ANOTHER 24 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Powys in the last 24 hours, figures show.

Public Health Wales (PHW) statistics show that another person has died due to Covid-19, taking the number of people who have died in Powys to 58.

The number of deaths is significantly higher according to more reliable Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures. ONS stats reveal Powys deaths stand at 201, which has not changed in a few days.

Deaths of Powys residents are typically skewed because many of the county’s patients deemed acute are transferred to hospitals in England. ONS figures are therefore 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.

The latest PHW statistics show that the total number of cases in the county since the pandemic began now stand at 3,795.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 3,795

New cases in February 17 data – 24

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to February 11 – 117

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – Joint 12th out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Wednesday, February 17 - 24

Tuesday, February 16 – 10

Monday, February 15 – 24

Sunday, February 14 – 14

Saturday, February 13 – 12

Friday, February 12 – 41

Thursday, February 11 – 37

The national picture:

There have been 30 further deaths with coronavirus in Wales taking the total number to 5,175.

Another 374 cases were reported in Wales today taking the total number since the start of the pandemic to 374.

The total number of people in Wales who have had their first dose of a Covid vaccine is 807,351. Second Covid jab doses have been given to 12,988 people.

Public Health Wales' statement:

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Over 200,000 cases of Coronavirus have now been reported in Wales. Some people with the virus have had no symptoms. Others have sadly passed away.

“The vaccines are bringing hope for the future. But for now it’s more important than ever to stick to the rules and keep Wales safe.

“You can now not travel directly to Wales if you’ve visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days. These banned countries are often called ‘RED list’ (countries where new variant covid strains have been found). You will only be able to enter Wales from RED list countries via a designated port of entry and isolate for 10 days in a nearby managed quarantine hotel. There are no designated ports of entry in Wales.

“For more information on current guidance go to: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-travel

“Vaccinating the adult population of Wales, to protect people from severe disease, continues at a pace but is a significant task and the vaccine will take time to reach everyone. The effects of the vaccines may not be seen nationally for some time and everyone – including those who have been vaccinated - must continue to follow the advice on keeping Wales safe.

“Although the data currently shows that on an all-Wales level the numbers of cases are reducing and that the incidence is now below 90 cases per 100,000 population, the rates in some areas – particularly in North Wales – are still significantly higher, and there have been small increases in others.

“It is encouraging to see that the numbers of people being treated for Coronavirus in our hospitals is reducing, but there are still a large number of people who are extremely ill, which means that the pressure on services is still very high.

“All of Wales remains in lockdown. We recognise that complying with the restrictions can be challenging, but Coronavirus is still active in our communities and can cause severe illness and death. The reduction in the number of cases does not mean that people can meet people from other households (apart from one person for socially distanced exercise), as this can cause the virus to spread.

“As a nation, we have made so many sacrifices throughout the course of the pandemic that we really don’t want to squander the gains that have been made in recent weeks.

“We encourage everyone, whatever their background, socio-demographic and ethnicity, to have the Coronavirus vaccine when they are offered it. We also stress the importance of seeking information from a trusted source such as Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government, local health board or GP.