One person has tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 4,091 since the outbreak began, official figures show.

The number of Powys residents who have died following a positive test, according to Public Health Wales, remains at 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 Friday, March 19, shows that Brecon had four confirmed cases, Crickhowell, Llangynidr and Llangorse (4), Newtown North (3) and Montgomery, Trewern and Berriew (3). All other areas had fewer than two confirmed cases.

Across Wales, three more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 159 new cases.

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Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 4,091

New cases in Wednesday, March 24, data – 1

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to March 19 – 15.9

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

Wednesday, March 24 - 1

Tuesday, March 23 – 6

Monday, March 22 – 6

Sunday, March 21 - 7

Saturday, March 20 - 3

Friday, March 19 – 1

Thursday, March 18 – 7

Wednesday, March 17 – 1

The national picture

A further three people have died in Wales, taking the total to 5,491. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 7,632, according to the ONS.

There were 159 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 208,277.

Wales' seven-day case rate is now 41 per 100,000.

Around 1,302,974 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 366,803 have had their second dose.

Public Health Wales statement

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Supermarkets can now sell non-essential items and garden centres can open in Wales. 

"This slight easing of Covid lockdown rules is encouraging and while the level of infection across Wales has declined in recent weeks, there are still several areas which have significantly higher rates.

“In many areas of Wales, the numbers of cases are falling.  It is now so important that we don’t throw away the substantial gains that we have made, and I would like to send a clear message to everyone that Coronavirus hasn’t disappeared and there are still a large number of people who have not been vaccinated.  In order to protect everyone, including the most vulnerable, we must all stick to the rules.

“Welsh Government restrictions state that you should not go into any other household or mix indoors with other people who you don’t live with.

 “If you are contacted by your local TTP team then it is important that you are truthful with them about where you have been and who you have met.  They are not there to judge, they are there to help prevent ongoing transmission of the virus and to protect the community.

“If you are asked to self-isolate by your local TTP team then please ensure that you do so for the full ten days – this will help break any chains of transmission."

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.