Statement released by Hywel Dda Health Board:

Following this evening’s (Tuesday 10th March 2020) announcement by the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, we would like to reassure our communities that we fully expect and have planned for an increase in the number of positive cases of Coronavirus and we are well prepared to manage this thanks to the steadfast dedication of our staff as well as the launch of two new Coronavirus Testing Units.

In the meantime, people can continue to access our care and services as usual, including appointments, procedures and urgent care.

The general public can help protect themselves and their communities by following Public Health Wales advice particularly washing hands and using a tissue for symptoms associated with cold and flu.

Anyone who has travelled to the specified areas, or think they may have symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend health facilities such as GP surgeries, Emergency Departments and Minor Injury Units but should self-isolate and if appropriate call NHS 111.

Ros Jervis, Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda University Health Board, added: “As we have expected, we are beginning to see a gradual increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Hywel Dda following the first confirmed cases on Sunday.  I would like to reassure the public that we  are continuing to work with our local, regional and national partners to implement our planned response and stringent infection control measures.

“Like other health boards, we have been undertaking tests for COVID-19 in people’s own homes and we have planned additional capacity to deal with this by opening two CTUs in Carmarthen and Cardigan today. This will allow us to undertake far more tests for appropriate patients, who have used the 111 pathway.

“We are grateful for the co-operation of our communities.”

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