Thirteen new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Wales today (Wednesday) – but the authorities have not revealed where the new cases are.
“Novel Coronavirus is now circulating in every part of Wales. For this reason, we will not be reporting cases by local authority area from today,” said Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Covid-19 outbreak response at Public Health Wales.
“From tomorrow, we will update daily at noon the case numbers by health board of residence."
Due to a change in testing, they have admitted that the “true number of cases is likely to be higher”.
Dr Howe said: “Thirteen new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 149 - although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.
“As has been reported previously, two people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.
“Wherever you live, members of the public should follow the latest public health advice, which was updated on Monday 16 March.”
For the guidance in full, visit the Department of Health and Social Care website: Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response
Dr Howe said: “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days. They 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.
“The public play an important role in the ‘delay’ phase. By following the latest advice, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable, and delay and flatten the peak, which will reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.
“We continue to undertake priority testing in Wales. We are working closely with health boards, NHS 111 and the Welsh Government to develop systems so that NHS Wales and members of the public have appropriate access to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.”