Monday position statement from Public Health Wales

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 12pm

Updated: 12:00 Monday 23 March

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“71 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 418, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.  Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.

“Four further deaths of individuals who have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported to us, taking the number of deaths in Wales to 16. 

“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  

Dr Shankar said: “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Advice about the virus is available on the Public Health Wales website phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus. 

“Symptoms include: a high temperature, where you feel hot to touch on your chest or back; and a new, continuous cough. This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness 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.

“The public play a very important role in slowing the spread of infection. By following the latest advice, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Cases by health board area of residence

Health Board	Cumulative cases
To be confirmed	1
Resident outside Wales	3
Swansea Bay	47
Aneurin Bevan	220
Betsi Cadwaladr	15
Cardiff and Vale	84
Cwm Taf	21
Hywel Dda	16
Powys	11
Wales	418

County council's Monday virus update

Denbighshire County Council has announced its latest position, in light of the Coronavirus situation.

The main appeal is for people to visit the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk as their first port of call for information and online services. This is to reduce the number of calls coming into the Council and to allow staff to deal with urgent requests.

The Council is asking people to follow health advice issued through Public Health Wales: www.phw.nhs.uk and guidance issued by Welsh Government: gov.wales.  There is information on there about social distancing and self-isolation and adhering to this is vital in the efforts to try and reduce the risk of the virus from spreading.

Below is some information about the latest council services affected:

Libraries: From Monday March 23, our Library and One Stop Shop buildings will not be open to the public. We will be changing over to an appointment only service. Further details will follow next week.  People are reminded that they can access a wealth of information and resources on the library section of the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries

Child care for vital workers:  All schools in Denbighshire (apart from Ysgol Pendref, St Asaph VP, Ysgol Llanbedr and Ysgol Trefnant) have opened their doors today  to  provide child care for children of vital workers. School transport has been arranged. 

Free school meals:  Those children attending the vital workers child care in schools will continue to receive free school meals if they’re eligible. Any children not attending these sessions but are entitled to free school meals can call at these schools for a packed lunch.

Reception at Russell House, Rhyl: This reception has been closed until further notice. If you have any concerns about the welfare of a resident, please contact the Single Point of Access (SPOA) on 0300 456 1000.  For Out of Hours emergencies, please call 0345 053 3116 for Social Services, or 0300 123 3068 for all other services.  

Single Point of Access:  This phone system is being changed to help signpost people to the right source of information, advice and assistance.   Callers will use the existing number 0300 456 1000 but following the option to select Welsh or English but will have different options to usual.

The following information was reported last week:

Update  from Denbighshire Leisure Ltd:  Denbighshire Leisure Ltd has decided to close all of its sites until further notice.  Closures include SC2 & Ninja TAG, Rhyl Pavilion and 1891 Restaurant and Bar, NOVA Prestatyn,  all leisure centres, North Wales Bowls Centre, Ruthin Craft Centre and Café R, Rhyl Town Hall and Llangollen Pavilion.   

Denbighshire Leisure will be freezing all Direct Debit payments for fitness memberships and swimming lessons, effective immediately. They will not be making any more collections on your direct debits until further notice. Customers don't need to do anything – the service will do this on their behalf and let people know in advance when they will be restarting, once the Covid-19 situation becomes clearer.

Food Safety:  If you are a new or existing food premises offering food delivery or take away/delivery service for the first time, due to the current covid-19 situation, the Council would like to hear from you.   It is essential that you assess the risk associated with this type of food service, to ensure you keep your customers safe in relation to allergens, food safety and social distancing.  We can advise you on these matters.  Please contact the Food Team on 01824 706405 food.safety@denbighshire.gov.uk

Community Support Services:

·        Cefndy Enterprises has stopped      taking new orders and will close today (Friday). Some staff will be in      work next week to dispatch any current orders.  

·        Day & Work Opportunities      closing today (Friday) enabling staff to be redeployed as required. 

·        Dolwen Day Care closing today      (Friday) enabling staff to be redeployed as required. 

·        Additional drivers being      drafted in for the Integrated Community Equipment Services to support      hospital discharge

Housing maintenance:  As a precaution, only emergency and/or urgent repairs will be attended as a result from the 23 March 2020. Please could you only contact us during office hours on 01824 706000 or on 0300 123 30 68 out of hours if it is an emergency. To report a general repair, visit https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/housing/council-housing/request-a-council-housing-repair.aspx and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as we can.

Bulky waste collection: The Council has taken the decision to suspend all new bookings for the Bulky Waste Collection Service from Monday, 23 March, to ensure front line workers and fleet are reserved for the collection of other waste streams.  If it is possible to retain your items at home until the service resumes, please do so. Whilst our Household Waste Recycling Centres  remain open at this time, we are advising people to only use this service if it is unavoidable, due to the social distancing measures we have put in place.  The employees at the 3 Household Waste Cs are not able to assist visitors to remove their waste from their cars.

Garden Waste: The Council has taken the decision to suspend all kerbside garden waste Collection Services until further notice, to ensure front line workers and fleet are reserved for the collection of other waste streams, such as food waste and black bin/pink sack service).  The Council will extend all household subscriptions for the same number of weeks the service will be suspended.  We will be unable to process refunds for any households who have had a collection of garden waste within their collection years.   If it is possible to retain your garden waste at home outside in  your garden until the service resumes, please do so. Further guidance on “how to compost at home” will be provided on the Council website in the next few days (www.denbighshire.gov.uk)

Public Conveniences:  All public conveniences in Denbighshire will close from 5pm today until further notice.

Countryside and Heritage:   Given the current situation and advice on public gatherings, Denbighshire Countryside and Heritage Service will be implementing the following:

• The Old Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre Heritage attractions in Ruthin will not be opening this weekend and will remain closed to the public until further notice.
• 
  
• Plas Newydd and the onsite café in Llangollen will not be opening until further notice, but the grounds will be open.
• 
  
• Loggerheads Country Park will remain open but the visitor centre will be closed. The café remains open at this time.
• 
  
• Moel Famau Country Park will also remain open.

Libraries:

Due to low staffing levels, Ruthin Library will be closed Saturday morning March 21. The Library will open as usual on Monday.

St Asaph Library will be closed on Friday afternoon at 12pm and will re-open on Saturday morning.

Advice to businesses:  The Council’s website: http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/business has the latest information and advice to businesses regarding coronavirus, as well as links to Business Wales and Welsh Government websites.

Archives:  The public searchroom at Denbighshire Archives in Ruthin will close from Thursday, 19^th March.  Staff will be working away from the building but will answer e-mails whenever possible.  However, access to information and documents will be limited.

Exercise Referral Scheme:  This programme is being suspended until further notice. If you have any concerns or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact your local NERS Co-ordinator on 01824 712324.

Face to face service at Rhyl Job Centre:  This is being replaced by staff working from other buildings.

Countryside:  Due to the current situation with Coronavirus – Covid 19, all our publicised events will be postponed until further notice. These events include: Nature for Health sessions, Volunteer Events, public events and talks.

Monday morning coronavirus update

* Bethan Mascarenhas, pictured last year with her brother Richard with whom she runs the Old Vicarage and Barclays business manager Philip Cawley, has a stark message for people visiting Llangollen. 

The latest report on Facebook by Cat Meade at the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group shows how strongly the efforts are going to assist those likely to be worst hit by the outbreak.

She says: “Volunteering by commercials at its best, donations from Frankie & Bennies, Horseshoe Pass holiday lets, cooked by Steve and team at The Swan Inn, Pontfadog, collected and back to foodshare by Llangollen Kebab Pizza Palace. 150 fresh soup going out to elderly, those in need.

“Steve has kindly offered to assist with any batch cooking in the coming weeks, if any restaurants/pubs that may have stock needing using please get in touch.”

In a separate post she adds: “Mon 23^rd, 11am-12 noon: The Food Share will be at Pengwern Community Centre giving out fresh soups, bread and milk to those that need it. Wash hands, stay apart & bring a bag please.

“If you are unable to attend due to self isolating please msg me before 9.30am and we will get it to you via our lovely volunteers.”

Blue Bay Launderette in Regent Street posted on Sunday: “During these unprecedented times we understand that the launderette is a vital community resource and we endeavour to remain open as much as possible. However, the harsh reality of the situation is making us have to change our approach to how we deal with things over the coming weeks in order to minimise the spread of the virus.

“Next week we will only be open Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

“Hopefully this will allow people to still get there laundry done but condense people’s movement within the community to 3 days rather than 6 days.”

Llangollen Barbershop posted: "With everything that is happening in the world at this moment in time we have come to the very hard decision to close the shop due to the very close contact we have with our customers and for the safety of our staff their familys and also our customers and loved ones we havnt been here long but have met a lot of very nice people and would like to welcome you all back when we all get through this sad time how ever long it is please keep an eye on our page and as soon as we are safely allowed to re-open we will let you know so from emma and lee please be safe and healthy and look forward to seeing you all soon."

The Three Eagles, meanwhile, posted yesterday that it was closing its kitchen due to the virus restrictions.

Yesterday, a row raged on social media about the number of visitors still coming to Llangollen and other tourist spots in North Wales despite government advice on the dangers of travelling.

Bethan Mascarenhas, owner of the Old Vicarage care home, had this stark message on Facebook: “Do they need it writing in crayons? STAY AT HOME, for the love of god and those who are at risk, it may be fatal.

“For those of us in the health and social care sector, we are taking GIGANTIC measures to safeguard those in our care.

“We are giving up ALL social activities to ensure those in our care have limited risk, people working frontline at hospitals are living in hotels so they have no contact and are completely isolated from everyone they love, just to look after the well-being and health of those they work with - what is the point, if other people aren’t doing the same? You’re posing a huge risk to our country and the ever rising death rates.

“Please, please just stay at home. The sooner this is done the sooner you can go to the beach, or hike up Snowdonia. Now is NOT the time to do it and it’s prolonging this distressing time.”

Cath and Simon at the Cambrian House B&B posted: “COVID-19 – INFORMATION FOR GUESTS.

“Following government advice that all hospitality venues are to temporarily close from 20th March until further notice. We have cancelled all bookings for the next month and will continue to do so until the government say it is safe to re-open. People's health is more important than profit and we all need to look after each other, stopping people travelling to the area.

“We would like to thank our guests and people in the community for all their support and hopefully we can get through this difficult time.

“Keep safe & think of others.”

A post yesterday by a popular provider of accommodation shows how hard the virus scare is hitting the  area’s vital tourist industry.

The Davies family, who run the Coed-y-Glyn Log Cabins at Glyndyfrdwy, posted on Facebook: “Due to the current outbreak of Covid-19 we have decided to close until May 1st. We will continue to review our position as the situation develops.

“It is with regret that we have had to take this action and it will, of course, have an impact on our partners and other local business. But as an independent family business we feel it’s the right thing to do and to help do our bit to bring this pandemic to end and help protect, not only our staff and guests but also our local community.

“If you were due to stay with us in this period you would have received an email detailing that you will be able to move your booking. There is no risk of any 2020 bookings with us not being issued a credit note to use on a future booking in the event of closure.

“At this difficult time we feel it is all of our responsibility to do what we can to minimise the spread of this terrible virus.”

First Minister launches "look after each other" campaign

A Welsh Government campaign on how to help people who are staying at home because of coronavirus has been launched, reports the BBC.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “I’ve seen so many good things happening, from online choir groups to grocery deliveries, as people across Wales go out of their way to help others with their everyday needs.

“Communities have pulled together to support neighbours in this time of need. Today, we’re asking others to follow the shining example by doing their bit if they’re able to.”

Earlier, First Minister Mark Drakeford said that letters are being sent to 70,000 of Wales' "most vulnerable people" advising them to stay indoors for 12 to 16 weeks.

In his press briefing Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that such "shielding" measures - which will apply to around 1.5 million vulnerable people in England - will do more than many other measures to reduce the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.

On social distancing, Mr Johnson said that, while he wants people to enjoy outdoor spaces, people must follow the advice.

"Don't think that fresh air in itself provides some sort of immunity," he says.

Stay away from our tourist spots, says Clwyd South MP

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes is encouraging visitors and tourists not to visit the beauty spots, scenic towns and villages in this area and elsewhere in North Wales in order to contain Coronavirus. 

Welsh Conservative MPs are in touch with the Home Secretary and No.10 Downing Street and were pleased to hear that the government is considering tougher measures to prevent people coming to visitor and tourist attractions in order to avoid COVID-19.

Mr Baynes said: “Tourism is normally a vital industry for Clwyd South but now we must ensure that visitors stay away from the beauty spots of Clwyd South as residents are very worried about the spread of Coronavirus from these visits.

"The government is rightly advising people to stay at home and avoiding unnecessary travel. It has closed pubs, restaurants, cafés and visitor attractions so people must stay away from Clwyd South and not put pressure on our shops, supermarkets and health services.

"This is the greatest national crisis since World War 2 and we must all pull together to protect each other, particularly the vulnerable in society and our brave health workers, and this way we will beat Coronavirus together.”

Sunday afternoon update from Public Health Wales

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 12pm

Updated: 12:00 Sunday 22 March

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“71 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 347, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.  Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.

“12 people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have now died.

“Starting tomorrow, Welsh Government will be writing to all the 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 the coronavirus infection, however mild, and the social distancing guidance to reduce the risk of transmission.”

The latest guidance is:

• People who live with others: 

o 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.

o 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 illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for seven days.

• Everyone, including children, should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel

• Everyone 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 will be asked within days to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

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  

Dr Shankar said: “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Advice about the virus is available on the Public Health Wales website phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus.  

“Symptoms include: a high temperature, where you feel hot to touch on your chest or back; and a new, continuous cough. This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.

“If you live with others and 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 living in the same household and 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.

“If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, you must stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness 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.

“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.”

Cases by health board area of residence

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
To be confirmed	1	1
Resident outside Wales		3
Swansea Bay	7	47
Aneurin Bevan	42	185
Betsi Cadwaladr	0	8
Cardiff and Vale	14	64
Cwm Taf	4	13
Hywel Dda	2	16
Powys	1	10
Wales	71	347

MP intervenes in debate over Llan visitors

UPDATES ...

THE MP for Clwyd West has called for a ban on visitors to caravan parks and holiday cottages in North Wales due to fears it could put further strain on the region's health care system, reports the Denbighshire Free Press.

David Jones MP called on the UK and Welsh Government to take "immediate action" as second home owners are attempting to leave urban areas during the coronavirus outbreak and could bring the infection to North Wales.

It comes amid concern that Wales has just five intensive care beds per 100,000 people and could be under greater pressure than health services in England.

Mr Jones said that while advice has been issued to limit non-essential travel, roads across North Wales "have been full" with visitors.

Other tourist hotspots including Pembrokeshire, Cornwall and North Yorkshire have also faced an influx of visitors over the last week.

“The Government has been very clear that people should not undertake non-essential travel, but should, so far as possible, stay at home," said Mr Jones. "Yet the roads of North Wales this weekend – the first weekend of Spring – have been full of people from outside the region making their way to holiday parks and cottages.

“These people may be touring from areas where coronavirus has already taken hold. Even if they are not themselves already displaying symptoms, they may already be infected and develop the infection or spread infection while in North Wales.

"Either way, they are liable to impose significant additional strain upon local health services, which are already overstretched. The North Wales Health Board has been in special measures for almost five years."

Mr Jones adds to the calls of Welsh MPs and assembly members including Ynys Mon AM Rhun ap Iorwerth and Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts, who wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock urging a "non-travel directive" as travel advice is being ignored.

Mr Jones added: "The problem of temporary residents and the strain they impose on local health services is not confined to North Wales. Pembrokeshire, Scotland, Cornwall and North Yorkshire are other areas of the UK that are extremely concerned about the same issue.

“At a time of a national public health emergency, the last thing we need is people moving about the country, when the best medical opinion is that they should stay at home.”

* The sign below has just appeared on the way up to Castell Dinas Bran ...

* The UK Government's message to stay at home to save lives.

The area’s MP (pictured) has intervened in the social media debate raging about visitors potentially spreading coronovirus by visiting Llangollen.

He agrees, stressing the government’s “stay at home” message.

The Denbighshire Free Press reports today that Snowdonia yesterday experienced its busiest day ever as droves of people descended on the beauty spot to escape the Covid-19 isolation measures introduced by the UK Government on Friday.

And Llangollen was also reportedly thronged with visitors on Saturday.

This has sparked a number of calls on Facebook for people from other areas to stay away from the town to cut down the risk of infection and for other reasons such as creating heavier demand on local supermarkets and NHS.

Examples of posts this morning (Sunday) are: “Dear visitors, as much as we love you visiting our town and supporting our local business. Can we politely ask you NOT to visit our small community during this period for obvious health reasons. Social isolation DOES not mean we travel on mass for lovely days out, thankyou.”

And: “Anyone wanting a day out in our lovely town today PLEASE DON’T, we love visitors but NOT IN VIRUS FORM. Help the NHS and then they are free to help you. LISTEN TO GUIDELINES AND STAY HOME!”

A local business became involved in the debate when Pro-Adventure posted: “Following the latest government advice we will not be opening today. Please do not travel to Llangollen.

“We will operate mail order as normal while we deem it safe and will take calls, and online chats in the afternoons Monday to Friday.”

Other posts have been less polite, suggesting stronger action against visitors including blocking off car parks and “not welcome” style signs.

Just after 9.30am Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes posted: “Hearing far too many reports of visitors and tourists in our beauty spots, scenic towns and villages in Clwyd South.

“Our local health service cannot cope with visitors’ illness as well as our own.

“Everyone needs to listen to the Government's advice, stay at home and protect our NHS because it saves lives.”