Official figures show that seven people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 4,058 since the outbreak began.

There have been a further two deaths following a positive test, according to Public Health Wales, bringing the total to 62. That number stands at 242 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Localised data during the seven days leading up to March 10 shows that Crickhowell, Llangynidr and Llangorse had six confirmed cases, Newtown South (4), Llanfair Caereinion and Caersws (4), Llanidloes area (3), Welshpool (3), Llandrindod Wells (3),  Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth (3), and Builth and Llanwrtyd (3).  All other areas had fewer than two confirmed cases.

Across Wales, two more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 248 new cases.

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Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 4,058

New cases in March 15 data – 7

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to March 10 – 34.7

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 242 in Powys.

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

Monday, March 15 - 7

Saturday, March 13, and Sunday, March 14 - 21

Friday, March 12 - 5

Thursday, March 11 - 8

Wednesday, March 10 - 6

Tuesday, March 9 – 4

Monday, March 8 – 9

The national picture

A further two people have died in Wales, taking the total to 5,454. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 7,529, according to the ONS.

There were 248 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 206,653.

Wales' seven-day case rate is now 39 per 100,000.

Around 1,122,931 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 264,255 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: “Welsh Government has announced a phased approach to easing lockdown, starting with moving to a stay local requirement.

“From today, all primary school pupils and students in years 11 and 13 will return to school, and schools also have the flexibility to bring back years 10 and 12.

“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.

“Four people from two households can now meet outdoors and outdoor sports facilities can open.

“Indoor care home visits, by one designated visitor for each resident, can now restart.  Access to visits will depend on the circumstances of the visits and individual care homes will be able to provide information on how these visits can be facilitated.

“We encourage everyone, whatever their background, social demographic and ethnicity, to have the vaccine when they are offered it.

“Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the regulatory body, has said that it has not been confirmed that the reports of blood clots were caused by the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.  It has said that given the large numbers of doses administered, and the frequency at which blood clots can occur naturally, the evidence available does not suggest the vaccine is the cause. 

“People’s safety will always come first. We continually monitor vaccine safety and we are keeping this issue under close review, but evidence currently available does not confirm this vaccine is causing blood clots. People should still go and get their vaccine when asked to do so.

“The weekly incidence of COVID-19 infections is now below 50 cases per 100,000  population in more than half of the local authorities in Wales, with the overall rate at 39.1 cases per 100,000. 

“Coronavirus cases by variant in Wales are reported on the UK Government website.  The dominant strain in Wales is the Kent variant, and there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission of other Variants of Concern in Wales.

“The Welsh Government also announced an expansion of workplace and community testing, with workplaces with more than 50 employees now eligible for support to regularly test their workforce, helping to reduce the spread of the virus and allowing them to operate safely."

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

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.