A SHARP rise in coronavirus cases in Powys has led to the local authority re-invoking its business continuity plan, in order to prevent services from becoming overwhelmed.

Powys has seen a sharp rise in the number of cases recently, with the north of the county registering the largest rise, but cases are now widespread across the county. Case numbers are particularly high among teenagers and those in the 20-29 age range and there is concern that the recent relaxation in restrictions and the resumption of large public events such as festivals and sporting events could further increase the pressure on services.

Powys County Council had announced a partial return to business as usual in May, more than a year after originally invoking the business continuity plan in response to the pandemic. Most council services were operating as normal, within Covid-19 restrictions, with social services and HR operating under business continuity plans.

A meeting of the council’s gold strategic group today (Monday, August 23) agreed to invoke the corporate business continuity plan in response to escalating Covid-19 pressures.

Dr Caroline Turner, the council’s chief executive, said: “Today’s decision has not been taken lightly but is necessary to meet the continuing challenge of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have seen a sharp rise in the number of cases in Powys recently, with the north of the county registering the largest rise, but cases are now widespread across the county. Case numbers are particularly high among teenagers and those in the 20-29 age range, though we are seeing an increase in the number of whole households who are testing positive.

“There is concern that the recent relaxation in restrictions and the resumption of large public events such as festivals and sporting events could further increase the pressure on services.

“The increase in case numbers and the length we have been responding to the pandemic is generating huge pressures for the council, particularly social services, both adult and children services, and our Test Trace and Protect team.

“Invoking our business continuity plan will allow us to concentrate resources on priority activities and ensure that we continue to deliver mission critical activities and meet our statutory requirements.”

Council leader Rosemarie Harris added: “This decision does not mean that all non-essential work will stop but will enable us to concentrate resources on priority areas, though there may be an impact on some areas. We will continue to keep the situation under review.”

Deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, Councillor Aled Davies, said: “We are mindful of the continued pressures of Covid on the public purse and will work within existing resources as much as possible and continue to draw on support from the Welsh Government’s hardship fund.”