Health boards to send out testing kits to homes

THE current plans for testing for the coronavirus in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend have been revealed.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board and other Welsh health boards are being advised to send out testing kits to people’s homes where someone thinks they may have the virus – as proposed testing centres are not yet set up.

An update on the health board’s response to COVID-19 was provided at the board meeting yesterday.

This is because investigation is still ongoing into the setting up of coronavirus testing units. These are dedicated facilities provided for the testing of possible cases .

The centres can be used if and when there’s the demand for it.

Public Health Wales and Welsh health boards found it was not possible to set these up by Friday, February 14, as required by the Chief Medical Officer.

Community testing is currently available 8am until 5pm, seven days a week for 16 and above and from next week.

There will be a Monday-to-Friday service available for children – and plans are being drawn up to offer a weekend service.

Currently any healthcare workers who are returning to work following holidays or travel to the affected areas – even if they were only passing through – are asked to report to their occupational health team for advice.

Any healthcare workers who have worked in, or visited a healthcare facility in the affected areas, are asked to “self-isolate” on their return.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board said it is working with other health boards – with its director, Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, adding there was a “lot of effort” going on behind the scenes.