Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at 2pm
Statement: Friday 6 2020
Dr Robin Howe,
Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at
Public Health Wales, said:
“Public Health Wales
will work with Welsh Government to monitor the effect of the regulations which
will come in at the end of the current fire-break period on 9 November
2020. We support the call for the public
to take personal responsibility for their actions and to ensure that we are all
doing as much as possible to limit the transmission of Coronavirus.
“Ahead of Remembrance
Sunday this weekend, we are reminding the public that outdoor Acts of
Remembrance can be held this weekend involving a maximum of 30 people,
including event organisers. Indoor
services are not permitted, so we would ask people to be responsible when
paying their respects to those who have lost their lives in wars.
“As we approach the
end of the fire-break period in Wales, we remind everyone that this does not
mean a return to normality.
“Coronavirus is still active
in communities across Wales, so we all need to take steps to keep everyone safe
and to prevent the transmission of the disease.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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 Gwener 6 Tachwedd
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