THERE have been 16 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Powys today (Wednesday, November 4).

The total number of lab-confirmed cases of the virus in Powys since the outbreak of the pandemic now stands at 953. No more deaths have been recorded, meaning the total number of people to have died from Covid-19 in the county remains at 19.

Public Health Wales' 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.

ONS figures, 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.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 953

New cases in November 4 data – 16

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

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – joint 16th out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Wednesday, November 4 – 16

Tuesday, November 3 – 22

Monday, November 2 – 25

Sunday, November 1 – 26

Saturday, October 31 – 21

Friday, October 30 – 25

Thursday, October 29 – 21

The national picture:

Wednesday’s figures reveal that 44 more people have died with coronavirus – the most deaths recorded in Wales in a single day, meaning a total of 1,939 people have died in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

A total of 55,658 cases have now been confirmed in Wales, 1,202of which are new today.

It comes after Monday’s announcement from First Minister Mark Drakeford that a string of new rules will come into place in Wales once the current “firebreak” lockdown period ends next Monday, November 9.

These include two households in Wales will now be able to form a bubble and meet at home.

There will be no travel restrictions within Wales, but people will not be able to leave the country except for essential purposes such as work during England's four-week lockdown. People living in Wales will be allowed to go on holiday in Wales.

People who live and work on different sides of the Wales-England border will still be able to travel between the two nations.

All businesses that were closed throughout the firebreak will be able to reopen, but it remains unclear under what terms pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen. Rules for the hospitality industry are being given further consideration.

Groups of 15 will be allowed to meet for organised indoors activities. Outdoors, 30 people will be able to meet for organised activities under the rules, which will be reviewed in a fortnight.

Public Health Wales' statement

Dr Robin Howe, 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 recognise that many people may be finding life more challenging, resulting in difficulties with mental health. There are many agencies which provide help and support, including the C.A.L.L. helpline on 0800 132 737, which will refer callers to the most appropriate organisation according to their needs.

“If you are in severe mental distress or are having suicidal thoughts, please contact Samaritans Cymru free on 116 123.

“Today Public Health Wales is reporting 44 new deaths from COVID-19. Due to a reporting time lag, some of the deaths included in today’s total are from previous days. The data dashboard is a rapid reporting tool which is subject to ongoing revision and reconciliation.

“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.

“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.