There have been 15 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Powys today.

The total number of lab-confirmed cases of the virus in Powys since the outbreak of the pandemic now stands at 1,242.

One further death with the virus in Powys has been recorded meaning the total number of people to have died from Covid-19 in the county is 24.

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 100 in Powys.

Powys stats

  • Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – 16th out of 22
  • New cases in November 17 data – 15
  • Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to November 14 – 86.1

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

  • Tuesday November 17 - 15
  • Monday, November 16 - 13
  • Sunday, November 15 - 19
  • Saturday, November 14 - 13
  • Friday, November 13 – 14

The national picture

Tuesday's figures reveal that 34 more people have died with coronavirus – meaning a total of 2,243 people have died in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

A total of 67,811 cases have now been confirmed in Wales, 705 of which are new today.

New rules have come into place in Wales since the 'firebreak' lockdown period ended earlier this month.

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 are able to reopen. Rules for the hospitality industry are being given further consideration.

Groups of 15 are 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 Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales strongly advises 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.

“We would remind everyone that Coronavirus is still active in our communities, and therefore this does not mean a return to normality. 

“We ask the public to observe the new regulations and to limit their contact with other people as much as possible so that we all work together to bring the numbers of positive cases down.

“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.

“All of these actions will help to break the chains of transmission, reduce the spread of the virus, and keep people safe.

“We understand that people will want to carry on with their Christmas shopping now the fire-break has ended. We would suggest to try to visit shops during off-peak times, to always maintain social distancing and to wear a face covering if you can. Options such as ‘click and collect’ or online purchasing may also be something to consider.

“Today Public Health Wales is adding additional data to its public-facing dashboard which will show among other data the Coronavirus incidence in the under-25s and the over-60s age groups.  This data can be accessed by downloading the report from the Local Authorities tab and it will be updated on a bi-weekly basis.

“Action has been taken following reports from health authorities in Denmark that widespread outbreaks of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been found in mink farms, with subsequent spread of a mink-variant virus to the local community.

“As a precautionary measure, Denmark was removed from the UK Coronavirus travel corridor list on Friday 6 November. Any travellers returning to the UK will now be required to self-isolate for 14 days according to the national guidance and legislation https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/self-isolating-when-you-arrive.  

“We would also advise all members of the public with pet mink or ferrets to avoid contact with them while symptomatic with any COVID symptoms.

“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. You can also find sources of advice and guidance on our website if you need some help or are worried about a loved one. 

“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 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.

“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.