Two new confirmed cases after first day of mobile testing – indicates “transmission is significantly lower than thought”

Just two new cases of Coronavirus have been identified so far at easy-access community testing centres in Wrexham, that Public Health Wales says suggests that transmission of the virus in the community is lower than previously thought.

Health officials say they “have been delighted by the response from the community in Wrexham, with over 800 people having been tested in the first two days at two mobile testing centres in Hightown and Caia Park”

Testing is continuing until Saturday, but the results from the first day, when around 400 people were tested, have resulted in the identification of just two new cases.

The media release from Public Health Wales did not specifically mention how many of the 400 first day tests had been returned to give context to the two confirmed cases figure.

We requested that extra key piece of information – and were told the good news that “all the test results from the first day are in, so it’s two out of around 400 results”.

Dr Chris Johnson, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales, and Chair of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team, said:

“A big thank you to the community in Wrexham for their enthusiastic response to this opportunity to be tested for Coronavirus.

“We are very reassured by the emerging picture from these sessions, which appears to indicate that transmission is significantly lower than thought. Just two new cases was identified on the first day of testing. We will be contacting individuals with their test results over the next few days.

“Testing is continuing, so please take advantage of the opportunity to get tested and help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in the Wrexham area – even if your symptoms are mild.

“The more cases we find, the more people can then be referred into the Test, Trace, Protect programme, allowing contact tracers to take action to put a stop to the spread of Coronavirus in the area.

“We remind the public and business-owners not to become complacent in light of these results. We all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by sticking to social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly.”

Symptoms to look out for include a new continuous cough, high temperature, and a lost or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

The mobile testing centres are at Caia Park Health Centre on Prince Charles Road, and at Hightown Community Resource Centre, Fusilier Way, off Bryn Y Cabanau Road. Sessions are currently scheduled until Saturday, and anybody who wants a test is invited to turn up between 9am and 6pm.

The work is being co-ordinated by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Public Health Wales, Wrexham Council, and other partners, with support from local voluntary sector organisation AVOW and community groups. As in other parts of the country, the army have helped to set up the mobile testing units.