THERE have six new cases of coronavirus in Powys in the last 24 hours, figures show.

Public Health Wales (PHW) statistics show that there have been no further deaths due to Covid-19, meaning the number of people who have died in Powys since the start of the pandemic remains at 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 3,872.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 3,872

New cases in as of latest data on Saturday 20 – 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:

Saturday, February 20 - 6

Friday, February 19 - 24

Thursday, February 18 - 18

Wednesday, February 17 - 24

Tuesday, February 16 – 10

Monday, February 15 – 24

Sunday, February 14 – 14

Saturday, February 13 – 12

The national picture:

There have been 16 further deaths with coronavirus in Wales taking the total number to 5,205.

Another 533 cases were reported in Wales today taking the total number since the start of the pandemic to 200,989.

The total number of people in Wales who have had their first dose of a Covid vaccine is 839,065. Second Covid jab doses have been given to 25,433 people.

Public Health Wales' statement:

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: "Coronavirus rates have fallen in every part of Wales, but remain higher in some parts. We remind the public that we remain under level four restrictions to keep infection rates falling.

"Please stay at home, meet only the people you live with, work from home if you can, wear a face covering where required, wash your hands regularly, and stay two metres from anyone you do not live with.

"As primary school children aged three to seven years in foundation phase will be able to return to face-to-face learning from Monday, we thank parents for their perseverance during the winter.

"We need your continued support to control the spread of Coronavirus, so please do not send your child to school if they are unwell, even if you are not sure if they have Coronavirus.

"Please continue to work from home if at all possible.

"When you take your child to school, always keep your distance from other parents, wear a face covering, and don't stay around and chat.

"Please don't invite other children or their parents to your home to play or stay, even outdoors, and even if they are in the same bubble at school.

"Make sure your child understands the importance of washing their hands regularly.

"The Welsh Government has also confirmed that, from yesterday (Saturday 20 February), four people from two different households will be able to meet outdoors for socially distanced local exercise.

"Please remember to remain at a social distance, and that this guidance doesn't apply to private gardens.

"From March 1, the law will be changed to allow licensed wedding venues, such as visitor attractions and hotels, to re-open but only to perform wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.

"Restrictions on UK and international travel remain in place. More information on current travel guidance is available on the Welsh Government website.

"More than 850,000 people have now received a first does of the safe and effective Coronavirus vaccine.

"We encourage everyone, whatever their background, socio-demographic and ethnicity, to have the 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.

"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 visiting www.gov.wales/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19"