Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection survey: 18 to 24 September 2020

The COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS) aims to estimate:

• how many people have the infection over a given time
• how many new cases occur over a given period
• how many people have antibodies to COVID-19

The survey will help track the extent of infection and transmission of COVID-19 among people in private residences, referred to as the community population.

For the week of 18 to 24 September 2020 it is estimated that an average of 0.21% of the community population had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 0.09% to 0.39%).

This equates to around 1 in 500 individuals (95% credible interval: 1 in 1,100 to 1 in 300), or an estimated 6,400 people in total (credible interval: 2,700 to 12,100).

Data suggest the rate increased in recent weeks, though there is some evidence that this trend may be levelling off. Since the estimates are based on a relatively low number of positive tests, there is a significant degree of uncertainty and the results should be interpreted with caution.

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The results are based on nose and throat swabs provided by participants to the study. As well as looking at incidence overall, the survey will be used to examine the characteristics of those testing positive for COVID-19 and the extent to which those infected experience symptoms.

Fieldwork started in Wales on 29 June 2020. It is important to note that there is a significant degree of uncertainty with the estimates. This is because, despite a large sample of participants, the number of positive cases identified is small. Estimates are provided with 95% credible intervals to indicate the range within which we may be confident the true figure lies.

The results are for private households only and do not apply to those in hospitals, care homes or other institutional settings.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes weekly statistical bulletins and references tables, including results for England and Wales, on its website.

The estimates are based on statistical modelling. Modelling is carried out afresh each week using the latest 6 weeks’ data. The model works by smoothing the series to understand the trend and is revised each week to incorporate new test results. This means that the latest estimate for an earlier period may be different to the official estimate that was produced at the time. Chart 1 shows the latest modelled trend and the official estimates that were published at the time.

Further information about quality and methodology can be found on the ONS website.

Well-being of Future Generations Act (WFG)

The Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 is about improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. The Act puts in place seven well-being goals for Wales. These are for a more equal, prosperous, resilient, healthier and globally responsible Wales, with cohesive communities and a vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language. Under section (10)(1) of the Act, the Welsh Ministers must (a) publish indicators (“national indicators”) that must be applied for the purpose of measuring progress towards the achievement of the Well-being goals, and (b) lay a copy of the national indicators before the National Assembly. The 46 national indicators were laid in March 2016.

Information on the indicators, along with narratives for each of the wellbeing goals and associated technical information is available in the Well-being of Wales report.

Further information on the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

The statistics included in this release could also provide supporting narrative to the national indicators and be used by public services boards in relation to their local well-being assessments and local wellbeing plans.

Statistician: Ryan Pike
Telephone: 0300 025 6415
Email: kas.covid19@gov.wales

Media: 0300 025 8099

SFR 155/2020