Four people have tested positive for coronavirus in Powys since Saturday (April 3).

The total number of confirmed cases in the county since the outbreak began is 4,118.

The number of Powys residents who have died following a positive test, according to Public Health Wales, has increased to 65. That number stands at 262 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Official figures released today (Monday) cover a 48-hour period after Public Health Wales data was not released on Easter Sunday.

Localised data during the seven days leading up to Wednesday, March 31, shows that Ystradgynlais and Tawe Uchaf had four confirmed cases. All other areas had fewer than two confirmed cases.

Across Wales, eight more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 189 new cases.

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Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 4,118

New cases in Easter Monday (April 5) data – 4

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to March 31 – 9.8

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 262 in Powys.

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

Easter weekend (April 3 and 4) - 4

Thursday, April 1 – 2

Wednesday, March 31 – 1

Tuesday, March 30 – 3

Monday, March 29 – 1

Saturday / Sunday, March 27/28 – 4

The national picture

A further eight people have died in Wales, taking the total to 5,519. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 7,747, according to the ONS.

There were 189 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 209,816.

Wales' seven-day case rate is now 28.1 per 100,000.

Around 1,490,372 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 467,683 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: “Mirroring arrangements at Christmas time, we did not publish Coronavirus data on our dashboard on Good Friday (April 2) or on Easter Sunday (April 4).  We anticipated that the reported case numbers produced on Monday 5 and Tuesday, April 6, 2021 would therefore be around double the usual 24 hour figure.

“The reported case numbers for Monday April 5, which cover the 48 hour period up to 9am on Saturday, April 3, has followed the anticipated trend.

“The Welsh Government has announced a series of measures over the coming months which will take Wales into Alert Level 3 by 17 May, subject to public health conditions remaining favourable.

“On 12 April, all children will return to face to face education, all post-16 learners will return to further education, and training centres and university campuses will be able to open for blended face to face learning for all students.

“On the same day, all remaining shops can reopen, and all close contact services including mobile services can resume.

“In addition, travel restrictions on travelling into and out of Wales will be lifted.  However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. 

“Also on 12 April, viewings at wedding venues can resume by appointment, and outdoor canvassing for elections can begin.

“This slight easing of Covid lockdown rules is encouraging, however while the number of cases is declining overall, there are still several areas which have significantly higher rates.

“Over the Easter break we remind the general public that that Coronavirus has not gone away, and that there is still a large number of people who have not been vaccinated.  It is therefore vital that we all maintain constant vigilance, by keeping 2m apart from people that you don’t live with, practising hand hygiene, and wearing a mask in indoor environments."

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.