Health
Covid-19 rule changes in Wales
As the Welsh Government attempts to curb the country’s high Covid rates, self-isolating laws are changing in Wales.
Welsh restrictions are being revised in the latest three-weekly review.
In light of the First Minister’s warning that if rates don’t fall in the next three weeks restrictions will be reinstated at the next review on November 19.
What is changing in Wales?
• If someone in your household tests positive or has Covid symptoms you’ll now need to isolate until you’ve had a negative test.
• You’ll need a Covid Pass in theatres and cinemas from November 15.
• Headteachers will be helped to introduce measures if case rates are high locally.
• Shops have been encouraged to get people to stick to the rules to wear masks.
• Businesses encouraged to resume working from home.
Self-isolation: what’s changing?
It is currently not necessary to self-isolate if you are double vaccinated and living with someone who tests positive, unless you have symptoms or a positive test yourself.
When someone in a household has symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19, the Welsh Government’s new guidance recommends that adults who are fully vaccinated, and children and young people aged five to 17, should isolate themselves until they have received a negative PCR test.
If you are not vaccinated, you will need to self-isolate for ten days following contact with someone who has tested positive, including close household contacts.
It is important that you self-isolate until you have taken a PCR test if someone in your household tests positive for the virus. Once the test is negative, you do not need to isolate.
If it is positive, you too will have to isolate. Also, you will have to isolate while you await the results of the test.
Besides that, what else is changing?
From November 15, you’ll need a Covid Pass to go to the cinema or theatre, meaning they are now needed in more places in Wales.
Staff and secondary school students will also be encouraged to take twice-weekly lateral flow tests to help keep coronavirus out of schools.
Retailers have been asked to ensure that people are wearing their masks indoors.
Welsh Government has also encouraged people to work from home “wherever possible”.
What are the latest figures for Wales?
The latest figures for Wales, released on Thursday, showed another 12 people in Wales have died with coronavirus.
New figures from Public Health Wales (PHW) published on Thursday, October 28, which cover the last 24-hour period, show the total number of Covid-related deaths in Wales is now 6,134.
There were also 2,664 new positive cases recorded in today’s update, bringing the total number since the pandemic began to 432,395.
The latest seven-day infection rate across Wales based on the cases for every 100,000 people (for the seven days up to October 23) now stands at 671.3 – a fall from the 699.7 reported on Wednesday and a second consecutive day where rates have fallen.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has said the rates must drop in the next three weeks, or restrictions will be considered again.
The four UK chief medical officers have asked the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation for urgent advice about reducing the interval between the second dose of the vaccine and the booster.
Welsh Government said that almost 400,000 people have had their autumn booster since the programme was launched and more than 40% of 12 to 15-year-olds have had their vaccine.
Health
Hywel Dda urges responsible use of ‘under pressure’ A&E service
HYWEL DDA University Health Board is appealing to the public to carefully consider how they access healthcare services as local A&E units, including Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, face increasing pressure.
A spokesperson said: “Our services are under pressure. Please help us to help you by choosing how you access our services carefully, ensuring that emergency departments (A&E) are reserved for urgent or life-threatening care needs.”
Unwell and unsure what to do?
If you’re unwell and uncertain about the best course of action, the Health Board recommends visiting the online symptom checker or calling NHS 111 Wales for advice.
When to attend A&E
Emergency Departments should only be used for life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries, such as:
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Severe pain or bleeding
- Chest pain or suspected stroke
- Serious trauma injuries (e.g., from a car crash)
Minor Injuries Units (MIUs)
For less serious injuries, MIUs offer treatment for:
- Minor wounds, burns, or scalds
- Insect bites
- Minor limb, head, or face injuries
- Foreign bodies in the nose or ear
MIUs are available at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre, Tenby Hospital, and main acute hospitals. Visit the Minor Injuries Unit page for opening hours and directions.
Urgent care, not an emergency
For urgent health needs that cannot wait but are not emergencies, call NHS 111 Wales for advice or access to out-of-hours GP services. This free service is available 24/7.
Mental health support
If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 Wales and select option 2 to speak with a mental health professional. The number is free to call, even from a mobile with no credit.
Community care options
Community pharmacies offer walk-in services for common ailments such as sore throats, hay fever, and conjunctivitis. A full list of ailments and participating pharmacies can be found on the Common Ailments Service pages.
Helping reduce hospital stays
The Health Board emphasizes the importance of reducing hospital stays to ensure acute care is available for those who need it most. If a loved one is ready to be discharged, families are urged to collect them promptly to free up beds for other patients.
For more information on the inpatient experience, visit the Inpatient Information pages.
A thank you from the NHS
The Health Board expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation: “Your support not only helps you and your loved ones but also eases the strain on NHS and social care services.”
For further updates, contact:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Media Office
Email: [email protected]
Health
More than 300 healthcare workers from Kerala take up NHS jobs in Wales
AN EMPLOYMENT agreement has exceeded its target for recruiting healthcare workers from India.
The Welsh Government outlined a commitment to recruit 250 qualified healthcare workers from India as part of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kerala Government earlier this year.
The recruitment drive has outperformed that goal, with just over 300 healthcare workers taking up positions across all of Wales’ health boards and the Velindre University NHS Trust. Further recruitment is due to take place next year.
The commitment was made as part of Wales in India, a year-long series of events to improve economic, educational, artistic and sporting ties between the two nations.
Sharoon Kolickatharayil Nowshad, 24, had long held ambitions to move to Wales and work as a nurse, inspired by his uncle Siji Salimkutty who began working in the Welsh NHS in 2004.
Since arriving in Wales and beginning his job with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Sharoon said he has reunited with his family and appreciated the kindness shown by his new colleagues.
“I was really excited to work in the NHS” Sharoon said. “It’s always been my ambition to contribute to society, and now I get to do that here in Wales.
“Everything moved quickly once I saw the opportunity to apply, and I’m proud to work for the NHS. I tell my family and friends that it feels great to help people when they need it the most.
“When you work for the NHS, it’s not just a job or salary. It’s a great life. You feel proud knowing you’ve supported and helped others.
“The NHS has given us a great opportunity and we should always work sincerely because we love our jobs. There are lots of opportunities to advance your career, your colleagues always support you and there’s a great support network.”
Sharoon said he hopes to continue his career in the Welsh NHS by progressing to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
He added: “People in Wales are so kind, they always make time for us, whether that’s at work or at home.
“I would encourage anyone thinking of coming to Wales not to hesitate and to apply, it’s the best decision I’ve made.”
Dr Devangana Bora has taken up a position as a Senior Clinical Fellow in Oncology at Velindre NHS Trust. Born in Guwahati, a large city in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, Dr Bora has worked as an Oncologist since 2019.
“I was really nervous for the interview. When I got there they told me it was in three stages and I became more nervous,” Dr Bora said.
“After the interview, I was offered the job and I was so happy. I thought they were joking. I was so excited to take this next step in my career and move to Wales.
“The weather is cold here but the people are so warm. I have received nothing but support from my colleagues and generally the people in Wales are so friendly and helpful.”
Dr Bora said her sister is currently studying Medicine at university and has been inspired to move to Wales once she completes her studies.
Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “Alongside continued investment in training healthcare staff in Wales, international recruitment has always been one of the ways we can help address NHS workforce vacancies.
“India and Kerala in particular has a fantastic record in training doctors and nurses. We are grateful for the commitment to delivering high-quality care our new NHS recruits have shown.
“The contribution of these healthcare workers is already being felt across our NHS and it’s wonderful to see them settling into happy lives in Wales.”
Wales in India was launched on St David’s Day, March 1, by the then First Minister Mark Drakeford and Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan, beginning a year of events and cultural engagements to strengthen links between the two nations.
One of the biggest impacts on policymaking in India drew inspiration from Wales’ innovative Well-being of Future Generations Act. Through partnership working, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly introduced its own draft law called the Maharashtra Future Generations Welfare Bill in July.
Welsh Government, the British Council and Wales Arts International also made commitments to further cultural collaborations between Wales and India by investing in arts projects through a dedicated culture fund. With the support of these organisations, as well as the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, Wales was recently a partner country for Hornbill, one of India’s largest music festivals, which saw Mari Mathias and Gareth Bonello perform on the main stage with Indian musicians Seyievinuo Chuzho and Benedict Hynniewta.
In February 2025, 10 young women, chosen from 140 applicants, will travel to Kolkata to complete humanitarian work as part of a joint project with Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Her Future Coalition. The volunteers will provide support to vulnerable girls including survivors of trafficking and other forms of gender-based violence. Sport and art workshops for children will also be run by the group.
Health
Hoax calls reach three-year high, says Welsh Ambulance Service
THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has seen a staggering 37% rise in hoax calls over the past three years, wasting valuable time and resources, a new investigation reveals.
Data from Medical Negligence Assist highlights that over 700 hours—equivalent to nearly 29 full days—of ambulance crew time has been lost responding to malicious calls since 2021.
During this period, WAS crews attended 463 face-to-face incidents later identified as deliberate hoaxes, severely straining emergency services already under pressure.
Rise in hoax calls over three years
- 2021/22: 334 hoax calls; 84 face-to-face responses.
- 2022/23: 373 hoax calls; 85 face-to-face responses.
- 2023/24: 457 hoax calls; 163 face-to-face responses.
The upward trend continues, with provisional figures for 2024/25 (April 1 to October 31) already recording 345 hoax calls and 131 face-to-face responses.
Strain across Wales
The geographic impact is widespread, with hoax calls reported in all areas of Wales. WAS officials warn that such incidents divert resources from genuine emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.
A call to action
The 701 hours spent on hoax calls between 2021 and 2024 represent a critical drain on ambulance availability. A WAS spokesperson said: “Every minute wasted on a hoax call is a minute lost to someone in real need. These actions have serious, life-threatening consequences.”
“The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to recognize the harm caused by hoax calls and act responsibly.
“For information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Welsh Ambulance Service through their official channels.”
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