Update from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr. Frank Atherton on Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The outbreak of coronavirus with an epicentre in Wuhan, Hubei province, China is evolving and following advice from experts, the UK Chief Medical Officers are now recommending that all travellers who develop flu-like symptoms however mild, (these symptoms could be a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing) within 14 days of returning from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau, should self-isolate at home immediately and call NHS Direct or NHS 111, if available in your area.
It is important to note that travellers from Wuhan and Hubei province should self-isolate for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, due to the increased risk from that area.
The public can help to lessen the chances of spreading any respiratory virus. The advice is to catch it, bin it, kill it and wash your hands. The Welsh Government are working with Public Health Wales to support the UK Government’s respiratory hygiene awareness raising campaign launched on 1 February.
At this point in time there are no cases in Wales but the Welsh Government and NHS Wales have robust arrangements in place to manage cases and protect the public.
All UK Chief Medical Officers are continuing to co-ordinate action in response to the developing situation. The UK risk level remains at moderate. We are keeping the risk assessment under constant review. I will keep you regularly informed of developments.
Travel advice
China travel advice on GOV.UK.
Further information on coronavirus
How coronavirus is transmitted and other 2019 coronavirus facts on Public Health Wales.
How the response to the coronavirus is being managed across the UK on GOV.UK.