Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at midday
Statement: Updated at 12pm on Llun 18 January
2021 Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response
at Public Health Wales, said: “While there has been a reduction in
the numbers of positive Coronavirus cases in several parts of Wales, this data
needs to be verified over several days before we can be sure that it is showing
an established downward trend. “Despite this, the number of cases
remains extremely high in Wales and is cause for serious concern, due to the
impact on NHS Wales services and the prevalence of the new, more infectious
variant. “In order to avoid adding to the
current severe pressure on hospitals, it is extremely important that everyone
continues to remain vigilant, by staying at home and sticking to the rules. “All of Wales remains in lockdown. We ask that the public adopts the
same mindset for this lockdown as they did in March 2020. We understand that
people are fatigued but because the new, more infectious variant of coronavirus
is circulating across Wales it is vital that we all keep to the lockdown
restrictions and do not meet other people. “This means that you must stay at home. If exercising outdoors, please
do this alone or with members of your household or support bubble only. Shop
online, but if you do need to visit essential retail then do this alone, if
possible, to minimise numbers of people in retail spaces, and avoid stopping to
chat with people outside your household. If you must leave home keep your distance, wash your hands regularly, and wear a
face mask when required according to the regulations. “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. “Public Health Wales is working with UK partners to
investigate and respond to the new variant of coronavirus identified in Wales.
The new variant is easier to spread and the public should remain highly
vigilant in measures to prevent transmission including maintaining social
distancing, regularly handwashing and wearing of face coverings. Though the new
variant is more infectious, there is no evidence that it leads to more severe
disease. “From 4am this morning, if you intend to travel to
England, Scotland, or Wales, including UK nationals returning home from travel
abroad, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up
to 3 days before departure. “Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at
home. You must not leave home or travel, including internationally, unless you
have a legally permitted reason to do so. “If you are due to travel out of the UK, please be aware
of the changing situation and keep an eye on the FCO website for up to date
details. “The roll-out of the Pfizer BioNTech
and AstraZeneca Coronavirus vaccines continues in Wales with the the recently Medicines
and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Moderna vaccine to be
incorporated into the programme soon. “Daily
vaccination data is published on the Public Health Wales dashboard. The
headline summary includes daily cumulative numbers of individuals who have
received a first and second vaccination dose. Public Health Wales is working
closely with the Welsh Government as they deploy Coronavirus vaccinations
through local health boards. Welsh Government is leading on the deployment of
the vaccine in Wales. “Vaccinating
the adult population of Wales, to protect people from severe disease, is a
significant task, and the vaccine will take time to reach everyone. The effects of the vaccines may not be seen nationally
for some time, and we must continue to follow the advice on keeping Wales
safe. “The
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has issued a short statement
outlining the case for optimising the existing vaccine programme within the UK
to achieve maximum short term impact. The JCVI advises initially prioritising
delivery of the first vaccine dose as this is highly likely to have a greater
public health impact in the short term and reduce the number of preventable
deaths from COVID-19. “Given
the data available, and evidence from the use of many other vaccines, Public
Health Wales fully supports the JCVI advice to increase a maximum interval
between the first and second doses of 12 weeks for both Pfizer BioNTech and
AstraZeneca vaccines. “Members of the public should not phone your GP, pharmacy
or hospital asking when they will get a vaccine. When someone is in one of the
groups eligible for the vaccine, they will be invited to attend a dedicated
clinic which will have been set up to ensure patient safety and that of the
healthcare professionals.
“If you or a member of your household develop 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. Datganiad:
Diweddarwyd 12yh Dydd Llun 18 Ionawr 2021