Local Covid cases continue to rise

July is turning into a black month in the local fight against Covid-19 after positive cases continued to rise over the past few days.

Following an encouraging June, when no more than a dozen cases were recorded across the whole of Powys, July has seen 51 cases so far, with dozens of people located through the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace, Protect strategy.

There have been a total of 353 positive cases since the first was locally recorded on March 11, up from 302 at the start of the month. There have been 7,356 tests in the county. The Office for National Statistics, who record deaths based on the deceased’s home address, have sadly confirmed 92 Powys deaths connected to Covid-19 and will publish their latest weekly figures tomorrow.

Welshpool remains the Powys focal point in the fight against the virus, with local authorities working closely with residents of the Leighton Arches traveller site who have tested positive. That outbreak is already known to have spread to a site in Craven Arms across the border.

The Welshpool area has suffered several waves throughout the pandemic and sadly there were several deaths at the town’s Rhallt care home at its height.

Understandably, there has been a large increase in the number of people wearing face masks in public about the town. From today (Monday), face coverings are also mandatory in Wales for people using public transport and taxis.

“We continue to remind the public and business-owners that we all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by always sticking to social distancing guidelines - staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly, said Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales.

“Anyone with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 infection - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of smell or taste (anosmia) - must self-isolate and seek an urgent test. 

“Confirmed cases must isolate for seven days, with members of their household isolating for 14 days until the risk of passing on further infection has gone. Combined, these simple but effective actions will ensure the virus does not spread.”