First case in Wales ‘has link to city high school’

The first patient to have been diagnosed with coronavirus in Wales has a link to a secondary school in Swansea, it has been confirmed.

Following the news yesterday that a man from Wales had tested positive for the COVID-1 virus, speculation had been rife on social media about potential links to separate locations.

It has now been confirmed that the patient, claimed to be a man in his fifties, does have a link to Bishop Gore School in the Sketty area of Swansea.

The exact nature of that link has not been revealed, but it is claimed that the infected man had recently been on a skiing holiday with his family in Italy. It’s claimed he first complained of feeling unwell on Sunday, and was tested for the virus on Tuesday.

The man, who does not work at the school, has since been taken to one of four centres in England that are treating patients with coronavirus, having been diagnosed earlier this week in Wales.

Addressing concerns raised by members of the public, the leader of Swansea council, Rob Stewart, said: “We understand that people will naturally be concerned but want to reassure the public the risk remains low.

“We have and continue to work closely with the local health board and Public Health Wales to provide reassurance to the community and that there are no cases of Novel Coronavirus at any of our schools.

“Public Health Wales have published their advice and the council have observed their requirement to protect the anonymity of the location and identity of the patient.

“We understand that additional advice is being made available to the school, staff, parents and pupils by Public Health Wales and the Local Health Board in case people have any questions or concerns.”

Mr Stewart thanked staff at Bishop Gore School for the way they had handled the developing situation, and insisted that there were no plans in place to close that or any other school in the area, or any public buildings.

“The infected patient does have a link to Bishop Gore School,” he added.

“We are grateful for the way in which the school and in particular the head teacher, Helen Burgum, have responded and handled the situation. She has been fantastic.

“We hope that the instance of coronavirus infection in Swansea is contained, and wish the patient a speedy and full recovery.

“Public Health Wales will provide more updates as required.”

The school itself sent a letter to parents and carers yesterday which reiterreated that there were no cases of the virus affecting any pupils or staff.

Helen Burgum, headteacher at Bishop Gore School, said: “We’re aware that there has been some speculation about coronavirus over the last few hours.

“We can confirm that there are no cases of Novel Coronavirus at any schools in this area or Wales.

“Public Health Wales have confirmed that they are working hard to identify close contacts of the confirmed case, and taking all appropriate actions to reduce any risk to the public’s health.

“I’d like to assure you that there is no additional risk to our pupils or staff above the risk to the general population, which is low.

“If you have any concerns, or if you’ve travelled recently, please check the Public Health Wales website for the latest advice to the public.”

If someone does become unwell with a cough, fever or shortness of breath, Public Health Wales says they should self-isolate and seek medical advice from NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or by calling 111.