non-exempt country.” “We would like to wish
all those celebrating Hanukkah a very safe and happy celebration. Throughout
this year we have all found different ways to mark special occasions
and this Hanukkah we can once again find new ways to stay connected.
Visit Chabad.org for
some great ideas for safely enjoying your favourite Hanukkah
traditions at home. “This week we welcomed
the news that the first Coronavirus vaccine rollout had begun. We stress that the effects of this vaccine
may not be seen nationally for many months and it is therefore extremely
important that everyone continues to follow the advice on keeping Wales safe;
keep contacts with other people to a minimum, keep a 2 metre distance from
others, wash hands regularly, wear a face covering where required, and
self-isolating when asked to do so. “Public Health Wales urges everyone to follow
the rules, to avoid transmission of Coronavirus and to protect everyone in our
communities, including the most vulnerable. “The rising rate of
Coronavirus in parts of Rhondda Cynon Taff is causing significant concern and a mass testing exercise in the
Lower Cynon Valley area started on Saturday and will run until 20 December. “Public Health Wales is
encouraging everyone who lives, studies or works in the area (Abercynon,
Penrhiwceiber, Mountain Ash West, Mountain Ash East, and Aberaman South) to
attend either the Cynon Valley Bowls Club or Abercynon Leisure Centre between
9am and 7pm for a free test. “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. “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. “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 testeither by calling 119 or by clicking here. “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. “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 Gwener 11 Rhagfyr 2020 I ddilyn