Three people have tested positive for coronavirus bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 4,172 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 66. That number stands at 267 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Localised data during the seven days leading up to Monday, April 19, shows that Newtown South had five confirmed cases, Welshpool (4), Ystradgynlais and Tawe Uchaf (4) and Newtown North (3). All other areas had fewer than two or no confirmed cases.

Across Wales, there have been three deaths and 62 new cases.

RELATED STORIES:

Powys stats

Confirmed cases – 4,172

New cases in Sunday, April 25, data – 3

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to April 19 – 18.1

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 267 in Powys.

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day

Saturday/Sunday, April 24/25 - 3

Friday, April 23 - 0

Thursday, April 22 – 5

Wednesday, April 21 – 2

Tuesday, April 20 – 2

Monday, April 19 – 8

 

The national picture

A further three deaths have been recorded in Wales, and the total remains at 5,546. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 7,811, according to the ONS.

There were 62 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 211,224.

Wales' seven-day case rate is now 13.6 per 100,000.

Around 1,768,585 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 687,049 have had their second dose.

Public Health Wales statement

Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “As of yesterday (Saturday, April 24), six people from up to six households (not including children under 11 years old or carers) will be able to meet outdoors.

“The rules on meeting other people indoors remain unchanged.

“Welsh Government has announced that further relaxations of the regulations are to be brought forward. From Monda, May 3, supervised indoor activities for children can resume, along with indoor organised activities for up to 15 adults (such as exercise classes and swimming lessons), and community centres can reopen.

“The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that pregnant women should be offered the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the rest of the population, based on their age and clinical risk group. JCVI advice is followed in Wales.

“As there is more experience of the use of the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines in pregnancy those vaccines are therefore the preferred vaccines to offer to pregnant women.

“We are no longer publishing Coronavirus data or a daily statement on Saturdays. Daily case numbers are currently low, and it’s more important to focus on the underlying trends rather than day to day fluctuations.

“Our surveillance team retains the ability to ramp back up to seven day reporting if necessary.

“We would like to remind the public that 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."

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.