Public Health Wales statement: Tuesday 17th March 2020

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

“The Chief Medical Officer has today confirmed the death of a second Welsh resident who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Public Health Wales offer our sincere condolences to family and friends affected by this loss.

“We can confirm that this is the second death in Wales from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.  The individual, who was in their nineties and had underlying health conditions, sadly passed away at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
“No further details regarding this individual will be released, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.
“12 new cases have today tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 136. As we are currently only testing within hospitals, this is likely to underestimate the true number of cases.

“People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days. They 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.
“The public has a crucial role to play in containing the spread of the virus, and we are encouraging people to wash their hands more often, and for 20 seconds. Use soap and water or a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food. This advice will help you to protect yourself and others.”
“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.”