THE CORONAVIRUS outbreak is "likely" to hit Wales, Public Health Wales has warned.

The national public health agency says although none of the 100 people tested for the virus in Wales tested positive - Wales will "likely see cases at some point".

There have been nine confirmed cases of the virus in the UK to date, and over 64,000 cases worldwide - with over 1,300 deaths.

Public Health Wales says it is "working closely" with other UK nations, the Welsh Government and the wider NHS in Wales and is "well prepared" for the virus hitting the country.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: "There are no confirmed cases in Wales, although it is likely that Wales will see cases at some point.

“The Novel Coronavirus diagnostic test has now been developed in the Public Health Wales specialist virology laboratory at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Public Health Wales’ trained scientists are now conducting the specialist test in Wales – ensuring we are well prepared should we see cases in Wales.

“All Welsh residents that meet the current testing criteria for Novel Coronavirus are being offered testing."

Public Health Wales says it will not be commenting on whether any of the individuals who left Arrowe Park this week are resident in Wales, to "ensure we protect patient confidentiality and their personal identities".

But it can confirm that "there is absolutely no coronavirus-related risk to the public from their departure", and that "everyone that left Arrowe Park has had negative tests and been in isolation for 14 days".

Public Health Wales says members of the public can help protect themselves and others by always carrying tissues, and using them to catch coughs or sneezes.

They should bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash their hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel. This is the best way to slow the spread of most germs, including Coronavirus.

The UK Department for Health and Social Care has advised returning travellers to check the new guidance, especially those returning from China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days.

And the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised UK nationals to leave China where possible.

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.

Advice for travellers from China is that ig you get a cough, high temperature or feel short of breath within 14 days of returning from China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau, you should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people.

You should call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 or 111 Wales in your area to inform them of your recent travel to the area

If you have travelled from Wuhan or Hubei Province to the UK in the last 14 days you should immediately stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu.

Call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 or 111 Wales, if available in your area, to inform them of your recent travel to the area.

Please follow this advice even if you do not have symptoms of the virus.

The latest information and travel advice is available from:

Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England (PHE)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

The Welsh Government