Public Health Wales bosses preach caution on Covid-19 with 45 new cases

In figures updated by Public Health Wales on Saturday, it showed the 45 new cases took the overall total up to 17,075 with more than 1,500 deaths, with zero reported on Saturday.

Dr Chris Williams, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, wants people to remain cautious in helping to stop the infection.

He said: “We continue to caution and remind the public and business-owners that we all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines – staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly.

"When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

"Anyone with suspected symptoms of Covid-19 infection – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of smell or taste (anosmia) – must self-isolate and seek an urgent test.

"Confirmed cases must isolate for seven days, with members of their household isolating for 14 days until the risk of passing on further infection has gone.

"Combined, these simple but effective actions will ensure the virus does not spread."

Further information about the symptoms of Coronavirus is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.

“Anyone experiencing Coronavirus symptoms can apply for a home testing kit by visiting www.gov.wales/coronavirus, or by calling the national 119 phone service.

Dr Williams added: "Anyone with suspected coronavirus should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

"They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on hold to 111. We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.”