Powys Teaching Health Board has urged people not to be complacent after a recent decline in the number of coronavirus cases in the county.

There have been four days over the last week in which no new cases were found in Powys, and ONS figures show that in the two weeks to May 29 one person died after contracting the virus.

But Powys Teaching Health Board's director for public health Stuart Bourne urged people to remain cautious.

“Firstly it is important for all of us to remember that Covid-19 has had a very real and tragic impact here in Powys," he said.

"According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics 86 people from Powys have sadly died with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.

“Our intelligence is telling us that the measures we have all taken to reduce the spread of coronavirus are having a positive effect. This is down to the steps taken by people across the county in recent weeks to Stay Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.

“When lock down was introduced, coronavirus was rising in Wales – there were about 400 cases a day. The risk of meeting someone with the disease was rising too.

“Today there are about 50 cases a day. This means that the risk of meeting someone with the disease, and being infected by it, is falling too. But you can be suffering from coronavirus and not know that this is happening. It remains vitally important that we maintain social distancing and the other protections which reduce the risk of becoming infected.

“So, we must not be complacent."

Mr Bourne added: “Careful progress is being taken to ease lockdown restrictions. Here in the NHS we have already taken steps to resume vital services, and we are working in partnership with schools as they make plans for the next phase of education and childcare.

"Working with Powys County Council we are delivering the county’s Test Trace Protect Service so that we can respond quickly to new cases, provide rapid testing, and support people to self-isolate to reduce further spread.

“And the clear advice for all of us is to stay local, so that we can keep communities safe here in Powys.

“So, whilst the reduced number of cases we have seen in recent days is to be welcomed, we all need to be aware how quickly this can change. And to remember the very real impact that new cases of COVID-19 will have on our loved ones and on our communities.

“During Carers Week I would like particular credit to all the fantastic carers who are playing such a vital role during the pandemic. Many more people across our communities have taken on caring roles, including to support people who are extremely vulnerable who are being advised to continue shielding until 16 August."

The message from the board remains:

  • Spot the symptoms – these include a new continuous cough, fever, or loss of sense of taste or smell
  • Get a test – Testing in Powys can be booked via www.powysthb.wales.nhs.uk/coronavirus-testing
  • Stop the spread – contact tracing teams are here to help