Twenty four new cases test positive for coronavirus in Wales

  • Wales

A further 24 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Wales, but the number is ''likely to be much higher'', Public Health Wales has confirmed.

The total number of cases in Wales is now 170 as of 19 March.

Dr Robin Howe said Public Health Wales is working with NHS 111 and the Welsh Government to develop systems to allow NHS Wales and members of the public to have ''appropriate access'' to testing.

The majority of new cases are in the Aneurin Bevan Health Board area with 13, followed by eight new cases in the Cardiff and Vale Health Board area, and one new case each in the Swansea Bay, Cwm Taf, and Hywel Dda Health Board areas.

Frontline healthcare workers in Wales will get coronavirus testing. Credit: PA

Since the outbreak, two people have died in Wales.

On Monday, a 68-year-old patient, who had underlying health conditions, died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

The following day, a 96-year-old patient at Morriston Hospital, who also had underlying health conditions, was confirmed as the second person to die from the virus.

A military support force is to be set up to assist with the coronavirus outbreak. Credit: PA

The Defence Secretary announced up to 20,000 service personnel are to form part of a Covid Support Force in case of a civil emergency.

On Thursday morning the prime minister shut down reports of a lockdown in London after the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, took the decision to close fourty tube stations. He said it was due to the ''lack of demand.''

In Wales, the First Minister, said there would be no imminent lockdown in Wales. Mark Drakeford said the plans remain as previously announced. However, he echoed the prime minister by saying that 'nothing can be ruled out' in tackling the pandemic.

With the outbreak of the virus worsening, the advice for the public who are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus has changed.

What is the latest advice?

  • People who live with others should stay at home for 14 days if they, or anyone in their household, has either a high temperature or a new and continuous cough

  • People who live alone should stay at home for seven days if they develop a high temperature or a new and continuous cough

  • Everyone should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel

  • Everyone being asked to work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues

  • People over 70, and vulnerable groups of any age will be asked within days to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

  • People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

  • People should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Everything you need to know about coronavirus: