TWO new positive coronavirus cases have been reported in Powys within the last 24 hours – taking the total number of Powys cases since the pandemic began to 4,139.

The rate of new cases per 100,000 in the week to April 6 in Powys is down to just 6.8 – only Monmouthshire (2.1) and Ceredigion (2.8) have lower rates among Wales’ 22 local authority areas.

The number of deaths in Powys remains at 65, according to Public Health Wales (PHW) figures, with that number still at 265 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

The vaccination process in Powys continues to move ahead at an unerring pace – with more than two thirds of the county’s adult population having now had their first jab.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 4,139

New cases in April 13 data – 2

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to April 6 – 6.8

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – joint 12th out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Tuesday, April 13 - 2

Monday, April 12 - 2

Sunday, April 11 – 3

Saturday, April 10 – 8

Friday, April 9 – 3

Thursday, April 8 – 2

Wednesday, April 7 – 0

The national picture:

There have been two further deaths of people with Covid-19 reported by health chiefs in the past 24 hours.

It means the total number of deaths reported since the pandemic began is 5,533.

A further 69 positive tests were reported, taking the total number of cases to 210,515. Wales' case rate now stands at 17 per 100,000 people.

A total of 1,602,939 people have had a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and 537,195 have had both doses.

Public Health Wales' statement:

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: "As of yesterday, Monday, April 12, a number of restrictions have been eased as the levels of positive cases continues to fall.

“All children have returned to face-to-face education as well as all post-16 learners returning to further education. Training centres and university campuses can open for blended face to face learning for all students.

“All remaining shops can reopen, and all close contact services - including mobile services - can resume.

“Viewings at wedding venues can resume by appointment, and outdoor canvassing for the upcoming elections is permitted.

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

“While this easing of restrictions following the declining number of positive cases is welcome, we would remind the general public that it Coronavirus is still circulating in our communities and a large number of people have not been fully vaccinated. It is therefore vital that people observe social distancing, where face coverings when in indoor spaces, and wash hands regularly. These actions will help to prevent transmission of the virus.

“As schools return please do not send your child to school if they are unwell, even if you are not sure if they have Coronavirus.

“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 indoors, even if they are in the same bubble at school. We need to continue to limit the numbers of people we meet socially to minimise spread of the virus."