Two more cases of coronavirus confirmed in Wales
Two more patients have tested positive for coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number of cases to six.
The first patient is a resident in the Neath Port Talbot local authority area, and has recently returned from Southern Italy.
The second patient is a resident in the Newport local authority area, and has recently returned from Northern Italy.
The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, confirmed the news on Monday morning and said both patients are being managed in clinically appropriate settings.
Dr Atherton said: “I can confirm that two additional individuals in Wales have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of positive cases in Wales to six.
“Both individuals are being managed in clinically appropriate settings. All appropriate measures to provide care for the individuals and to reduce the risk of transmission to others are being taken.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to assure the public that Wales and the whole of the UK is prepared for these types of incidents. Working with our partners in Wales and the UK, we have implemented our planned response, with robust infection control measures in place to protect the health of the public.”
The Health Minister said the two new cases were tested in protected environments.
Vaughan Gething also said Wales is "still in the contain phase" of dealing with coronavirus.
He said: "Despite the rise in cases in different parts of the UK, the contain strategy is still effective, both in delaying the potential impact, but also in keeping the public safe.
"Public safety is the number one consideration and doing that in accordance with the science.
"We still expect there to be more cases in the coming days and weeks ahead.
"You'll have seen the progression of coronavirus in other UK countries but also in other parts of Europe."
The Health Minister said there is no need to ask schools to close or call off mass gatherings and events yet.
Vaughan Gething said airport checks are not necessary as there is no scientific backing given for Wales. He added that people should act as "business as usual".
The Welsh Government is preparing for "potential pandemic conditions" around coronavirus, according to Vaughan Gething.
On Monday, the Welsh Government announced GP surgeries across Wales will receive face masks, gloves and aprons for their personal protection as they treat people with suspected coronavirus.
The Welsh Government has also been given emergency powers to tackle the spread of coronavirus to "respond quickly and effectively to the COVID-19 outbreak."