CASES of the Indian variant of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Powys, the local health board has announced.

Powys Teaching Health Board confirmed that a total of four cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the last week in Powys. They said this includes all cases across all variants.

Following confirmation of cases of the new Delta variant in the county, health chiefs are renewing their call for residents to “get tested” if they have symptoms and participate in vaccination.

The Delta variant, formerly known as the Indian variant, has taken over as the dominant strain of coronavirus in areas of England and Scotland. In Wales, 97 cases of the variant have been confirmed so far, with First Minister Mark Drakeford describing its emergence as the latest “unpleasant surprise” that coronavirus has thrown at us over the past 15 months.

“Coronavirus continues to be a major threat to public health, and new variants are circulating,” said Stuart Bourne, director of public health for Powys Teaching Health Board.

“Cases of the Delta variant have now been confirmed in Powys. The Delta variant first appeared in parts of the north of England, including Bedford, Bolton and Blackburn and has spread rapidly since then.

“There is no evidence yet that it is more severe, but it is more transmissible. This means that everyone should follow the simple rules of ‘Hands – Face – Space’, and everyone who is eligible should complete the full two dose course of vaccination.

“Throughout June, PCR tests for people with Covid-19 symptoms continue to be available from our testing sites in Brecon, Builth Wells, Machynlleth, Newtown, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais. You can also order these tests by post.

“We have also increased the number of locations where you can drop in to collect lateral flow devices for regular tests if you don’t have symptoms. These are available for anyone who can work from home, for volunteers, and for unpaid carers. Lateral flow devices can be collected from Brecon, Builth Wells, Crickhowell, Hay-on-Wye, Llandrindod Wells, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Newtown and Ystradgynlais. You can also order lateral flow devices by post.

“And, throughout June we have a rapid walk-in testing centre in Newtown for people who do not have symptoms. This is open to everyone. It is located at the Park Street Day Centre and is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm.”

If you have Covid symptoms then you should follow the latest guidance on self-isolation. People with confirmed Covid are also encouraged to take part in contact tracing to help stop the spread.

More information about testing in Powys is available from pthb.nhs.wales/find/ttp.