DATA for the whole of October shows how the coronavirus has spread in across Powys.

Figures presented by Public Health Wales display every local authority in Wales and gives the total amount of new cases presented from coronavirus testing every 24 hours.

A more accurate picture can be obtained looking at the data relative to population sizes per area.

Looking back through October, figures show how the rate of coronavirus trends changed over the weeks for the Powys area.

The data pulled from Public Health Wales shows Powys ended the month with a much higher rate of coronavirus circulating in its population – more than tripling.

The region began the month on 26.4 cases per 100,000 and saw that rate climb week after week. The rate grew to an estimated 86.8 per 100,000 as the region entered the month of November.

As of Halloween, October 31, the Powys Teaching Health Board area recorded 864 lab-confirmed cases of the virus since the pandemic began.

The number of confirmed deaths of people due to coronavirus in the county remains significantly low compared to wider Wales standing at 17 people, according to PHW.

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales will work with Welsh Government to monitor the effect of the regulations which will come in at the end of the current fire-break period on 9 November 2020.

“We support the call for the public to take personal responsibility for their actions and to ensure that we are all doing as much as possible to limit the transmission of Coronavirus.

“As we enter the second and final week of the fire-break, we urge the public to stick to the current rules, which are vital to help us regain control of the virus, to protect the NHS, and save lives."

Dr Shankar added that, although national and local measures have made a difference, further action is needed.

He continued: “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."