Three more cases linked to food factory outbreak – “although the number of reported cases has slowed considerably”

Today Public Health Wales has given a specific update to the ongoing situation in Wrexham, taking the number of confirmed cases to 305.

Today’s separate Public Health Wales dashboard stats update say there are two new confirmed cases in Wrexham reported today.

The statement refers to a meeting of the “OCT”, although not defined in the statement, previously that has referred to a Outbreak Control Team that initially was meeting daily and appears to now meet every three days.

Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The outbreak associated with the workforce at the Rowan Foods plant in Wrexham remains active, although the number of reported cases has slowed considerably.”

“At yesterday’s OCT meeting, three more positive cases of infection were reported, which brings the total number associated with the outbreak to 305.

“We want to reassure the workforce and wider population of Wrexham that the cases we have identified are entirely what we would expect to see when a focused and robust testing regime is put in place. There is no evidence that the infection is factory-based.”

Yesterday the First Minister gave his views on lessons that had been learnt while dealing with the two outbreaks in North Wales – read more here.

The statement from Public Health Wales added general comment, including: “Public Health Wales welcomes the gradual easing of lockdown measures with the opening of self-catering accommodation in Wales from today (11 July) and hairdressers, pub gardens and outdoor cafes from Monday (13 July).”

“However, we continue to caution and remind the public and business-owners that we all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always sticking to 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.”