NINE new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Powys by Public Health Wales on Monday (October 19).

The total number of lab-confirmed cases of the virus in Powys since the outbreak of the pandemic now stands at 654, with Public Health Wales confirming nine new cases overnight.

There remain no more deaths in Powys, with the number of confirmed deaths of people due to Covid-19 in the county remaining at 15.

PHW's figures mostly involve hospital deaths and only include cases when the virus has been confirmed in a laboratory test. The figures do not include deaths of residents from Powys in hospitals in England, although these are included in Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.

Figures from the ONS, considered a stronger indicator of the overall impact of the virus, and which are based on all deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate, stand at 95 in Powys, where it has remained since mid-August.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 654

New cases in October 19 data – 9

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to October 13 – 52.9

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – 18th out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Sunday, October 18 - 12

Saturday, October 17 – 10

Friday, October 16 – 9

Thursday, October 15 – 10

Wednesday, October 14 – 19

Tuesday, October 13 – 11

Monday, October 12 – 5

Saturday, October 10 – 9

The national picture:

One person has died with coronavirus and 626 have tested positive, according to the latest figures from Public Health Wales.

There have been 1,712 deaths reported to PHW since the start of the pandemic.

Wales will go into a second full national 'circuit breaker' lockdown for 17 days from Friday, October 23 until November 9.

Public Health Wales' statement

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales supports the announcement by the Welsh Government today of a two-week national ‘fire-break’ to disrupt the transmission of Coronavirus in Wales. These new restrictions will come into effect at 6pm on Friday 23 October, and will last until the start of Monday 9 November.

“Cases continue to rise in Wales, hospital admissions are increasing, including those into critical care, and sadly so are the numbers of people dying from the virus.

“Although national and local measures have made a difference, further action is now needed. These new rules are vital to regain control of the virus, to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“Under the rules announced today, people must stay at home, except for very limited purposes. They must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with.

“Certain businesses and venues, including bars, restaurants and most shops must close.

“Secondary schools will provide learning online only for the week after half-term, other than for children in years seven and eight. Primary schools and childcare settings will remain open.

“Face coverings continue to be mandatory in the indoor public spaces that remain open, subject to certain exemptions and exceptions, including on public transport and in taxis.

"Attending a pre-booked screening clinic, medical appointment or flu vaccination is a permitted reason for travel.

“More information about the new rules is available at the Welsh Government website.

“If you or a member of your household develop symptoms of the Coronavirus, such as a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

“Helpful advice and support is available via the NHS COVID-19 app. As well as providing alerts if you have been in contact with someone with Coronavirus, the app will also tell you the current risk level in your area.

“Information about the symptoms of Coronavirus is available on the Public Health Wales website, or via the NHS 111 Wales symptom checker.”