200 tests in Wales and all clear
MORE than 200 people have now been tested for the coronavirus in Wales, it has been revealed.
Public Health Wales has confirmed that none of the 209 people tested have been diagnosed with Covid-19, although it is likely Wales will see cases “at some point”.
A total of 5,549 people across the UK have been tested for coronavirus so far, of whom nine have tested positive in England.
There have been more than 75,000 confirmed infections recorded in mainland China and around 1,070 cases across 26 other countries.
Authorities in China recorded 118 deaths on Thursday, taking the total to 2,236 inside the country.
Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the novel coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “All Welsh residents who meet the current testing criteria for novel coronavirus are being offered testing.
“Over 90% of the individuals who have been tested in Wales have been offered testing in their own home, making it as convenient as possible for them, as well as protecting our ambulance and hospital resources for those who need it most.
“We are working closely with the other UK nations, the Welsh Government, the wider NHS in Wales and others to monitor the novel coronavirus outbreak in China, and have implemented our planned response. “We are well-prepared, with
robust infection control measures in place to protect the health of the public.”
Public Health Wales added that a novel coronavirus diagnostic test has now been developed at a specialist virology laboratory at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Dr Shankar added: “Public Health Wales’ trained scientists are now conducting the specialist test in Wales, ensuring we are well-prepared should we see cases in Wales. “Members of the public can help protect themselves and others by always carrying tissues, and using them to catch coughs or sneezes.
“They should bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash their hands with soap and water or use a sanitiser gel. This is the best way to slow the spread
You will get sick of me saying that the window of opportunity remains open for us to contain this Covid-19 outbreak