Wales NHS chief executive Dr Andrew Goodall gave a briefing on the coronavirus outbreak in Wales today (Thursday, May 7).
Here is a summary of what he had to say:
- 2,800 people previously in hospital with the virus in Wales have now recovered
The rate of transmission, known as the R or reproduction rate, remains below one in Wales
He raised concerns the number of A&E attendances was down despite NHS remaining 'open' to those who need it
The Welsh Government cabinet will meet tonight (May 7) to discuss the possibility of amending lockdown rules
The existing lockdown is to remain in place over bank holiday weekend
Positive signs despite 'profound and immeasurable' human cost of crisis
Around 2,800 people who have been admitted to hospital with coronavirus in Wales have recovered, Dr Goodall announced.
The number of people being treated has also fallen over the last 10 days, with fewer than 200 new cases being confirmed every day.
Additionally just one in five intensive care beds are occupied with confirmed or suspected cases of the virus at present, which is around 50% lower than what was experienced during the peak, he said.
Dr Goodall said the NHS and social care services have delivered a “remarkable” response, adding that staff have “gone above and beyond”.
However he said it’s important that we remember “all those who have sadly lost their lives".
He said the human cost of the crisis has been “profound and immeasurable”.
'We’ll have to maintain a real focus' on virus reproduction rate
Dr Goodall confirmed the virus' R-rate, or the rate of community transmission, is currently below one.
It was at "two or three times" that rate during the peak of coronavirus, he said.
However he said any actions taking place that relate to lockdown being eased will have a potential impact on this community transmission rate.
“We’ll have to maintain a real focus on that calculation and make sure that we make appropriate judgements,” he said.
The effect of an easing of restrictions would take around 14 days to show within the healthcare system, he said, adding that the occupancy of critical care beds is "the real trigger" in terms of monitoring a resurgence of cases.
Lockdown to continue over bank holiday weekend as Welsh cabinet discusses future
Asked about whether 'stay home' messaging would change next week, Dr Goodall said it was being discussed.
He said the Welsh cabinet met on Thursday morning and was due to meet again in the afternoon to revisit the impact of lockdown measures.
But, for the long weekend, measures will remain unchanged.
He said: “I think the message for this weekend has to be the same – the lockdown measures remain in place at this time."
Further updates on this will be available in due course, he added.
The chief executive reiterated that whatever is done it is the First Minister's preference to do it with a four-nations approach.
The next Welsh Government press conference will be held at 12.30pm on Friday, May 8.
