Public Health Wales are becoming increasingly concerned about young people spreading COVID-19 to other members of their family and the community.

On the day that 50 new cases of the virus has been reported in Wales Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“We are now seeing a steady increase in cases and our investigations show that, these have been transmitted due to a lack of social distancing, in particular by a minority of the 20-30 year age group.

“This has resulted in the spread of the virus to other groups of people.

“I repeat my direct appeal to young people to please remember that, even if they feel that they would not be badly affected by COVID-19 were they to test positive, should they pass it on to older or more vulnerable family members, friends or colleagues it could be extremely serious and even fatal."

Over the past day, 7 new cases have been reported in North Wales out of the 50 cases across the country. In the South, Bridgend and Cardiff are two areas of Wales particularly effected.

3 new cases have been reported in Gwynedd, 2 in Conwy and 1 case each in Flintshire and Wrexham.

Dr Howe added: “Coronavirus has not gone away.  It remains the responsibility of everyone to help prevent the spread of this virus – that is, by self-isolating when asked to do so, staying two metres away from others, and by washing hands regularly.

“I also want to remind the public that if you have recently travelled outside the UK there may be restrictions on your return.  Advice on travelling abroad, including the latest information on quarantine requirements on returning home, can be found on the Welsh Government and FCO websites. 

“Anyone returning to Wales from countries which have been identified as high risk must quarantine in accordance with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regulations even if they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have had a negative test result."