THE latest update from Public Health Wales reveals a “modest” increase in coronavirus cases linked to Rowan Foods in Wrexham.

The latest statement given by health officials on July 8 reveal that the factory saw a further 13 confirmed cases of COVID linked to the workforce following widespread testing.

PHW adds that this was “in line” with their expectations from the focused testing process.

Dr Robin Howe, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The outbreak of Coronavirus associated with Rowan Foods Ltd in Wrexham has recorded a modest increase of 13 confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection since Friday last week. This brings the total number of positive cases in the outbreak to 302. This is in line with what we would expect to see from a focused testing process.”

With regards to Anglesey, no new cases with PHW saying that the multi-agency team managing the outbreak of Coronavirus associated with the 2 Sisters meat processing plant have “reported consistently good news for a number of days” and that operations are resuming at the site.

This means that the total number of people in North Wales with cases linked to the two outbreaks stands at over 500 collectively.

Dr Howe continued by clarifying that PHW’s advice to the public has not changed.

He said: “This outbreak reinforces that everyone has a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always observing social distancing guidelines – staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly. When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

"Anyone with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 infection - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of smell or taste (anosmia) - must self isolate and seek an urgent test.

"Confirmed cases must isolate for seven days, with members of their household isolating for 14 days until the risk of passing on further infection has gone. Combined these simple but effective actions will ensure the virus does not spread.

He also states that the Food Standards Agency advise it is “very unlikely” that you can catch coronavirus from food, adding that coronavirus is a respiratory illness and is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging.

He continues: “We all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others and washing hands regularly. You should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

“Contact tracing continues in Wales as part of the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace, Protect strategy. Anyone who has a positive Coronavirus test will be contacted by a team of contact tracers, and asked for details of everyone they have had close contact with while they have had symptoms.”