A FURTHER two people have tested positive for coronavirus in Powys in the last 24 hours.

This takes the total number of Powys cases since the pandemic began to 4,174, with a total of three reported over the weekend.

The number of deaths in Powys remains at 66, according to Public Health Wales (PHW) figures, with that number at 267 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Powys Teaching Health Board have now delivered over 126,000 vaccine doses through its Covid-19 vaccination programme.

This includes over 88,600 first doses and over 37,900 second doses. A total of 94 per cent of people in Priority Groups 1-9 in Powys have received their first dose, and half will soon have received double-dose protection.

Over two-thirds (76 per cent) of the adult population in the county have received their first dose.

Today saw a huge step forward taken in the return to normal life in Powys as the Welsh hospitality sector partially reopened. Pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels are allowed to welcome customers outdoors from today – and two Rhayader customers took full advantage of the opportunity to sample a very early pint, enjoying a drink at the Elan Hotel with landlord Martin McDaid minutes after midnight.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 4,174

New cases in April 26 data – 2

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to April 21 – 17.4

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – joint 14th out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Monday, April 26 – 2

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:

There have been two more Covid-related deaths in Wales – which sees the overall number of deaths brought to 5,548.

Today’s figures come as pubs, cafes and restaurants in Wales reopened to customers outdoors.

Up to six people from six households are now able to meet, with social distancing and hygiene measures in place. Outdoor attractions, such as zoos and theme parks, can also reopen.

Wedding receptions and funerals can again be held outdoors at regulated premises with up to 30 people. Organised outdoor activities, such as sport activities limited to 30 people, are also able to resume.

Hospitality is set to reopen indoors from May 17, along with increased limits on those who can attend organised events, but this depends on case rates and the make-up of the Welsh Government after the Senedd election on May 6.

Wales' rolling seven-day case rate is now 13.6 per 100,000 people and more than a fifth of people in Wales have now had a full Covid vaccine.

Public Health Wales' statement:

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The Welsh Government has announced that from today, pubs, cafes and restaurants in Wales can reopen to customers outdoors.

“Up to six people from six households will be able to meet, with social distancing and hygiene measures in place. Outdoor attractions, such as zoos and theme parks, can also reopen. Wedding receptions and funerals can again be held outdoors at regulated premises with up to 30 people. Organised outdoor activities, such as sport activities limited to 30 people, are also able to resume.

“From Monday 3 May, 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.

“People should observe social distancing when meeting with others from outside their household or support bubble. The rules on meeting other people indoors remain unchanged.”