“Modest increase” of 13 new confirmed cases associated with Rowan Foods outbreak

There has been a further increase of 13 new cases linked to the outbreak connected to the Rowan Foods factory in Wrexham.

On Saturday the total confirmed cases stood at 289 confirmed cases, a figure that was effectively announced as unchanged at yesterday’s Welsh Government briefing.

This afternoon Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The outbreak of Coronavirus associated with Rowan Foods Ltd in Wrexham has recorded a modest increase of 13 confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus infection since Friday last week. This brings the total number of positive cases in the outbreak to 302. This is in line with what we would expect to see from a focused testing process.”

“Our advice to the public has not changed and this outbreak reinforces that everyone has a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always observing social distancing guidelines – staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly. When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

“Anyone with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 infection – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of smell or taste (anosmia) – must self isolate and seek an urgent test.

“Confirmed cases must isolate for seven days, with members of their household isolating for 14 days until the risk of passing on further infection has gone. Combined these simple but effective actions will ensure the virus does not spread.

Although the increase of 13 is new since yesterday lunchtime, there are zero new confirmed cases on the daily Public Health Wales dashboard data release viewable here for the most recent 24 hour period.