THE official number of people confirmed with coronavirus in Wales has now reached 149 - but officials say the true figure is much higher.

Public Health Wales said the number of positive cases has increased by 13 while two people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. They were patients at hospitals in Wrexham and Swansea.

Health chiefs have also said coronavirus has now reached every area of Wales so they will no longer announce total positive cases for every local authority area but from tomorrow will case numbers based on a patient’s health board area of residence.

Testing was stopped last week which is why officials say they can no longer give an accurate number of cases.

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Thirteen new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 149 - although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.

“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales. For this reason, we will not be reporting cases by local authority area from today. From tomorrow, we will update daily at 12 noon the case numbers by health board of residence.

"Wherever you live, members of the public should follow the latest public health advice, which was updated on Monday 16 March.“

The updated guidance is:

People who live with others should stay at home for 14 days if they, or anyone in their household, has either a high temperature or a new and continuous cough

People who live alone should stay at home for seven days if they develop a high temperature or a new and continuous cough

Everyone should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel

Everyone being asked to work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues

People over 70, and vulnerable groups of any age will be asked within days to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

Dr Robin Howe said: “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days. They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

“They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.