August 23, 2020 - 1583 views
Sadly two COVID-19 related deaths have been reported today in the latest bulletin from Public Health Wales. In addition there have been 20 new cases of the virus.
The latest fatalities mean that Wales has seen 1,592 deaths since the start of the pandemic in Spring.
In a repeat of yesterday, Cardiff reported a relatively high number of new cases at 11. However, North Wales experienced a much lower day with 3 across the whole of the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board region.
Two new cases were reported in Flintshire with 1 in Wrexham. There were no new cases anywhere else in North Wales including Conwy and Denbighshire.
Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:
“Public Health Wales welcomes the further easing of lockdown measures by the Welsh Government, enabling up to four households to join together in an extended household, which came into effect on Saturday 22 August.
“This means that families and friends will be able to reunite, and will also help with caring arrangements.
“It is important to remember that if one person develops symptoms then everyone in the extended household arrangement will need to self-isolate in line with the Welsh Government guidance.
“In addition, up to 30 people will be able to meet for a meal following a wedding, civil partnership or funeral, providing social distancing measures are maintained.
“Public Health Wales also welcomes the recent announcement of £32m investment from Welsh Government in our laboratory service.
“This will allow the service to undergo a major transformation which will significantly increase its COVID-19 testing capacity, speed up testing turnaround times and allow regional labs to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The funding will also see the creation of six Hot Labs at hospitals across Wales, and will create up to 160 new jobs in the sector. More information can be found here.
“Advice on travelling abroad, including the latest information on quarantine requirements on returning home, can be found on the FCO website.
"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 10 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."
