THERE have been two new cases of COVID-19 in Powys, Public Health Wales confirmed on Saturday.

The two new cases brings the total number to 255 and in Powys 13 people are known to have died after contracting the disease – although the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest the true number is closer to 75.

Dr Chris Williams, incident director for the COVID-19 outbreak response at Public Health Wales, has reminded residents of the dangers of the coronavirus ahead of the May bank holiday.

"With the upcoming Spring Bank Holiday, Public Health Wales reminds the public to continue to adhere to Welsh Government's restrictions on non-essential travel," said Dr Williams,

"We also remind owners of second homes in Wales to act responsibly and to avoid travelling to these homes until restrictions have been lifted.

"Social distancing rules remain in effect. Public Health Wales fully supports Welsh Government's revised stay-at-home regulations.

"The message has not changed – anyone can get COVID-19, anyone can spread it. Stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives.

"The Welsh Government announced on Friday, May 8 that lockdown arrangements would continue in Wales for a further three weeks: in Wales stay-at-home guidance remains that, wherever you can, you should stay at home.

"Although we appear to have passed the peak of new cases in Wales, COVID-19 is still circulating in every part of the country.

"The single most important action we can all take in fighting the virus is to stay at home, and we thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus."