Newport Pubs Linked To Covid 19 Spike
Public Health Wales issues a fresh appeal for social distancing
Public Health Wales is issuing a warning to people in Newport about the vital need to stick to social distancing - and self isolate where necessary - following a spike in Covid 19 cases.
People who visited a number of bars and pubs in the city are being asked to be extra vigilant for symptoms of coronavirus after it was found those with the virus visited while they were infectious.
PHW says there is concern some people are ignoring social distancing rules, failing to isolate when they've got symptoms and in some cases not being honest with contact tracers about who they've been with while infectious.
These are the establishments they've highlighted along with the relevant dates:
Breeze on Cambrian Rd on 4 and 5 September
The Potters on Upper Dock St on 5 September
Break ‘n’ Dish on Stow Hill between 1 and 8 September
Tiny Rebel Rogerstone on Wern Industrial Estate on 6, 7 and 8 September
Ye Olde Bull Inn on High St, Caerleon on 4 September
The Handpost on the junction of Risca Road/Bassaleg Road on 8 September
Three Horseshoes on Pillmawr Rd on 6 September
Newport City Council has been working closely with businesses to ensure they are meeting the requirements for safe operation, but there is a need to remind everyone that they must adhere to restrictions and distancing guidelines when attending such premises.
People are also being urged to comply with Test, Trace, Protect and provide sufficient contact information, so they can be advised of any cases or risk to them as soon as possible.
The advice comes as an investigation is launched into the increase in Coronavirus in the area by Public Health Wales, Newport City Council and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
The cumulative number of cases in Newport over the last seven days has risen to 43.3 per 100,000, which is the fourth highest incidence in Wales behind Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Heather Lewis, Consultant in Public Health for Public Health Wales, and Chair of the multi-agency Incident Management Team, said:
"We are grateful to the vast majority of residents in Newport for sticking to social distancing guidelines, and for cooperating with investigations into the spread of Coronavirus in the area. They have played an important part in protecting older and vulnerable people from Coronavirus.
"Sadly, there is evidence that some people are ignoring social distancing guidelines, are failing to self-isolate when they have symptoms, and in a small number of cases are not being frank and honest with contact tracers about who they have met while infectious.
"Our message for the public is that Coronavirus has not gone away, and it can be a very serious illness - especially for older and vulnerable people.
"The public has a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others - washing hands regularly with soap or by using alcohol based sanitiser, and working from home if they can.
"If you or a member of your household develop symptoms of cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must book a test for Coronavirus promptly to help control the spread of infection.
"We must all play our part, consistently and for a sustained period of time, to protect our vulnerable or older friends, family members and loved ones."
A free Coronavirus test can be arranged via the Welsh Government website or by calling the free number 119 between the hours of 7am to 11pm.