Vaughan Gething, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
A number of people across Wales continue to require assessment and testing – a test which I am pleased to say is now processed within our own central laboratory in South Wales.
During the detection phase our aim is to manage as many people as possible outside of hospital. It is a credit to the NHS that over 90% of people have been tested in their own home, making it as convenient as possible for people whilst also protecting our ambulance and hospital resources for those who need it most.
I am grateful to the public for following our clear message that they should not attend their GP practice or present at hospital Emergency Departments but should call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or 111 Wales, if available in their area.
Testing in the community is proving very effective and works well whilst we are in the detection of infection phase. We are working closely with the NHS and Social Care to ensure that should the situation change and we see some spread of coronavirus in the community our services are ready to provide a swift response.
To date there have been no imported cases of the novel coronavirus to Wales. UK figures on the number of people tested are published daily on the Public Health England website.
People 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.
I will continue to provide Assembly Members with a written update every Tuesday and more frequently if necessary.