Latest figures from Public Health Wales show the number of confirmed cases in Powys has stayed the same for four days.

Data released today (Wednesday, August 12) shows that the number of cases remains at 356. This comes as one new case was confirmed on Saturday. 

The true figure is likely to be higher as the Public Health Wales data relates to cases where coronavirus has been confirmed, and only includes people who have died in hospital settings in Wales.

As such, this excludes people who have died in hospitals in England, those who have passed away in care homes, and those who died without having been tested to confirm the presence of coronavirus.

Powys Teaching Health Board has suggested Office for National Statistics (ONS) data to be the most accurate, as it shows deaths where coronavirus may have been present since the epidemic began.

Figures published this week by the ONS show there were no one from Powys died with coronavirus in the week leading up to July 24, there have been 93 deaths overall, nine at home, 37 in hospital, and 47 in a care home setting.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“Public Health Wales welcomes the gradual easing of lockdown measures which will enable indoor swimming pools, gyms, fitness studios and leisure centres to re-open premises this week (Monday 10 August). Physical distancing and enhanced cleaning measures must be undertaken.  

“Children’s indoor play areas will also be able to re-open their doors, however areas such as ball pits, which aren’t able to be easily cleaned, must remain closed.

“Advice on travelling abroad, including the latest information on quarantine requirements on returning home, can be found on the FCO website.

“Public Health Wales supports the recent announcement of the four UK Chief Medical Officers to extend the self-isolation period from seven to 10 days for those in the community who have symptoms or a positive test result. This will help provide additional protection to others in the community.

"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 now isolate for 10 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."