Summary

  • Schools may not reopen until September, the education minister says

  • Welsh Government to get extra powers to deal with epidemic

  • 24 new cases test positive for COVID-19 in Wales, bringing the total to 170

  • Health Minister Vaughan Gething no longer self-isolating after testing negative

  • The annual Hay Festival of literature and arts in Powys to be cancelled

  1. We're closing our live page for Thursdaypublished at 22:57 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    That's all for our live coverage for now.

    We'll leave you with some of today's headlines from Wales:

    • Education Minister Kirsty Williams saying it is possible schools may not reopen until September.
    • First Minister Mark Drakeford announcing new emergency legislation to give the Welsh Government "draconian" powers to isolate and detain individuals.
    • About 75 officers at a Welsh prison are either off work sick or self-isolating due to coronavirus, and 22 prisoners showing symptoms have been isolated.

  2. How do I know if I've got coronavirus?published at 22:39 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    People who are showing particular symptoms are being told to self-isolate in order to stop the coronavirus from spreading further.

    In the UK, if you have a fever or a persistent cough, you should stay at home for seven days. The people you live with should stay at home for 14 days, and have food and medicine delivered.

    But how do you know if you’re just ill, feeling a bit ropey or if you have the symptoms of coronavirus? What do the symptoms of coronavirus feel like?

    BBC News’ Health and Science Reporter, Laura Foster, takes a look.

    Media caption,

    How do I know if I have coronavirus?

  3. Doctors near caravan parks 'stretched beyond their limits'published at 22:23 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    Caravans on the north Wales coastImage source, Getty Images

    GPs practising near holiday parks in north Wales say they are concerned the parks remain open for owners despite having closed for holidaymakers.

    Haven Holidays announced it was taking action at all their parks around the UK because of the coronavirus outbreak.

    The company said the parks, including two on the Llyn Peninsula, would close from Friday and over the Easter break, but it is continuing to allow owners on site.

    A statement from Treflan Surgery, in Pwllheli, read: "Our healthcare services are already stretched beyond their limits and it is highly unlikely that the healthcare infrastructure in the Dwyfor/Gwynedd locality will be able to cope with any additional demand during the outbreak.

    "We cannot emphasise enough how concerned we are about this influx of visitors to the area over the past week and we are gravely concerned about their welfare and potential inability to access healthcare during this pandemic."

  4. How many confirmed cases are there in your area?published at 22:00 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    A graph showing the number of confirmed cases in the UK rising

    A total of 3,269 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK - but the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000.

    Enter your postcode or Welsh NHS area into this handy tool to find out the number of confirmed cases in your area.

    You will also find a number of charts and graphics which will help you understand the situation in the UK and how the authorities are dealing with it.

  5. Council offers 'rent-free holiday' for businessespublished at 21:41 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    A south Wales council will offer small and medium-sized businesses which lease premises from the local authority a "rent-free holiday".

    Bridgend County Borough Council announced the three-month offer, which will cover traders in the Bridgend Indoor and Maesteg Outdoor markets, as well as tenants of council-owned industrial starter units.

    “We understand the concerns that businesses have and the sudden shock they are experiencing due to the escalating measures imposed during the outbreak of coronavirus," said council leader Huw David.

  6. Guinness Pro14 final cancelledpublished at 21:19 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    Leinster have won the last two Pro14 finalsImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Leinster have won the last two Pro14 finals

    The Pro14 final in June has been cancelled, with the league suspended indefinitely as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

    Round 14 of the competition for clubs from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Italy and South Africa was due to take place this weekend, starting 20 March.

    But Pro14 say the resumption of the season will only take place when four strict criteria points have been met.

    The final was due to take place on 20 June at Cardiff City Stadium.

  7. NHS clinicians 'a priority for testing'published at 21:00 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    NHS clinicians who deal with patients face-to-face will be tested as a priority, the Welsh Government has said.

    It comes after council leaders and social services directors called for social care staff to be tested for Covid-19 and receive personal protective equipment (PPE).

    “Arrangements are being made across our social care sector to address the specific needs of residents and workers and ensure that we maintain the highest levels of care and dignity," a government spokeswoman said.

    “Essential workers, including healthcare workers involved in front-line patient-facing clinical care, will be prioritised for testing to help slow down the spread of the virus."

  8. What's on and what's off?published at 20:41 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    The Hay Festival is the latest event to fall victim to the coronavirus outbreak.

    Read our guide to find out what events are still on, and which have been cancelled.

    People at the Hay FestivalImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Hay Festival is the latest event to be called off because of coronavirus

  9. Health board postpones routine surgerypublished at 20:21 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    A surgical theatreImage source, Getty Images

    Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will postpone routine surgery and outpatient clinics and appointments from Friday.

    The health board, which covers Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf county boroughs, said it had taken the decision to focus on its emergency response to Covid-19.

    All patients would be contacted about their care, according to John Palmer, chief operating officer.

    “Decisions to postpone activity are never easy, but it is vital that we do this so we can protect our staff and patients and ensure we are fully prepared to deal with Covid-19," he said.

    In addition, people who are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, have returned from overseas travel in the last two weeks, or are considered vulnerable to the virus, will be asked to stay away.

    Health Minister Vaughan Gething announced last week that all routine surgery would need to be put on hold across Wales in order to deal with the virus.

  10. 4,000 watch north Wales funeral streamed onlinepublished at 20:00 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    More than 4,000 people used Facebook to watch a funeral.

    With people advised against attending mass public gatherings because of coronavirus, the service was streamed live on the social network.

    It was for "popular local character" from Llangefni, Anglesey, Malcolm Morgan.

    Teledu Cildwrn's Facebook Live from Bangor Crematorium on Wednesday was shared 26 times, allowing friends to watch.

    Mourners heard how Mr Morgan was "one of the popular Llangefni characters, whether at the football club, with Mencap or Bingo".

    He had also attended Capel Cildwrn for over 30 years.

    The Rev Hywel Meredydd Davies said: "Live streaming of the service was a great opportunity to involve so many people to join us at the crematorium and say goodbye to a very dear friend."

    Sorry, we're having trouble displaying this content.View original content on Facebook
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Facebook content may contain adverts.
  11. Queen urges UK to ‘work as one’published at 19:37 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    The Queen has issued a message to the UK people on the coronavirus outbreak, saying the nation is “entering a period of great concern and uncertainty”.

    The 93-year-old praised the work of scientists, medics and emergency staff, but added that everyone has a "vitally important part to play".

    She said: "Our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one."

    The monarch is currently at Windsor Castle with the Duke of Edinburgh.

    She had already cut short her official duties because of the crisis.

    Her message was issued by Buckingham Palace after NHS officials announced that the UK death toll had climbed to 137.

    The QueenImage source, Getty Images
  12. 'Social care workers need testing and PPE too'published at 19:15 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    Health care workers wearing PPEImage source, Getty Images

    It is "vital" that social care staff have the same testing and protective equipment as health workers, their bosses have said.

    In a joint statement, council leaders and social services directors said staff were "working tirelessly" in people's homes and in residential care.

    The Welsh Government said testing is being rolled out so as many NHS staff as possible can work during the coronavirus outbreak.

    It is "essential" that staff "have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure we can continue to deliver services safely, to keep people safe and well in our communities and reduce the impact as much as we can on front-line NHS services," said Sue Cooper, president of the Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru.

  13. PM: We can 'turn tide' on coronaviruspublished at 18:55 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    In his latest briefing on the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, Boris Johnson has said he believes the UK can "turn the tide" on the crisis within about 12 weeks.

    He said he was "absolutely confident" the UK could "send coronavirus packing" but only if people followed government advice.

    Trials on a vaccine were expected to begin within a month, he said.

    This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip twitter post

    Allow Twitter content?

    This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of twitter post
  14. Village's coronavirus action planpublished at 18:35 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    LlanuwchllynImage source, Andrew Hill/Geograph

    Residents of an idyllic village in Snowdonia National Park have come up with an action plan to help old and vulnerable neighbours during the coronavirus crisis.

    Llanuwchllyn, with a population of about 850, has been split into nine parts, with a group of volunteers responsible for each part.

    And at the heart of everything is the Eagles Inn pub. From a week on Monday, staff will be preparing hot meals which will be delivered by the volunteers.

    The pub also acts as the local shop and groceries will be delivered twice a week to people who cannot get out or are self-isolating.

  15. Coronavirus: The global story todaypublished at 18:16 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    What's happening around the world with coronavirus today?

    BBC World Service has this one-minute update - with positive news coming out of China:

    This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip twitter post

    Allow Twitter content?

    This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of twitter post
  16. 'The singing conductor'published at 17:58 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    Train conductor Chris Edwards has been trying to lift the spirits of train passengers in south Wales.

    He came up with his own song to the tune of Band Aid's 1984 hit Feed the World. Chris's version is called "Beat the Bug".

    He urges people to follow medical advice and help others, with the words: "We must be community in these testing times."

    Media caption,

    Coronavirus: The singing conductor helping lift spirits

  17. Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Fact and fictionpublished at 17:40 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    Stories have been circulating online suggesting it's dangerous to take ibuprofen if you have coronavirus.

    Alongside genuine medical advice, false messages have been spreading, distorting the facts.

    The BBC's Reality Check team have been trying to separate the fact from the fiction.

    Man with glass and a pillImage source, Getty Images
  18. Prime minister gives latest update on coronaviruspublished at 17:23 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is giving the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.

    This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip twitter post

    Allow Twitter content?

    This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of twitter post
  19. School buildings to remain open and staff in placepublished at 17:19 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    Headteachers in Wales have been told to keep their buildings open - and staff in place - as part of the response to coronavirus.

    All classrooms in Wales are closing for lessons on Friday, with summer examinations also cancelled.

    But the Welsh Government said some schools would be "repurposed" and remain open for vulnerable children and the children of keyworkers dealing with the response to the outbreak.

    In a letter being sent to every school in Wales on Thursday, the Welsh Government has stressed how the schools will play a vital role, especially ensuring essential NHS staff can continue to work.

    "Schools and school staff will be central to keeping the NHS running as well as other services which are vital to how we live," said officials.

    The education officials said they had identified three key priorities:

    • Securing appropriate provision for vulnerable learners
    • Identifying children of people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak
    • And making provision available for learners eligible for free school meals, putting in place short-term measures to ensure their needs can be met in a flexible way

    Woman at whiteboard in front of classImage source, Getty Images
  20. 'Check and chat' service for over-70spublished at 17:00 Greenwich Mean Time 19 March 2020

    Age Cymru says it will have a "check and chat" telephone service up and running for the over-70s from Monday.

    The charity said it will help provide some reassurances to older people, answer basic queries and link people to local services and support during the coronavirus outbreak.

    “These are potentially difficult times for many older people, especially those living alone who may not have anyone to share their concerns," said chief executive Victoria Lloyd.

    "Others may just want to have a chat about what they saw on television last night.

    "Hopefully, this initiative will help older people cope with some of the challenges arising from the Coronavirus outbreak.”

    Anyone over 70 in Wales can register by calling the Age Cymru advice number on 08000 223 444 or by emailing enquiries@agecymru.org.uk, external

    Older woman with phoneImage source, Getty Images