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No evidence of widespread transmission in Wrexham community, following testing exercise

11 new cases of Coronavirus were identified in the Wrexham community, following four days of testing at easy-access community testing centres in Hightown and Caia Park.

Health officials were reassured by the low number of positive cases identified, after more than 1,400 people from the Wrexham community came forward for testing. 

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

“We’re reassured by the numbers, which appears to indicate that transmission is significantly lower than thought. It’s also important to note that in many of the cases it was possible to identify a likely chain of transmission. As a result, we do not believe there is a large amount of hidden transmission in the community.

“Confirmed cases have been contacted through the Test, Trace, Protect process and provided with additional advice for themselves, their household and other contacts.

“We want to thank the community for their response. Not only those that came forward for testing, but also individuals who have been contact traced and shown a willingness to follow the advice and protect their communities.

We remind the public and business-owners that, despite these low numbers, Coronavirus is still circulating in the community. 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.

“While testing has concluded at the two mobile testing units, if you are showing symptoms – even if those symptoms are mild – you should still get tested. Testing is available at mass drive-through testing centres or as a home test kit. Visit https://gov.wales/coronavirus”     

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.

Community testing in Wrexham was 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 helped set up the mobile testing units.