Seven people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 4,146 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 65. That number stands at 265 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Localised data during the seven days leading up to Saturday, April 10, shows that Welshpool had four confirmed cases, Llanfyllin and Llanwddyn (4) and Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth (4). All other areas had fewer than two confirmed cases.

Across Wales, two more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 105 new cases.

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Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 4,146

New cases in Thursday, April 15, data – 7

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to April 9 – 14.3

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 265 in Powys.

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

Thursday, April 15 – 7

Wednesday, April 14 - 0

Tuesday, April 13 - 2

Monday, April 12 - 2

Sunday, April 11 – 3

Saturday, April 10 – 8

Friday, April 9 – 3

The national picture

A further two people have died in Wales, taking the total to 5,535. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 7,779, according to the ONS.

There were 105 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 210,681.

Wales' seven-day case rate is now 17.4 per 100,000.

Around 1,640,045 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 559,888 have had their second dose.

Public Health Wales statement

Dr Eleri Davies, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response, said: “Welsh Government announced yesterday that people who cannot work from home will be able to access free lateral flow self-test kits from tomorrow, Friday 16 April.

“The rapid coronavirus tests will be available from local test sites across Wales.

“Welsh Government also announced yesterday that, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), that people over 16 who live with individuals with severely weakened immune systems should be offered COVID-19 vaccinations as a priority.

“This week The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and JCVI provided an update on the Oxford AstraZenca vaccine following reports of an extremely rare and specific type of blood clot following vaccination.

“The AstraZeneca vaccine remains safe and effective and has already saved thousands of lives. Those who have received a first dose of the vaccine, should continue to receive a second dose.

“The risk benefit remains strongly in favour of vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine for those aged 30 and over, and those aged under 30 who have underlying health conditions which puts them at higher risk of severe outcomes from Coronavirus infection.

"However, adults aged 18-29 years old who do not have underlying health conditions will now be offered an alternative vaccine."

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.