The chief executive of NHS Wales will give today's coronavirus update from the Welsh Government
Dr Andrew Goodall will be speaking about the latest situation in Wales from 12.30pm.
We'll be bringing you all the latest updates from the briefing.
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Why figures may appear to 'spike'
He says sometimes results may appear to spike due to the increase in testing, testing at care homes and other reasons. He notes that in North Wales the drive-thru testing centre in Llandundo has opened too.
Dr Goodall moves to reassure people that the situation and figures are being monitored. The message remains that we want population to stay at home, he says.
Less people in intensive care in North Wales
Dr Goodall says the virus will travel in different ways and there will be variation across Wales in different stages.
He said it is important to keep an eye on the overall numbers.
He adds that in North Wales hospitals those in critical care beds is now less than when the virus peaked - around two or three weeks ago.
A&E attendance falls by up to 50%
People across Wales are being urged to stay safe and well and to remember emergency department staff are available if they need urgent help.
The number of people attending Welsh emergency departments has fallen by up to 50% since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
But chief executive of NHS Wales, Dr Andrew Goodall, has emphasised that emergency health services continue to be open for all those who need urgent care.
Patient safety within emergency departments has been prioritised and all measures to cleanse facilities are being taken to keep people safe.
Dr Goodall said:
Our message is clear – if it is urgent, don’t wait, don’t leave it too late.
Our NHS services are available for the people of Wales – serious illnesses have not gone away because of coronavirus. We are urging people to call 999 or attend their local emergency departments if they are seriously worried about themselves, a child’s or family member’s condition.
Providing emergency and urgent care for people who have non-coronavirus health issues continues to be a priority for us all. Our hospitals have stringent hygiene measures in place and well-rehearsed protocols to keep those with coronavirus or with symptoms separate from others.”
Antibody test
Dr Goodall says that news of a development of an antibody test announced by Public Health Wales is positive
He said testing regimes need to be checked and validated. Discussions will be taking place later today about the test.
Plea to stay at home
He thanks nursing and midwifery staff across North Wales for their efforts and asks people to support the NHS by staying at home.
Dental and eye care
Dr Goodall says people can still get urgent eye care and dental care if they need it.
Prescriptions
Dr Goodall says people should leave more time to order prescriptions - he recommends giving yourself 7 days.
He said some pharmacies have reported 50% increases in prescriptions being dispensed.
He said that they have been working with military planners and Royal Mail to make sure people get the items they need.
Concerns people are not seeking help
Dr Andrew Goodall says they have seen a reduction in people seeking emergency calls, calling for ambulances and being admitted to hospital.
He encourages people to seek help if they need it.
Dr Goodall says they are concerned about the drop in referrals for cancer, he adds.
Welsh Government briefing
The chief executive of NHS Wales will give today’s coronavirus update from the Welsh Government
Dr Andrew Goodall will be speaking about the latest situation in Wales from 12.30pm. We’ll have all the latest updates.
