LATEST Public Health Wales data shows that 18 people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 3,477 since the outbreak began.

No further deaths of Powys residents have been recorded meaning the Public Health Wales total remains at 50. That number stands at 173 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Localised data during the seven days leading up to January 26 shows Newtown North (16 cases/258 per 100,000) and Llandrindod Wells (16 cases/285 per 100,000) in Wales' highest incidence decile. While Rhayader, Newbridge-on-Wye, and Elan Valley (17 cases), and Builth Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells (14), are in the second highest incidence decile.

Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 3,477

New cases in February 1 data – 18

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to January 26 – 124.6

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 173 in Powys.

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

Monday, February 1 – 18

Sunday, January 31 - 13

Saturday, January 30 - 32

Friday, January 29 - 22

Thursday, January 28 - 18

Wednesday, January 27 - 6

Tuesday, January 26 – 24

The national picture

A further 21 people have died in Wales, taking the total to 4,775.

There were 630 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 192,912.

Wales' seven-day case rate is now 150 per 100,000.

Around 416,306 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 841 have had their second dose.

Public Health Wales statement

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Although the data currently shows that on an all-Wales level the numbers of cases are reducing and that the incidence is now below 150 cases per 100,000 population, the rates in some areas – particularly in North Wales – are still at more than double that.

“The pressure on our hospitals is still severe and shows no signs of easing yet, so it is extremely important that everyone sticks to the rules and stays at home as much as possible.

“The announcement by Welsh Government last week that Foundation Phase pupils will be able to return to face to face learning in schools after half term is dependent on the numbers of cases continuing to reduce.

“The vaccination programme, run by Welsh Government and the local health boards, is continuing at pace, with more than 400,000 people in the first four priority groups having now received their first vaccination.

“The UK variant of Coronavirus prevalent in many parts of Wales is up to 70 per cent more transmissible, and as reported recently there is evidence which suggests that it may lead to a higher risk of death than the non-variant.

“This is a crucial time. We must ensure that we stick to the rules over the next few weeks so that the number of cases continues to reduce and that hospitals can start to recover, while the vaccination programme is underway to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

“It is important to remember that all current variants of Coronavirus are still spreading and can cause severe illness and death. Therefore it is important to stay at home, and to reduce opportunities for spread by keeping your distance, washing hands regularly, and covering your face.

“All of Wales remains in lockdown. We ask that the public adopts the same mindset for this lockdown as they did in March 2020. We understand that people are fatigued but because the new, more infectious variant of Coronavirus is circulating across Wales it is vital that we all keep to the lockdown restrictions and do not meet other people.

“This means that you must stay at home. Shop online, but if you do need to visit essential retail then do this alone, if possible, to minimise numbers of people in retail spaces, and avoid stopping to chat with people outside your household. If you must leave home keep your distance, wash your hands regularly, and wear a face mask when required according to the regulations.

“Public Health Wales is working closely with the Welsh Government as they deploy Coronavirus vaccinations through local health boards. Welsh Government is leading on the deployment of the vaccine in Wales."