March 24, 2021 - 962 views
3 deaths and 159 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported from across Wales in the past 24 hours.
From the new cases reported, 42 were in North Wales. This includes 12 on Anglesey, 10 in both Conwy and Flintshire, 4 in Gwynedd and Wrexham and 2 in Denbighshire.
Currently the rate of vaccinations administered are beginning to slow in some regions.
Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board confirmed yesterday that the number of vaccinations available locally will be impacted in April as supply issues are experienced across the UK.
So far 1,302,974 people have recieved their first vaccination with 366,803 people receiving both doses.
Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:
“Public Health Wales is today publishing its first weekly report on the results of Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) across Wales.
“LFTs have been rolled out in a number of sectors to enhance case finding in asymptomatic individuals, and to support the safe return of operations in these sectors.
“The numbers of LFTs are not included in the overall results presented on Headline Summary tab, but anyone who gets a positive LFT is advised to get a PCR test, and these numbers are included in the figures.
“Supermarkets can now sell non-essential items and garden centres can open in Wales. This slight easing of Covid lockdown rules is encouraging and while the level of infection across Wales has declined in recent weeks, there are still several areas which have significantly higher rates.
“Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Isle of Anglesey County Council are working to offer additional Coronavirus testing in Holyhead and Holy Island, including lateral flow tests for secondary school students and their linked households, and home-delivered PCR tests for local residents. This case-finding aims to find undetected infections to control and reduce the transmission in this area.
“In many areas of Wales, the numbers of cases are falling. It is now so important that we don’t throw away the substantial gains that we have made, and I would like to send a clear message to everyone that Coronavirus hasn’t disappeared and there are still a large number of people who have not been vaccinated. In order to protect everyone, including the most vulnerable, we must all stick to the rules.
“Welsh Government restrictions state that you should not go into any other household or mix indoors with other people who you don’t live with.
“If you are contacted by your local TTP team then it is important that you are truthful with them about where you have been and who you have met. They are not there to judge, they are there to help prevent ongoing transmission of the virus and to protect the community.
“If you are asked to self-isolate by your local TTP team then please ensure that you do so for the full ten days – this will help break any chains of transmission.
“We encourage everyone, whatever their background, social demographic and ethnicity, to have the vaccine when they are offered it.
“Following a rigorous scientific review of all the available data, the MHRA has confirmed that the available evidence does not suggest that blood clots in veins (venous thromboembolism) are caused by COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. This follows a detailed review of reported cases as well as data from hospital admissions and GP records. This has been confirmed by the Government’s independent advisory group, the Commission on Human Medicines, whose expert scientists and clinicians have also reviewed the available data.
“We need your continued support to control the spread of Coronavirus, so please do not send your child to school if they are unwell, even if you are not sure if they have Coronavirus. Please continue to work from home if at all possible.
“When you take your child to school, always keep your distance from other parents, wear a face covering, and don’t stay around and chat. Please don’t invite other children or their parents to your home to play or stay indoors, even if they are in the same bubble at school. We need to continue to limit the numbers of people we meet socially to minimise spread of the virus. Currently a maximum of four people from two households living locally can meet outdoors, including in private gardens.”
“Make sure your child understands the importance of washing their hands regularly.
“Coronavirus cases by variant in Wales are reported on the UK Government website. The dominant strain in Wales is the Kent variant, and there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission of other Variants of Concern in Wales.
“Restrictions on UK and international travel remain in place. More information on current travel guidance is available on the Welsh Government website.
“If you or a member of your household develop a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test, either by calling 119 or by visiting www.gov.wales/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.”
