THERE have been 48 new cases of coronavirus, and one more death with the virus, confirmed in Powys today (Friday, November 6).

The total number of lab-confirmed cases of the virus in Powys since the outbreak of the pandemic has passed the 1,000 mark and now stands at 1,027

No further deaths with the virus in Powys have been recorded meaning the total number of people to have died from Covid-19 in the county remains at 20.

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 – 1,027

New cases in November 5 data – 48

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to October 27 – 775.5

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

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Friday, November 6 – 48

Thursday, November 5 – 26

Wednesday, November 4 – 16

Tuesday, November 3 – 22

Monday, November 2 – 25

Sunday, November 1 – 26

Saturday, October 31 – 21

The national picture:

Wednesday’s figures reveal that 13 more people have died with coronavirus – meaning a total of 1,982 people have died in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

A total of 58,279 cases have now been confirmed in Wales, 1,352 of which are new today.

On Monday the First Minister Mark Drakeford announced 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 November 9. 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.

“Ahead of Remembrance Sunday this weekend, we are reminding the public that outdoor Acts of Remembrance can be held this weekend involving a maximum of 30 people, including event organisers. Indoor services are not permitted, so we would ask people to be responsible when paying their respects to those who have lost their lives in wars.

“As we approach the end of the fire-break period in Wales, we remind everyone that this does not mean a return to normality.

“Coronavirus is still active in communities across Wales, so we all need to take steps to keep everyone safe and to prevent the transmission of the disease.

“This means staying out of other people’s homes, limiting the times and the numbers of people that you meet, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene, working from home if you can, and self-isolating if you show symptoms of coronavirus or are asked to do so by contact tracers.

“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."