50% rise in under 19 Covid cases

Powys is being hit by a new wave of Covid-19 as officials claim that an almost 50% rise has been recorded in the U19 age category in just a month. 

Secondary school children are particularly affected by the latest spike, and parents and guardians are being urged that if a child has a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste, that they isolate immediately and get a PCR test.

“In addition, twice weekly LFD testing is strongly encouraged for all secondary school age learners to help identify and isolate asymptomatic cases as soon as possible,” said a spokesperson. 

“The huge increase in case numbers is also having an impact on the county’s dedicated contact tracing team which is being stretched by the volume of cases. It has asked residents to be patient warning that calls may be delayed but that the team is working hard to reach contacts.”

There has, however, been a sharp drop in those over the age of 80 catching Covid-19, with officials hoping that the booster programme is having an impact.