Coronavirus in Powys round-up – Wednesday, December 2

The figure marks a turnaround on yesterday's figures – which saw Powys record only five new cases – but continues the trend of figures in the low teens since the firebreak lockdown.

The latest figures take the overall total number of confirmed cases in the county since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,485.

There have been no more deaths from the virus in Powys, meaning the number of people who have died in the county 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 105 in Powys.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 1,472

New cases in December 1 data – 5

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to November 28 – 86.1

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – 21st out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Wednesday, December 2 – 13

Tuesday, December 1 – 5

Monday, November 30 – 19

Sunday, November 29 – 19

Saturday, November 28 – 25

Friday, November 27 – 11

Thursday, November 26 – 24

Wednesday, November 25 – 11

The national picture:

A further 51 people in Wales have died with coronavirus, taking the total to 2,614, according to the latest figures.

Public Health Wales reported an additional 1,480 cases, taking the total to 82,489 since the beginning of the pandemic.

Public Health Wales' statement:

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now authorised the first COVID-19 vaccine as safe and effective on the basis of detailed independent expert review of evidence from large scale clinical trials.

“The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine has become the first to receive MHRA clearance in the UK and 40 million doses of the vaccine will shortly be available for delivery across the UK, with Wales getting its allocation based on population.

“This is welcome news, however the effects of the vaccine may not be seen nationally for many months and it is extremely important that everyone continues to follow the advice on keeping Wales safe; keep contacts with other people to a minimum, keep a two-metre distance from others, wash hands regularly, wear a face covering where required, and self-isolating when asked to do so.

“It is now clear from the data that the coronavirus cases are rising in most parts of Wales, reversing the downward trend we had observed as a result of the fire break.

“The Welsh Government have introduced restrictions for the hospitality sector from Friday 4 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."