Vaughan Gething, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Earlier today, the Chief Medical Officer confirmed our first case here in Wales – something the Welsh Government and NHS Wales have been planning for over a number of weeks.
We will continue to do all we can to detect imported cases early and isolate them to avoid any further spread. I would like to thank all staff who have been working so hard to prepare our response to this public health incident.
This latest development is expected and people should continue to follow our advice - anyone who has travelled back from an affected area or who has concerns that they are a close contact of a confirmed case should not attend their GP practice or present at hospital Emergency Departments. People should call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or 111 Wales, if available in their area. Doing this will mean they get assessed by the right NHS staff whilst also limiting any possible spread to others.
Everyone 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 make an oral statement to the Chamber on Tuesday.