Local Covid wave eases

Following last week’s confirmed Covid-19 outbreak in Welshpool, the wave appears to have eased off with only two positive cases reported for the whole of Powys since Monday.

However, it is still not clear still whether the latest figures released today by Public Health Wales include any positive cases picked up this week through the Test, Track, Protect operation implemented following the outbreak which centred on the Leighton Arches site.

The figures show that just 354 positive cases, from 7,773 tests, have been recorded in Powys since the first was detected on March 11 – four-and-a-half months ago – and the Office for National Statistics also confirmed this week that no new Powys deaths had been recorded for the third week in a row. It still shows that up to and including July 17, 92 Powys residents have had Covid-19 mentioned on their death certificates.

Across Wales, the figures continue to remain low too, with just 26 new cases reported in the whole country over the last 24 hours, and, sadly, four deaths.

Nevertheless, despite the more encouraging news following a couple of worrying weeks, the advice remains to take precautions with more local places requesting that visitors wear face coverings.

This Monday will also see the tight lockdown restrictions eased once again.

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“Welsh Government has announced changes to the lockdown effective Monday. The restrictions preventing more than two households or extended households meeting outdoors will be changed to allow up to 30 people to meet outdoors. Physical distancing must be maintained at all times.

“Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes will be able to re-open indoors. As will indoor bowling alleys, auction houses and bingo halls. Licensed wedding venues will be able to re-open to provide wedding ceremonies. However, indoor receptions will not be able to take place for the time being.

“Finally, children under the age of 11 will no longer have to maintain a two metre distance from each other or from adults. This reflects scientific evidence which indicates the risk of transmission is lower among this age group. However, it is very important older children and young adults continue to follow social distancing and the other measures to keep them safe.

For the latest Public Health Wales figures, visit here