Wales braces for surge in coronavirus cases as numbers climb

The number of confirmed new Coronavirus cases have risen by 345 in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2,466, a marginal increase on yesterday’s figure.

There has also been 24 further deaths of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of deaths in Wales to 141.

The Queen will speak to the nation this Sunday after a further 684 people die with coronavirus in the UK.

Buckingham Palace said the message which will be recorded at Windsor Castle, will be broadcast on TV and radio at 20:00 BST.

The Department of Health said that as of 17:00 BST yesterday (2 April), the total number of deaths is now 3,605, up from 2,921. There are 38,168 confirmed cases in the UK.

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

“345 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2,466, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.

“24 further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of deaths in Wales to 141.

“We offer our condolences to families and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

“Public Health Wales has conducted more than 10,000 tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) since the start of this outbreak, including testing more than 1,500 healthcare workers.

“On Thursday 2 April, updated guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE) for health and social care workers which applies across the UK, was published.

“The revised guidance provides clarity on the type of PPE to be used in specific care settings such as in hospitals, primary care and the community.  It also clarifies how PPE should be used by various health and social care professional groups in order to provide the necessary protection to frontline staff.

“We are supporting Welsh Government and our NHS partners in the interpretation of the revised guidance.

“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.  The single most important action we can all take in fighting Coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“We know that staying at home can be hard, and we want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.”

“Members of the public must adhere to social distancing rules about staying at home, and away from others, introduced by the UK and Welsh Government.  These rules are available on the Public Health Wales website.

“People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Information about the symptoms to look out for is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.

“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 strictly following the latest measures, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Numbers of confirmed cases by Welsh health board