Delta variant puts local contract tracers on alert

With the Indian, or Delta, variant now confirmed in the area, residents are being urged to work with contract tracers as we bid to stay on top of the latest Covid concern.

Despite the enormous numbers of vaccines already administered, and news that only five positive cases were recorded last week, the Delta variant reportedly transmits easier than previous strains so we are all being asked to maintain a cautious approach.  

Powys County Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris, said: “The county council has a dedicated contact tracing team which has been hugely successful working with colleagues in Powys Teaching Health Board and Public Health Wales tracing individuals who have been in contact with positive cases.

“That work is vitally important if we are to stop the spread of Coronavirus and I urge everyone to help the team.

“Throughout June we are helping distribute Lateral Flow Devices through nine of our libraries where residents can drop in to collect devices for regular tests if you don’t have symptoms.

“A rapid walk-in testing centre is also operating in Newtown this month for people who do not have symptoms. This is located at the Park Street Day Centre in Newtown and is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm.”

Residents with Covid-19 symptoms should follow the latest guidance on self-isolation.

More information about Coronavirus Testing in Powys is available from the Powys Teaching Health Board website at https://pthb.nhs.wales/find/ttp