NINETEEN new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Powys for the second successive day.

The latest new instances take the overall total number of confirmed cases in the county since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,467.

There have been no more deaths with the virus in Powys, meaning the number of people who have died with the virus in Powys remains at 29, according to Public Health Wales data.

Acute patients from Powys are usually treated across the border at hospitals in England, so deaths of Powys residents usually only appear in registrations reported later by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Those ONS figures – which are higher – also count both confirmed and suspected cases of Covid, as well as deaths in all settings, including care homes, hospices and people's own homes. The most recent weekly figures are the highest since May.

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 102 in Powys.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 1,467

New cases in November 29 data – 19

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to November 27 – 84.6

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – 18th out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Monday, November 30 – 19

Sunday, November 29 – 19

Saturday, November 28 – 25

Friday, November 27 – 11

Thursday, November 26 – 24

Wednesday, November 25 – 11

Tuesday, November 24 – 9

Monday, November 23 – 9

The national picture:

Three more people have died with coronavirus in Wales, taking the total to 2,540, according to the latest figures.

Public Health Wales data also showed 802 more people had tested positive for Covid-19, taking the total to 80,342.

The latest figures follow today's announcement from Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford that pubs, restaurants and bars will be forced to shut after 6pm.

Scotland has been the most successful UK nation at controlling the virus with a seven-day infection rate of 126.4 cases for every 100,000 people, compared to 157.2 in Northern Ireland, 198.5 in Wales and 200.4 in England – according to the data from the UK Government.

Cinemas, bowling alleys and indoor entertainment venues will also have to shut before the festive break. A date for these to close has not yet been agreed.

Public Health Wales' statement:

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The Welsh Government have today introduced restrictions for the hospitality sector from Friday 6 December ahead of Christmas period, in order to reduce the opportunities for the virus to spread in our communities and to keep people safe.

“Pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes will need to close at 6pm apart from takeaway services, and will not be able to serve alcohol.

“Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, bingo halls, soft play centres and bowling alleys must close from the same date, as must indoor visitor attractions such as museums, galleries and heritage sites.

“Public Health Wales strongly urges everyone to follow these rules, to avoid transmission of Coronavirus and to protect everyone in our communities, including the most vulnerable.

“Due to high numbers of positive cases in Torfaen, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is opening a number of mobile COVID-19 testing units across Torfaen. The mobile units will provide a walk up testing service for residents who live nearby from 9:30 until 15:30 on Monday 30 November and Tuesday 1 December. More locations across Torfaen and dates for the next two weeks will be announced early this week.

“Torfaen residents who experience even mild symptoms of coronavirus – a fever, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell – or feel generally unwell, should call 0300 30 31 222 or visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test to book a test.

“The festive period is important for people across Wales who want to be with loved ones during the holidays, particularly after a very difficult year, but we would remind everyone that we must each continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable or extremely vulnerable. For many, this will mean that it isn’t possible to celebrate Christmas in the way you normally would.

“Public Health Wales is encouraging everyone who lives, works or studies in Merthyr Tydfil to attend the mass testing service at the Leisure Centre as soon as they can – even if they do not have symptoms."