Seven people have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours, according to Public Health Wales.
That brings the total number of confirmed cases in Powys to 3,901 since the outbreak began.
There have been no further deaths due to Covid-19, meaning the number of people who have died in Powys since the start of the pandemic remains at 58. That number stands at 217 according to more accurate Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.
Localised data during the seven days leading up to February 19 shows Newtown had 30 cases, Welshpool had 10, Brecon had 13, and Montgomery, Trewern and Berriew had six.
Across Wales, 13 more people have died after contracting the virus, and there were 236 new cases.
Powys stats
Confirmed cases – 3,901
New cases in February 24 data – 7
Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to February 19 – 87.6
Why are figures lower in Powys?
Deaths of Powys residents can be skewed as many of the county’s patients deemed acute are transferred to hospitals in England.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures therefore are usually considered a stronger indicator of the overall impact of the virus, and which are based on all deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate. ONS figures stand at 217 in Powys.
Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day
Wednesday, February 24 – 7
Tuesday, February 23 – 15
Monday, February 22 – 7
Sunday, February 21 – 6
Saturday, February 20 – 6
Friday, February 19 – 24
Thursday, February 18 – 18
Wednesday, February 17 – 24
The national picture
A further 13 people have died in Wales, taking the total to 5,263. The total number of deaths in Wales involving Covid-19, however, stands at 6,993, according to the ONS.
There were 236 new cases reported, taking the total number of cases since the pandemic began to 202,560.
Wales’ seven-day case rate is now 76 per 100,000.
Around 878,506 people in Wales have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 59,279 have had their second dose.
Public Health Wales statement
Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Yesterday Public Health Wales confirmed four additional cases of the South African variant of Coronavirus in Wales since the previous update on 17 February, bringing the total number to 21.
“We have identified a single case of the South African variant as part of routine genomic sequencing in the Flintshire local authority area with no known link to relevant contacts or travel history. The individual was self-isolating while symptomatic, and there is no evidence of wider community transmission. An investigation is ongoing.
“We have identified an additional positive case of the South African variant in the Conwy local authority area. The case has a travel history, and the investigation is ongoing.
“We have identified two additional positive cases in West Wales with a link to relevant contacts. These cases are linked with the travel associated cases we confirmed on 17 February in West Wales.
“There remains no evidence of sustained community transmission of the South African variant in Wales. Anyone who is a contact of theses case will be contacted through the Test, Trace, Protect process and provided with additional advice for themselves, their household and other contacts.
“There is no evidence that the South African variant causes more serious illness, although there is some evidence that it can spread more easily, and that vaccines – although still effective – may not work quite as well against it.
“Because of the emergence of new more transmissible variants, it is even more vital that we all keep to the lockdown restrictions and do not meet other people.
“Coronavirus rates have fallen in every part of Wales, but remain higher in some parts. We remind the public that we remain under level 4 restrictions to keep infection rates falling.
“As primary school children aged three to seven years in foundation phase returned to face-to-face learning this week, we thank parents for their perseverence during the winter.
“We need your continued support to control the spread of Coronavirus, so please do not send your child to school if they are unwell, even if you are not sure if they have Coronavirus. Please continue to work from home if at all possible.
“When you take your child to school, always keep your distance from other parents, wear a face covering, and don’t stay around and chat. Please don’t invite other children or their parents to your home to play or stay, even outdoors, and even if they are in the same bubble at school.
“Make sure your child understands the importance of washing their hands regularly.
“The Welsh Government has also confirmed that from February 20, four people from two different households are able to meet outdoors for socially distanced local exercise. Please remember this is solely for the purpose of exercise and that individuals should remain at a social distance, and that this guidance doesn’t apply to private gardens.
“From March 1, the law will be changed to allow licensed wedding venues, such as visitor attractions and hotels, to re-open but only to perform wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.
“Restrictions on UK and international travel remain in place. More information on current travel guidance is available on the Welsh Government website.
“More than 850,000 people have now received a first does of the safe and effective Coronavirus vaccine. We encourage everyone, whatever their background, socio-demographic and ethnicity, to have the vaccine when they are offered it. We also stress the importance of seeking information from a trusted source such as Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government, local health board or GP.
“If you or a member of your household develop a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free Coronavirus test, either by calling 119 or by visiting here.”
