Wales' coronavirus response to move into 'delay phase' as cases rise

Wales' coronavirus response has moved into the “delay” phase after the global outbreak was declared a pandemic, the Chief Medical Officer here has confirmed.

Dr Frank Atherton told a press briefing that they are expecting cases of the virus to rise in "early April" - after Public Health Wales confirmed the total number now stands at 25 - with cases now believed to be transmitted within the community.

"We do believe there is community transmission now of this virus. We have to prepare for a significant number of cases here in Wales", he said.

"The best precaution for people to keep themselves safe and healthy is the current advice around hand washing."

But, he did confirm from tomorrow, if someone does become unwell with either a new cough or a new temperature fever, they will be asked to self-isolate for seven days.

"The reason for this is to reduce the peak demand on our health services", Dr Atherton added.

The delay phase is the second of a four-fold plan against Covid-19 and comes the day after the death toll in the UK rose to ten and the number of cases hit 590.

Workers staff the phone lines at the Public Health Wales call centre in Cardiff set up to cope with coronavirus Credit: PA Images

Vaughan Gething, Wales' Health Minister told the conference closing schools was not an "appropriate step to take" at this time.

"If we close schools, what impact does that have on parents?

"If parents can't look after their children, if you are an older member of the family, people in higher risk groups, they are exactly the type of people we are looking to protect", he said.

The FAW also confirmed on Thursday that it had cancelled Wales' upcoming friendly against the USA.

Wales were due to play them at home on 30 March.

Jonathan Ford, CEO of the FAW said: “We are disappointed to see any postponement or cancellation of matches but understand that the health and safety of all fans, players and stakeholders are paramount.”

All bookings will receive a full refund for the face value, the FAW confirmed and will be processed in the next 14 working days.

FAW confirmed the match between Wales v Austria at the Liberty Stadium on 27 March 27 is still taking place, but said it is "monitoring the situation closely with UEFA, the Welsh and UK Governments and related agencies."

Credit: PA Images

The news came as rugby union's Guinness PRO14, a club competition which features teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales, has been suspended.

David Jordan, tournament director of PRO14 Rugby, said: "We have made this decision with everyone's welfare foremost in our minds.

"With an evolving situation in the five countries that take part in Guinness PRO14 it is important to make a clear decision that is in keeping with the advice of the various governments involved."

Resumption of the 2019-20 season will now "become a matter of constant review", the PRO14 statement said.

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