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Thank you for self-isolating says North Wales tracing team


September 04, 2020 - 901 views

The North Wales Test, Trace, Protect service have thanked our community for following self-isolation advice and staying at home following trips to restricted countries and following isolated local outbreaks of the virus.

The statement follows advice that Welsh travellers must now quarantine for two weeks when returning from Portugal, French Polyenisia and the Greek Islands.

Dr Rachel Andrew, one of the leads for the North Wales Regional Hub of Test, Trace, Protect, said: “It is really important that if you have been telephoned by a member of the contact tracing team and told you are a contact of a case of Coronavirus, that you follow their advice and stay home for the full 14 days.

“The reason we ask contacts to self-isolate is because they could be developing the infection and be at risk of spreading it to family and friends. This advice is the same for people returning from countries where Welsh Government requires self-isolation for 14 days on your return.

“Having a negative test during this time only tells you that you don’t have Coronavirus on the day the swab was taken.”

Anyone with a high temperature, new continuous cough, or a loss of, or change, to sense of smell or taste should get tested for Coronavirus. Visit www.gov.wales/coronavirus or call 119 to arrange a test.

Healthcare workers and some other keyworkers have different opportunities for testing, they are advised to speak to their employers about what to do if they are identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19.

Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We would like to remind the people of North Wales that Coronavirus is still circulating in the community. To keep everyone safe, always stay two metres away from others, and wash your hands regularly.

“If you meet another household, outside your extended household, stay outdoors during your visit and work from home if you can.

“If you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms, stay at home and arrange a test. Thank you to those who are making sacrifices to keep us all safe, including those who are staying at home for the full 14 days of self-isolation.”