Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at 2pm
Statement: Tuesday 15 December 2020 Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response
at Public Health Wales, said: “We are very concerned at the alarming rise
in rates of Coronavirus in nearly every part of Wales which is putting NHS
Wales under extreme pressure, and shows no signs of abating. “If at all possible,
we would advise the public not to mix with other households now, and to
consider carefully if it is still safe to form a Christmas ‘bubble’ with other
households. Coronavirus spreads fastest
when we are indoors with others, and gathering together for Christmas
represents a significant risk of transmission, and increased cases will result
in increased pressures on already stretched NHS services. “We would advise the
public that if they still want to have meaningful and safe interactions within
the permitted exclusive Christmas ‘bubble’, then it is vital that you plan
ahead, consider the risks involved and decide what would be safest for you and
your loved ones. “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. “On Friday 11 December there was planned
maintenance of the NHS Welsh Laboratory Information Management System (WLIMS)
to allow for essential service upgrades to take place. “This is affecting our daily reporting of
Coronavirus figures, and the data today is not a true reflection of the picture
in Wales. There will be a period of data reconciliation and validation that
will affect our daily reporting figures for several days. “Public Health Wales is also making some
changes to the way we publish information on our website and data dashboard. “We have changed the daily ‘data correct as
of’ from 1pm the previous day to 9am the previous day for operational reasons. “We have brought forward the publication
time for our data dashboard and our daily statement from 2pm to the earlier
time of 12pm. “We have extended the lag period for seven
day case rate reporting from two to four days.
This further improves 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. “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 Maerth 15 14 Rhagfyr 2020 I ddilyn