Two new Covid-19 cases were reported in the Hywel Dda Health Board area in the last 24 hours.

One case was reported in Pembrokeshire, bringing the county’s total to 280 as of today, Tuesday, the was other in Carmarthenshire, which now has 738 cases. There were no new cases in Ceredigion, which remains at 44.

Across Wales, 42 new cases were recorded, with the country’s total now standing at 14,480.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales welcomes Welsh Government’s announcement that they are following updated advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending people in Wales wear three-layer face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible.

“The evidence remains clear that maintaining a two-metre distance and good hand hygiene is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from contracting Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), but the updated guidance from the WHO says three-layer face coverings could help provide some control of the virus in specific circumstances.

“The wearing of face coverings is not mandatory, but we encourage people to do this for the benefit of themselves and others.

“This updated advice only applies to people who are not showing symptoms of Novel Coronavirus People who are symptomatic must self-isolate for seven days and get a test, as set out in existing guidance. Unless the test shows a negative result, they must not go out during this time, even with a face covering or mask.

“Any international traveller entering the UK will need to quarantine for the first 14 days upon arrival (known as ‘self-isolating’). This is because it can take up to 14 days for Novel Coronavirus symptoms to appear.

“Before their arrival, international travellers must provide contact details, including the address where they will self-isolate. Public Health Wales will write registered letters to these identified individuals. If the letters are returned, one phone call will be made.

“Public Health Wales requests international travellers cooperate in providing accurate contact details and follow the 14 day self-isolating advice.

“Contact tracing continues in Wales as part of the Welsh Government’s ‘Test, Trace, Protect’ strategy. Contact tracing is the process of identifying people who have come in contact with an individual with Novel Coronavirus in order to prevent the risk of others spreading the infection in our communities.

“Anyone who has a positive Novel 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.

“Please keep a note of your activities so you can easily remember your whereabouts on a given day, along with who were in contact with. This is for everyone’s benefit and we are grateful for your continued cooperation.

“If you are asked to self-isolate, you should also comply with this request to prevent further spread of the virus.

“You do not need to have any concerns about providing names to the tracing team. Tracers are trained staff and personal information that you provide will handled in line with data protection regulations and will not be shared widely.

“Over the last few weeks, Public Health Wales has been setting up the methods and guidance for how contact tracing will operate. We will continue to work closely to support local health boards and local authorities in delivering contact tracing.

“The Welsh Government’s revised lockdown arrangements also continue. People from two different households in the same local area can meet up outdoors, provided they continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene.

“The announcement adds that, as a general rule, people should not travel more than five miles from home. This will help to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading as people begin to travel more.

“Revised lockdown arrangements also apply to people in Wales who have been told to ‘shield’ from the virus. They are able to go outside and meet people from another household, provided they keep a two-metre distance.

“Future relaxation of lockdown measures will also be dependent on everyone following advice set out in the ‘Test, Trace, Protect’ strategy, including self-isolating when required.

“Information about symptoms to look out for is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.

“Anyone experiencing Novel Coronavirus symptoms can now apply for a home testing kit using the new UK online portal. For further information and a link to the booking website, visit: www.gov.wales/coronavirus or www.llyw.cymru/coronafeirws. This will be supported by a national 119 phone service, through which people can also order a home test.

“We are encouraging everyone to download the Symptom Study app, which has been supported by Welsh Government. The app allows users to log daily symptoms to help build a clearer picture of how the virus is affecting people. For more information, including how to download the app, visit covid.joinzoe.com.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness 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.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on hold to 111. We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

"We also want to reinforce the message from NHS Wales that urgent and emergency care services for physical and mental health are still open and accessible."