Coronavirus: What we know so far
The coronavirus has spread from Wuhan in China to countries across the world, with more than 80,000 confirmed cases and nearly 3,000 deaths worldwide. Here is all you need to know.
 
TAP TO PLAY
CORONAVIRUS: FIRST CASE CONFIRMED IN WALES
A person has tested positive for coronavirus in Wales, marking the country's first case.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Frank Atherton said the patient was from the Swansea area and had recently travelled back from northern Italy.
Public Health Wales is working to identify the patient's close contacts.
The total number of coronavirus cases in the UK is now 19. Six more cases have been confirmed on Thursday and Friday, including the first in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Frank Atherton, said: “I can confirm that one patient in Wales has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
“All appropriate measures to provide care for the individual and to reduce the risk of transmission to others are being taken. I can also confirm that the patient had travelled back to Wales from Northern Italy, where the virus was contracted.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to assure the public that Wales and the whole of the UK is well prepared for these types of incidents. Working with our partners in Wales and the UK, we have implemented our planned response, with robust infection control measures in place to protect the health of the public.”

Coronavirus cases have been expected in Wales "for some time"

Dr Atherton said he had been expecting coronavirus cases “for some time” in Wales.
There are now 19 total cases in the UK, across Wales, England and Northern Ireland.

Press conference underway in Cardiff Bay

A press conference is underway in Cardiff Bay regarding the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Wales.
Chief medical officer Dr Frank Atherton is due to provide the latest information available on the positive diagnosis.

The symptoms of coronavirus

(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The symptoms of coronavirus are very similar to illnesses like the common cold and flu. According to the NHS the main symptoms are:
  • a cough
  • a high temperature
  • shortness of breath
It is important to remember that having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have the illness. Ailments like a cold or flu are much more common.
According to the World Health Organisation, some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Follow this link for more information on coronavirus and the worst affected areas.

Two new cases in England contracted in Iran

The Department of Health has confirmed the two further cases of coronavirus in England this morning.
Both English patients contracted the virus in Iran, chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said.
The first case in Wales was contracted in northern Italy.

Full statement from Public Health Wales

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:
Public Health Wales is working closely with our partners in the Welsh Government, the wider NHS in Wales, and the other UK nations following the announcement by the Chief Medical Officer for Wales that we have the first case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales.
The Chief Medical Officer has also confirmed that the patient had travelled back to Wales from Northern Italy, where the virus was contracted.
Public Health Wales is working hard to identify close contacts, and we are taking all appropriate actions to reduce any risk to the public’s health.
The public can be assured that Wales and the whole of the UK is well prepared for these types of incidents. Working with our partners in Wales and the UK, we have implemented our planned response, with robust infection control measures in place to protect the health of the public.”
Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

Wales coronavirus patient understood to be from Swansea

It is believed the first Welsh coronavirus case involves a person from Swansea.

The latest coronavirus advice, symptoms and worst areas affected

The total number of coronavirus cases in the UK is now 19.
Six more cases have been confirmed on Thursday and Friday, including the first in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Total number of cases in the UK reaches 19

The total number of cases of coronavirus in the UK has this morning totalled 19.
Wales has confirmed its first-ever case, and England has seen two additional patients test positive.
A case was also confirmed in Northern Ireland on Thursday evening.

First confirmed case in Wales

The Welsh government has confirmed a positive case of the virus.