THOSE contacted by a Covid-19 test and trace service are being urged to follow advice and self-isolate at home for two weeks.

The reminder comes after an increase in cases in Wales. Public Health Wales revealed on Monday, September 7 that 133 new cases of the virus have been reported.

Of the 18 new cases reported in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) area there were nine in Wrexham, three in Denbighshire, two in Conwy, two in Flintshire, one in Gwynedd and one on Anglesey.

Case in Conwy stand at 633 and 789 in Denbighshire.

Dr Rachel Andrew, one of the leads for the North Wales Regional Hub of Test, Trace, Protect (TTP), said: “It is really important that if you have been telephoned by a member of the contact tracing team and told you are a contact of a case of Coronavirus, that you follow their advice and stay home for the full 14 days.

“The reason we ask contacts to self-isolate is because they could be developing the infection and be at risk of spreading it to family and friends. This advice is the same for people returning from countries where Welsh Government requires self-isolation for 14 days on your return.

“Having a negative test during this time only tells you that you don’t have Coronavirus on the day the swab was taken.”

Anyone with a high temperature, new continuous cough, or a loss of, or change, to sense of smell or taste should get tested for Coronavirus.

Healthcare workers and some other keyworkers have different opportunities for testing, they are advised to speak to their employers about what to do if they are identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19.

Teresa Owen, director of Public Health for BCUHB, said: “We would like to remind the people of North Wales that Coronavirus is still circulating in the community. To keep everyone safe, always stay two metres away from others, and wash your hands regularly.

“If you meet another household, outside your extended household, stay outdoors during your visit and work from home if you can.

“If you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms, stay at home and arrange a test. Thank you to those who are making sacrifices to keep us all safe, including those who are staying at home for the full 14 days of self-isolation.”

From 6pm on Tuesday, restrictions arrived in Caerphilly. The local lockdown comes after a spike in cases.

Visit www.gov.wales/coronavirus or call 119 to arrange a test.