THERE have been two deaths from coronavirus in Powys, and 26 new cases today (Sunday, November 1), Public Health Wales has confirmed.

The total number of lab-confirmed cases of the virus in Powys since the outbreak of the pandemic now stands at 890, with Public Health Wales (PHW) confirming 26 new cases overnight.

The number of confirmed deaths of people due to Covid-19 in the county is now 19, according to PHW.

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 96 in Powys.

Current picture in Powys

Confirmed cases – 890

New cases in November 1 data – 26

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to October 27 – 101.2

Position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – 16th out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Sunday, November 1 - 26

Saturday, October 31 - 21

Friday, October 30 - 25

Thursday, October 29 – 21

Wednesday, October 28 - 47

Tuesday, October 27 - 13

Monday, October 26 - 13

The situation across Wales

Another 13 people have died with coronavirus and 819 have tested positive today, according to the latest figures from Public Health Wales.

There have been 1,888 deaths reported to PHW since the start of the pandemic.

Wales has completed its first week of a 17-day national 'circuit breaker' lockdown which will run until Monday, November 9.

What does Public Health Wales say?

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “We urge the public to stick to the new rules, which are vital to help us regain control of the virus, to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“Although national and local measures have made a difference, further action is needed. 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.

“Under the rules, 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.

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

“During the firebreak it is still important to look after your health, and you can you continue to attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues.

“Attending a booked NHS flu vaccination appointment and any of Public Health Wales’ screening clinics is a legitimate reason to travel during the firebreak.

“NHS Wales is still here to help you if you need care, and it’s important you continue to attend appointments and seek help for urgent medical issues. You can leave your home to access local health services, including your GP surgery, dentist, optometrist or other health service.

“You should phone beforehand and follow any guidance your local surgery, dentist, optometrist or health service has put in place to protect you and staff, including the need to keep 2m away from other patients.

“It’s especially important to look after our mental health and wellbeing at this time. You can find sources of advice and guidance on our website if you need some help or are worried about a loved one.

“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.

“For those travelling from overseas, as of 4am on Sunday 25 October, the Canary Islands, Denmark, the Maldives and the Greek Island of Mykonos have been added to the Welsh Government’s list of countries from where you may travel to Wales without the need to self isolate. The Welsh Government has announced that from 0400 on 1/11/2020, Cyprus and Lithuania will be removed from this list, so returning travellers will need to isolate on arrival in Wales.”