LATEST Public Health Wales data shows that 24 people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 3,526 since the outbreak began.

The number of Powys residents who have died with coronavirus remains at 50, according to Public Health Wales. That number stands at 173 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Across Wales, 35 more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 544 new cases.

Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 3,526

New cases in February 4 data – 24

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to January 29 – 98.9

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

Thursday, February 4 - 24

Wednesday, February 3 - 9

Tuesday, February 2 – 16

Monday, February 1 – 18

Sunday, January 31 - 13

Saturday, January 30 - 32

Friday, January 29 - 22

The national picture

A further 35 people have died in Wales, taking the total to 4,867. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 5,877, according to the ONS.

There were 544 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 194,525.

Around 490,570 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 1,216 have had their second dose.

Public Health Wales statement

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “We have identified 13 cases of the South African variant of Coronavirus in Wales. Ten of these have a travel link to Southern Africa or international travel

“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 area 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."