Seven people have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours, according to Public Health Wales.

That brings the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 3,879 since the outbreak began.

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. That number stands at 217 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Localised data during the seven days leading up to February 17 shows Newtown had 21 cases, Welshpool had 11 cases, Knighton and Prestiegne with 17 cases and Brecon had 14.

Across Wales, nine more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 319 new cases.

 

Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 3,879

New cases in February 22 data – 7

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to February 17 – 95.9

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – 16th 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 217 in Powys.

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

Monday, February 22 – 7

Sunday, February 21 – 6

Saturday, February 20 - 6

Friday, February 19 - 24

Thursday, February 18 - 18

Wednesday, February 17 - 24

Tuesday, February 16 – 10

Monday, February 15 – 24

 

The national picture

A further nine people have died in Wales, taking the total to 5,246. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 6,993, according to the ONS.

There were 319 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 202,007.

Wales' seven-day case rate is now 80 per 100,000.

Around 862,248 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 42,752 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: “Coronavirus rates have fallen in every part of Wales, but remain higher in some parts.  We remind the public that we remain under level 4 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 are returning to face-to-face learning today, we thank parents for their perseverence 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 Saturday 20 February, four people from two different households are able to meet outdoors for socially distanced local exercise. Please remember this is solely for the purpose of exercise and that individuals should 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.”