A coronavirus warning has been sent out after a sharp rise in cases in the Newtown area.

Powys Teaching Health Board is urging as many people as possible to visit the testing centre at Park Street Day Centre which has reopened to help stop the spread of the virus.

Newtown has seen a sharp rise in Covid infection rates with more than 1,000 per 100,000 over the past seven days, mostly in the under 40s age group.

A spokesperson for Powys Teaching Health Board said: "Many people are able to carry Covid without displaying any symptoms and this means that they can infect others without even realising.

"With testing being faster and more available than ever before, there is no reason not to have regular tests to help keep yourself, your friends & family and your community safe.

"As restrictions start to lift across the UK and schools breaking up at the end of the week we must all do our bit to ensure we have a safe summer."

There is a range of testing available in Newtown:

  • A PCR testing centre for those with symptoms – call 119 or book online.
  • An LFD testing centre for those without symptoms  - no need to book, just come along between 11.30am and 5.30pm to the Park Street Day Centre, open seven days a week.
  • LFD Collection points for people to collect LFD testing kits to use at home – Boots Pharmacy, Lloyds Pharmacy, Morrisons Pharmacy in Newtown as well as pharmacies and libraries across Powys.

The spike in Newtown sees the area with 76 confirmed cases between July 2 and 8 which is more than a third of the total number of cases in Powys.

Latest figures from Public Health Wales show Covid rates in Newtown South is more than 700 per 100,000, and in Newtown North it is 645 per 100,000.

Powys Teaching Health Board added: "Covid symptoms range from extremely serious to those who have no idea that they have the virus. Those with no symptoms may be ‘silent spreaders’; infecting others without realising it.

"We ask that as many people as possible come forward for testing. The Park Street centre is able to carry out rapid Covid tests for anyone who does not have any symptoms of Covid. It’s really quick and easy; the test takes just a few minutes and results will be sent by text in half an hour."

The testing centre, opposite Lloyds Pharmacy, is open every day from 11.30am to 5.30pm.