Official figures show that three people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 4,071 since the outbreak began.

One more Powys resident has died following a positive test, according to Public Health Wales, bringing the total to 63. That number stands at 248 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Localised data during the seven days leading up to Monday, March 15, shows that Crickhowell, Llangynidr and Llangorse had five confirmed cases, Llanfair Caereinion and Caersws (4), Brecon (3) and Ystradgynlais and Tawe Uchaf (3). All other areas had fewer than two confirmed cases.

Across Wales, six more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 208 new cases.

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Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 4,071 

New cases in Saturday, March 20, data – 3

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to March 15 – 24.2

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 248 in Powys.

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

Saturday, March 20 - 3

Friday, March 19 – 1

Thursday, March 18 – 7

Wednesday, March 17 – 1

Tuesday, March 16 – 1

Monday, March 15 – 7

The national picture

A further six people have died in Wales, taking the total to 5,482. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 7,632, according to the ONS.

There were 208 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 207,646.

Wales' seven-day case rate is now 42 per 100,000.

Around 1,231,830 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 329,530 have had their second dose.

Public Health Wales statement

Dr Christopher Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “This weekend we would like to encourage the public in Wales to enjoy sporting events, such as the Six Nations, with members of our own households only, and to avoid meeting others. 

“While the level of infection across Wales has declined in recent weeks, there are still several areas which have substantially higher rates.

“It is vitally important that we don’t lose the substantial gains that have been made, and therefore I would like to send a clear message to everyone that Coronavirus hasn’t gone away and there are still a large number of people who have not been vaccinated.  In order to protect everyone, including the most vulnerable, everyone must stick to the rules."

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.