Latest Public Health Wales figures show that 43 people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 2,735 since the outbreak began.

There have been no more deaths with the virus in the county which according to Public Health Wales remains at 36. That number stands at 147 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Localised data during the seven days leading up to January 3 shows Builth Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells recorded 42 cases, while Llanidloes, Blaen Hafren and Llandinam recorded three cases.

Across Wales, 56 more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 2,487 new cases.

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Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 2,735

New cases in January 8 data – 43

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to January 3 – 226.5

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – 17th out of 22

Why are figures lower in Powys?

Deaths of Powys residents can be skewed as many of the county’s patients deemed acute are transferred to hospitals in England.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures therefore are usually 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. ONS figures stand at 147 in Powys.

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

Friday, January 8 - 43

Thursday, January 7 – 37

Wednesday, January 6 – 39

Tuesday, January 5 – 42

Monday, January 4 – 47

Sunday, January 3 – 99

Friday/Saturday, January 1/2 – 36

The national picture

A further 56 people have died in Wales, taking the total to 3,857. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 4,647, according to the ONS.

There were 2,487 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 165,721.

As of Sunday, January 3, 49,403 people in Wales had received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, and 25 have had their second dose, according to Public Health Wales.

Public Health Wales statement

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: "The number of positive Coronavirus cases remains extremely high in Wales and is cause for serious concern.

“In the light of this, the Education Minister has announced that all schools, colleges and will continue with online learning until at least 29 January, and will remain that way until the February half term unless there is a significant reduction in transmission.

“In addition, Welsh Government have announced that, following a review, the current measures will remain in place until the 29 January.  The measures have been strengthened to include showrooms, which can operate click and collect services.

“With vaccinations for COVID-19 progressing, we welcome the start of the roll-out of the second Coronavirus vaccine (from Oxford/AstraZeneca) in Wales, with the first patients receiving their vaccine on Monday.

“The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has issued a short statement outlining the case for optimising the vaccine programme within the UK to achieve maximum short term impact.

“Vaccinating the adult population of Wales, to protect people from severe disease, is a significant task, and the vaccine will take time to reach everyone. The epidemiology of COVID-19 throughout the UK in late 2020 showed a clear need for rapid, high levels of vaccine uptake among vulnerable persons.

“The JCVI supports a two-dose vaccine schedule for the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines. Given the data available, and evidence from the use of many other vaccines, Public Health Wales fully supports the JCVI advice to increase a maximum interval between the first and second doses of 12 weeks for both vaccines.

“It can be assumed that protection from the first dose will wane in the medium term, and the second dose will still be required to provide more durable protection. The JCVI advises initially prioritising delivery of the first vaccine dose as this is highly likely to have a greater public health impact in the short term and reduce the number of preventable deaths from COVID-19.

“Members of the public should not to phone your GP, pharmacy or hospital asking when they will get a vaccine. When someone is in one of the groups eligible for the vaccine, they will be invited to attend a dedicated clinic which will have been set up to ensure patient safety and that of the healthcare professionals.

“The effects of the vaccines may not be seen nationally for some time, and with Wales at alert level four we must continue to follow the advice on keeping Wales safe.  Stay at home, meet only the people you live with, maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly, and work from home if you can.

“As indicated by the Welsh Government, the new restrictions were brought forward due to the identification of a new more transmissible variant of Coronavirus.  Public Health Wales has been working with UK partners to investigate and respond to this variant.

“It is normal for viruses to undergo mutations, and we expect this to happen.  Although the variant is easier to transmit, there is currently no evidence that it is more severe.

“We are reminding people that all current guidance relating to Coronavirus continues to apply to the new variant, including advice relating to symptoms, social distancing, self-isolation, and vaccination.

“The new variant shows up as positive in Public Health Wales’ existing Coronavirus tests, and people must continue to seek a test in the usual way if they develop Coronavirus symptoms.

“If you or a member of your household develop a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test, either by calling 119 or by clicking here.

“If you are due to travel out of the UK, please be aware of the changing situation and keep an eye on the FCO website for up to date details."

 

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