ONE person has tested positive for coronavirus in Powys in the last 48 hours

The total number of confirmed cases in the county since the outbreak began is 4,119.

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

Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 4,119

New cases in April 5 / 6 data – 1

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

Monday / Tuesday, April 5/6 - 1

Easter weekend (April 3 and 4) - 4

Thursday, April 1 – 2

Wednesday, March 31 – 1

Tuesday, March 30 – 3

The national picture

A further two people have died in Wales, taking the total to 5,521. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 7,747, according to the ONS.

There were 126 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 209,942.

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

A total of 1,493,192 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 469,251 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: “We urge anyonne over 50 who has not yet received an invite for their vaccination to contact their local health board. Details of which can be found here:https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed

“Starting on April 17, we will no longer be publishing Coronavirus data or a daily statement on our website on Saturdays. Our surveillance team will however retain the ability to ramp back up to seven day reporting if necessary.

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

“On April 12, 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 April 12, 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.

“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.

“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."