What to do and what not to do as coronavirus cases rise across Wales
As the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales rises, Cathy Owen and Aamir Mohammed have compiled all the latest advice
ATOTAL of 136 cases and two deaths from coronavirus have been confirmed in Wales. The latest update from the Department for Health in Westminster shows that 55 people across the UK have died, and 52 people have recovered.
Yesterday, 12 more cases were reported in Wales, bringing the total number to 136.
Advice from public health authorities has changed significantly in recent days. We have compiled this article to bring together all the latest information on schools, work, social gatherings and how you should respond if you fall ill.
There is also advice on how you can look after elderly relatives and neighbours.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
The two key symptoms of coronavirus that the NHS website says to look out for are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough.
The NHS says that a high temperature will feel hot to touch on your chest or back if you don’t have a thermometer and that the cough will involve repeated coughing.
NHS Direct Wales has launched a coronavirus symptom checker which asks you questions to determine if you need to take further action or self isolate.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
People who think they have coronavirus are asked not to call 111 or to contact their GP, pharmacy or hospital.
The NHS says you do not need to be tested at this stage.
You are instead asked to stay at home and self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
Anyone living with a person with these symptoms should also selfisolate for 14 days.
What if my symptoms change?
The NHS website says you should use the online 111 service if:
■ You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home;
■ Your condition gets worse;
■ Your symptoms do not get better after seven days.
Use the online 111 service – 111. nhs.uk
It asks you only to call 111 if you can’t get online.
What does self isolating mean?
The NHS website has very clear advice on self-isolating.
You should:
■ Try to keep at least two metres away from others in your home, especially those who are elderly or have long-term health conditions;
■ Ask friends, family and delivery services to deliver food, medicine and any other essentials;
■ Sleep alone if possible;
■ Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds;
■ Try to stay away from the elderly;
■ Drink plenty of water and take painkillers such as paracetamol, to ease the symptoms.
Do not:
■ Have visitors at your home or attend gatherings;
■ Do not leave your house and attend a public place.
If I’ve been abroad, do I have to self isolate?
If you are going or have recently been abroad, you are asked to check the latest Foreign Office advice on the country you have visited.
Anyone returning from Italy, China or Iran, for example, is asked to self isolate for 14 days whether they have symptoms or not.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is now advising British people against all but essential travel worldwide.
They said yesterday that this advice will come into effect immediately and last for 30 days “due to unprecedented international border closures and other restrictions”.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned that British nationals who still travel abroad should do so aware of the risk that they may not be able to return home due to cancelled flights at short notice and restrictions put in place by local authorities.
He added that the Foreign Office is working urgently to ensure governments have sensible plans to enable the return of British and other travellers, and to keep borders open for long enough to enable returns to take place on commercial flights wherever possible.
Mr Raab’s measures follow the European Union announcing plans for a 30-day ban on non-residents entering the bloc.
The restrictions are not expected to apply to Britons.
Where will I be treated if I am diagnosed with Covid-19?
At the moment, NHS Wales says patients are being treated in “clinically appropriate locations”.
That means patients with mild symptoms are being allowed to selfisolate in their own homes. Patients with a more serious reaction to the virus are being treated in hospitals – several are understood to be in isolation facilities in English hospitals.
If I have an elderly relative or neighbour, what should I do?
On Monday evening, Mr Johnson said by the weekend, groups particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks.
He said: “In a few days time, by this coming weekend it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks.”
Mr Johnson added: “This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people