Key local public services will close on Friday as part of the Welsh Government’s Coronavirus ‘Firebreak’ announcement, but schools will go back as planned on November 2.
Services including the county council’s household waste recycling centres, libraries, museums, community and leisure centres will all close at 6pm on Friday, and remain closed until Monday, November 9.
People are being asked to work from home and only leave for reasonable excuses such as exercise or medical appointments.
The county’s schools are already closed as part of a two-week half term break and were not due to re-open until Monday November 2. Primary and special schools will reopen as normal with secondary school years seven, eight and vulnerable children returning.
Pupils will be able to attend schools for exams, but pupils in Years 9 and above will have to continue their learning from home for a week.
Household waste centres will close at 6pm on Friday. The kerbside waste and recycling collection service will continue as normal.
With libraries closure there will be no Order and Collect library book collections or deliveries, no use of the computers nor browsing sessions in libraries for the firebreak period.
All library books out on loan will be automatically renewed, and no fines will apply, readers are asked to keep their books at home until libraries re-open.
Financial support is being provided to business affected by the action, the council is waiting final guidance from Welsh Government about the details of the schemes that will be put in place. Where possible payments will be made automatically. Powys businesses are asked not to contact the county council at this stage. Information will be publicised as soon as it is available.
The firebreak announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford is designed to be short but sharp to have a maximum impact on the virus.
During this time: