Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at midday
Statement: Thursday 17 December 2020 Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response
at Public Health Wales, said: “The number of Coronavirus cases continues
to increase, with the seven-day rolling average passing 500 cases per 100,000
in Wales. “Rates of infection have increased in 21 of
the 22 local authorities over the last seven days, with the seven-day rolling
average now exceeding 1,000 cases per 100,000 in one area. “In light of this situation, the Welsh
Government has confirmed that only two households should come together to form
an exclusive Christmas bubble during that period. “We would ask the
public to very carefully consider if this is appropriate for them and their
households. Particular caution should be applied if there are elderly or
vulnerable members of their households who are at greatest risk. “For those who do plan on forming a Christmas bubble, it is essential that
this is planned and agreed with all the households involved. If doing so, we
advise the public to now stop mixing with other households. “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. “People will be aware that we are reporting
today a backlog of around 11,000 cases on our dashboard today following the
data delay over the weekend. This delay
results from essential maintenance for the wider Welsh NHS led by the NHS Wales
Informatics Service. Public Health Wales announced on Friday that the
maintenance would have an impact on its reporting. “It is important to note that this issue
has not affected individuals receiving their results and the contact tracing
process being commenced. “Members of the public can be reassured
that anyone who tests positive will be contacted by their local authority’s
Test, Trace, Protect team in the usual way. There have been no errors in the
Public Health Wales reporting. “It is important that everyone continues to
follow the advice on keeping Wales safe.
Keep contacts with other people to a minimum, keep a two 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. “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 either by calling 119 or by clicking here. “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 Iau 17 Rhagfyr 2020 I ddilyn