'Continue to follow guidelines' plea following rise in Covid-19 cases in Powys

This has occurred at a time when cases have been falling elsewhere in Wales, ranking Powys as the third highest rate of positive cases of Covid-19 in Wales, and the highest percentage of tests returning a positive result.

This rise is cases has also coincided with the sombre news that more than 200 people from Powys have now died following a positive test for coronavirus.

Stuart Bourne, director of public health in Powys said it was vital that Powys residents continued to respect Covid guidelines.

"The recent rise in the rate of cases is partly due to outbreaks of Covid-19 in specific settings across the county," he said. "Workplaces provide an opportunity for infection to spread, especially in settings where people work closely, where there is a high throughput of staff and where the environment may allow the virus to persist.

"It is vital that all employees in workplaces follow guidance around hand hygiene, social distancing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) both in and out of the workplace to prevent outbreaks occurring.

"In particular, car sharing and congregating at breaks or at the start and end of shifts should not take place.

"If at all possible, people should be working from home.

"There is evidence that a new, more infectious strain of Covid-19 is circulating in Powys.

"The 'Kent' variant is now commonly being isolated in the test results of Powys residents.

"This is concerning because it is more easily spread and it is more likely that exposure to the virus will lead to infection.

"This is why it remains vital that we all continue to follow the advice to stay at home, follow social distancing rules and wear face coverings in indoor public places.

"Vaccination does offer the hope of a brighter future, but for now it is crucial that we continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and others from Covid-19.

"Remember – Hands, Face, Space."