The Omicron Covid variant has yet to arrive in Powys, but we "must anticipate" it coming, the county's health board has confirmed.

Powys Teaching Health Board has confirmed it is expanding its vaccination programme to accommodate the need for an increase in the roll-out of booster jabs in response to the infectious variant.

But the health board also said the Omicron strain of Covid has not yet been found in Powys.

Stuart Bourne, director of public health for Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “We have not had our first confirmed case of the Omicron variant in Powys, but we must all anticipate that we will see cases in the county.

"Arrangements are in place for enhanced testing and tracing, and positive PCR swab results are being screened for the potential presence of the new variant.

"We are continuing to work closely with all partners including Powys County Council, Public Health Wales, and Welsh Government to Keep Powys Safe.”

The first case of the Omicron variant was confirmed in Wales over the weekend, and the Welsh Government is due to provide an update on its Covid plans on Friday.

Adrian Osborne, programme director for Covid-19 vaccination for Powys Teaching Health Board, added: “In response to the Omicron variant, the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended that Covid-19 vaccine boosters are now offered to all adults age 18 and over, and that the time interval between second doses and boosters should be reduced. We are putting in place plans to ramp up our vaccination programme in the coming weeks to deliver this.

“50,000 boosters have already been delivered in Powys, and if yours is due then look out for your invitation letter soon. Please do take up your invitation when you receive it, and if possible please attend at the time we offer you as this will help us to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

“Our reserve list is currently open to anyone aged 65 and over whose second dose was more than three months ago. You can find our reserve list and more information about our booster programme from our website.”

Mr Bourne added: “It is vital that anyone with coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate and book a PCR test. We should all continue to follow the latest national guidance including regular lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms, keeping your distance, meeting outdoors if possible, washing your hands, and wearing a face covering. More information about the latest guidance in Wales is available from gov.wales/coronavirus.”