“Small increase” in cases connected to Wrexham outbreak – total of 289 confirmed cases

Public Health Wales have said there are now 289 confirmed cases of Coronavirus associated with the outbreak connected to a food factory in Wrexham.

On the wider general Public Health Wales data release Wrexham saw 13 new confirmed cases. The next highest area in Wales saw 2.

Today’s update via Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said of the outbreak specific data:

“The multi-agency team managing the outbreak of Coronavirus associated with Rowan Foods Ltd in Wrexham has recorded a small increase of six cases since Wednesday, bringing the total to 289 cases. This is in line with what we would expect to see from focused testing.”

“ The 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.”

Yesterday in an answer at the daily briefing the First Minister told us the frequency of meetings of the outbreak response team had moved to three times a week, and it is believed the update today is after one such meeting held yesterday.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety at Wrexham Council said this afternoon: “Whether it’s shopping in the town centre, sending your children back to school or visiting our parks and open spaces…as long as we all stick to the rules and follow government advice, we can all feel safe.

“The situation associated with the factory is being carefully managed by the multi-agency team led by PHW, and only six new cases have been recorded since Wednesday.

“The huge amount of knowledge and expertise available is ensuring a measured and scientific approach, and that should provide people in Wrexham with a lot of reassurance.

“However, PHW rightly reminds us that we all still have a role to play in the fight against coronavirus. It’s not over yet.

“But if we all keep working together by sticking to the rules, we can continue to feel safe and confident in our county borough.”