There are new coronavirus cases in Powys, according to latest figures released by Public Health Wales this afternoon.

Today (Friday, July 10) marks the eighth day in succession that no new confirmed case has been recorded in the county, which remains at 302. The number of deaths also remains at 15, according to Public Health Wales.

However, this is likely to be much higher.

Powys Teaching Health Board has suggested that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data is more accurate, and that shows 92 deaths where coronavirus may have been present since the epidemic began.

Public Health Wales figures relate to cases where coronavirus has been confirmed, and only include people who have died in hospital settings in Wales.

Therefore, this excludes people who have died in hospitals in England, those who have passed away in care homes, and those who died without having been tested to confirm the presence of coronavirus.

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: 

“We all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others and washing hands regularly.  You should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

“Contact tracing continues in Wales as part of the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace, Protect strategy.  Anyone who has a positive 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 you were in contact with.

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

“Tracers are trained staff and personal information that you provide will handled in line with data protection regulations and will not be shared widely.

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

“Anyone experiencing Coronavirus symptoms can apply for a home testing kit by visiting www.gov.wales/coronavirus, or by calling the national 119 phone service.

“Anyone with suspected coronavirus 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.”