A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Wuhan novel coronavirus (covid-19) is a new strain of coronavirus.
What are the symptoms?
A working group has been set up within the council and is working with partner agencies including Public Health Wales. At this point in time there is no immediate cause for concern but we are prepared for any matter.
Typical symptoms can include:
- fever
- shortness of breath
- cough
Other symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- headache
- sore throat
- generally feeling unwell.
The coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
If you are concerned that you may have symptoms, you are advised to contact your GP, NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or NHS Direct on 111.
What can I do?
Public health advice on how people can protect themselves from infection echoes that of the ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ campaign used for flu and norovirus, which promotes important hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses.
- Always carry tissues and use them to catch coughs and sneezes, and bin the tissue
- Wash hands with soap and water, or use sanitiser gel, to kill germs.
What to do if you suspect you have the Corona virus
Use the NHS online checker and answer a few simple questions. If you’re still concerned then you need to call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 or 111 for advice.
Please note symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and influenza.
If you have travelled to one of the countries listed on .gov.wales or been in contact with someone who has travelled or has the coronavirus NHS Direct may advise you do the following:
- Self-isolate and avoid contact with other people
- Testing procedure
- Advice on treatment e.g. suitable medication to fight the fever and cough
- Length of time of self-isolation
If you have not travelled or been in contact with someone who has travelled or has coronavirus then NHS Direct may advise that you have a common cold or the annual influenza virus.
I am concerned about sending my child to school. Is there specific advice in relation to schools?
We appreciate there is a level of concern about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Parents and pupils should be reassured that we continue to take advice from Public Health Wales and are taking all appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the virus. We are advised that at this time the risk to the general public remains low.
Public Health Wales advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We appreciate the cooperation of pupils and parents to help prevent the spread of infections.
Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family. These include:
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin and wash hands immediately
If your child is feeling unwell and has been to one of the countries or regions listed on the Public Health Wales website, or has been in close contact with an individual with confirmed Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), please call NHS 111 straight away for further advice.
Gareth Morgans, Director of Education
I am organising a public event. Do I need to cancel, or take any other measures?
We appreciate there is a level of concern about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
We continue to work with Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government and the Dyfed Powys Local Resilience Forum to share information and provide advice to the public, although at this time the risk to the general public remains low.
There is no current advice from Public Health Wales or the Welsh Government regarding the cancellation of public events.
Public Health Wales advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
There are simple ways we can all help prevent the spread of infections, including Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Good hygiene is the best prevention and therefore you should consider:
- Ensuring washroom facilities at your event provide adequate soap and water, tissues and waste bins
- Downloading bilingual posters from the Public Health Wales website for display in washroom areas, advising people to wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
