CORONAVIRUS cases across Wales have risen - although the true number of cases is likely to be higher, Public Health Wales have said.

In the latest batch of figures released by the health organisation daily, it was confirmed that 13 new positive instances have been identified across Wales, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 149.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Thirteen new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 149 - although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.”

He adds to this figure that, as has been reported previously, two people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died including one case from the Wrexham area.

Dr Howe also said that from tomorrow, Public Health Wales will update the nation daily at 12 noon with the case numbers by health board of residence as opposed to local authority area as COVID-19 “is now circulating in every part of Wales”.

He continues: “Wherever you live, members of the public should follow the latest public health advice, which was updated on Monday 16 March.”

The updated guidance is:

• 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

Dr Howe said: “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days.

“They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

“They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“The public play an important role in the ‘delay’ phase. By following the latest advice, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable, and delay and flatten the peak, which will reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.

“We continue to undertake priority testing in Wales. We are working closely with health boards, NHS 111 and the Welsh Government to develop systems so that NHS Wales and members of the public have appropriate access to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing."