There have been four futher deaths in Wales, bringing the total to 16, it has been announced this afternoon (Monday, March 23). 

There are also 71 new confirmed cases of people with the virus, bringing the total in Wales to 418. There are now 11 cases in Powys. 

Dr Giri Shankar, the incident director for the coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said that the true number of cases is likely to be higher and that it is now "circulating in every part of Wales".

Dr Shankar said: “We offer our condolences to the family and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

“Starting today, the Welsh Government will be writing to all GPs and vulnerable individuals in Wales with the details of the shielding guidance published.

“Members of the public should continue to follow the latest public health advice on social isolation if they have symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, however mild, and the social distancing guidance to reduce the risk of transmission.”

The latest guidance is:

  • People who live with others: 
    • If you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for seven days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
    • For anyone else in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for seven days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14 day isolation period.
  • People who live alone:  if you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, stay at home for seven days.
  • Everyone, including children, should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel
  • Everyone is being asked to work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues
  • People over 70, and vulnerable groups of any age are now asked to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

People who are self-isolating, or in a household with someone who is self-isolating, should read the full stay-at-home guidance.

For the guidance in full, visit the Department of Health and Social Care website:https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response