AN online symptom checker for Coronavirus has been developed.

With the 111 emergency number becoming busy in the country, the Welsh Ambulance Service has developed a new online symptom checker.

The service tweeted: "This should be your FIRST port of call for advice.

"We've launched a brand new NHS Direct Wales online symptom checker for suspected COVID-19."

Anyone worried about Coronavirus or who thinks they might have symptoms should visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/SelfAssessments/symptomcheckers/?ScName=CoronaVirusCOVID19&SCTId=175

Coronavirus can cause flu-like symptoms, incuding fever, cough and diffifulty breathing.

In its latest daily statement on the situation, Public Health Wales says it is working closely with the Welsh Government and the other UK public health agencies to carefully monitor the situation in China and implement its planned response, with measures in place to protect the health of the public.

Dr Chris Williams, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said yesterday: “Following the announcement by the Chief Medical Officer for Wales yesterday (Thursday, March 6) of a further Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) case in Wales, the total number of confirmed cases in Wales is now two.

“We have identified and contacted close contacts of the latest confirmed case, and we are taking all appropriate actions to protect the public’s health.

“The Chief Medical Officer has confirmed that the patient had travelled back to Wales from Northern Italy, where the virus was contracted. The individual has been in self-isolation since their return to Wales.

“The patient has been assessed by a specialist infectious disease consultant and is being managed in an appropriate setting, with monitoring on a daily basis."

Dr Williams added: “The public can be assured that Wales and the whole of the UK is well prepared for these types of incidents.

"Working with our partners in Wales and the UK, we have implemented our planned response, with robust infection control measures in place to protect the health of the public.

“All Welsh residents who meet the current testing criteria for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) are being offered testing.

"As of Friday, March 6, 634 people in Wales have been tested for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

"We will be publishing the number of people tested in Wales every Thursday at 3pm.

“We would encourage people to check the updated advice for returning travellers, which now includes guidance for those returning from Italy, China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Iran.

“Members of the public can help protect themselves and others by always carrying tissues, and using them to catch coughs or sneezes.

"They should bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash their hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel. This is the best way to slow the spread of most germs, including Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Public Health Wales’ trained scientists are now conducting the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnostic test in Wales.

"Over 90 per cent of the individuals who have been tested in Wales have been offered testing in their own home, making it as convenient as possible for them, as well as protecting our ambulance and hospital resources for those who need it most.”

Go to https://phw.nhs.wales for the latest information.