200 tests in Wales and all clear of Covid-19 coronavirus

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 of most germs, including coronavirus.

“The UK Department for Health and Social Care has issued advice for returning travellers. We would encourage travellers to check the guidance, especially those returning from China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days.

“The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised UK nationals to leave China where possible.”

Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

In a World Health Organisation briefing on Thursday, director general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said: “You will get sick of me saying that the window of opportunity remains open for us to contain this Covid-19 outbreak.

“WHO is doing everything we can to seize that window of opportunity, and we urge the international community to do the same.”

If you get a cough, high temperature or feel short of breath within 14 days of returning from the places mentioned by Dr Shankar, you should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people and call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 or 111 Wales in your area to inform them of your recent travel to the area.

Please follow this advice even if your symptoms are minor.

If you have travelled from Wuhan or Hubei Province to the UK in the past 14 days you should immediately stay indoors and avoid contact with other people and call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 or 111 Wales.