Coronavirus infections have risen sharply across Powys over the past week, the health board has warned.

Powys Teaching Health Board said people testing positive for Covid-19 has more than doubled since the end of February.

Residents are being urged to take precautions even if they are not required by law.

Alison Merry, Deputy Director of Public Health, urged people to be cautious to avoid escalating infection numbers and putting a strain on stretched NHS resources.

“It has been a couple of weeks since a number of legal restrictions were removed and we are expecting further changes towards the end of March, but it is clear Covid is very much with us, and we need to stay vigilant.

“Case rates in the county have increased over the past week. In Powys, there are currently over 250 cases per 100,000 population and we know that rates are considerably higher in some neighbouring areas.

“The increasing number of cases that we are seeing could increase the pressure on the already stretched health and care system.

“We urge residents to be cautious, get both vaccination jabs and the booster when invited, limit your contacts, take a lateral flow test and register the results. Wear a mask even if you are not required to help slow the spread of infection.”

Latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest 1 in 30 people in Powys have tested positive for the virus over the seven days to March 12.

Positive Covid cases in Powys 

Seven days leading up to Monday, March 14

  • Brecon - 38
  • Llanfyllin and Llanwddyn - 35
  • Crickhowell, Llangynidr and Llangorse - 30
  • Ystradgynlais and Tawe Uchaf - 27
  • Builth Wells - 25
  • Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth - 21
  • Newtown North - 20
  • Machynlleth and Banwy - 20
  • Knighton and Presteigne - 20
  • Llanfair Caereinion and Caersws - 19
  • Llanidloes, Blaen Hafren and Llandinam - 19
  • Sennybridge and Talybont-on-Usk - 18
  • Welshpool - 16
  • Abermule, Churchstoke and Kerry - 15
  • Rhayader, Newbridge-on-Wye and Elan Valley - 15
  • Newtown South - 14
  • Four Crosses and Guilsfield - 13
  • Montgomery, Trewern and Berriew - 10

How to keep safe from Covid:

· get both jabs and when invited, get your booster

· limit your contacts

· outdoors is safer than indoors · do a lateral flow test before seeing others

· take a lateral flow test if you do not have symptoms and are aged over 11

· if you have symptoms, self-isolate and book a PCR test

· wear a face covering