Dozens of cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Powys, the county's health board has confirmed.

As of Monday morning the county had 66 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, with considerably more predicted to come yet.

Stuart Bourne, director of public health for Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “Powys Teaching Health Board is managing 66 cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the county as of 9am on Monday 20 December.

“The Omicron variant is spreading swiftly, and the number of cases will continue to rise.

“Arrangements are in place throughout Powys for appropriate testing and tracing of contacts in response to all cases of Covid-19. All positive Covid-19 swab results that are processed by Public Health Wales laboratories are being screened for the potential presence of the Omicron variant, to ensure we detect cases early.

“Powys Teaching Health Board is coordinating with the wider public health system, which includes our partners in Powys County Council, Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government, as well as the local authorities and health boards that share our common borders.

“Our Test Trace Protect service is ready, and our highly successful COVID-19 vaccination and booster programme has increased its capacity."

Mr Bourne added that almost two thirds of the adult population have now been given their booster doses of the Covid vaccine, the highest rate in Wales.

“So far we have delivered more than 67,000 COVID-19 boosters doses, which means that more than 62 per cent of our adult population has received this vital protection," he said.

“I would encourage all Powys residents to take up the offer of vaccination when it is made, and to follow the same simple guidance on face coverings, hand washing, social distancing and ventilation of enclosed spaces.

“If you have missed your first or second dose vaccination of the COVID-19 vaccine do not worry. Your first and second dose is waiting for you on a drop-in basis at our three mass vaccination centres in Bronllys, Builth Wells and Newtown.

“We can also offer you a booster dose before the end of December if it is more than three months since your second dose. You can book your booster vaccination online by visiting here. Please keep checking back as new appointments are being added daily.

“In line with Welsh Government advice, I would also strongly urge everyone to ‘flow before you go’, and to take a lateral flow test before going out. You can find out where to get lateral flow tests here. If the test is positive, do not go out, arrange for a PCR test and self-isolate.

“Students preparing to leave college and university to return home for Christmas should test before travel.