“Young people” fuelling local Covid wave

Young people are fuelling the latest Covid-19 wave which has smashed into the Newtown area this week and is overspilling into the Welshpool area.

Local cases have rapidly risen over the past week, with Newtown being declared a ‘Covid hotpot’ but a large number of Welshpool cases have been reported, especially amongst youngsters with the positive case numbers similar to those recorded at the peak of the second wave in January.

Due to the sheer number of local people now self-isolating, Powys is being supported by the national surge team, and checks are being carried out at homes to ensure the isolation instructions are being followed.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “There has been a significant increase in the number of positive Coronavirus cases in Powys in the past few days with the county seeing rates very similar to those witnessed in January. 

“Cases have predominantly been among young people which has generated more contacts with confirmed cases. In January, a confirmed case generated an average of three contacts, the current rate sees every confirmed case generating more than six contacts.

“In the period July 5 -12, there were 301 positive cases which generated nearly 1,667 contacts for our TTP contact team to contact. The majority of confirmed cases, 97%, were contacted within 48 hours and 73% of their contacts within the same period and 85% overall.

“Contact attempts are still ongoing for those that have not yet been followed up. Contact cases are also all being texted and asked to isolate, until they receive a call from the team. 

“The county has received support from the national surge team to manage the significant increase in numbers and is looking to strengthen its contact tracing team.

“School contacts are advised to self-isolate by the affected school and are a lower priority for the TTP team.

“Daily checks take place on all contacts via SMS or phone calls and public protection officers carry out random home visits.”

It is not clear whether the latest wave is translating into hospital admissions with Powys having one of the most number of double vaccinated people in Britain. We have asked Shrewsbury Hospital for an indication on numbers, but, to date, there has been no response.