Powys residents are being urged to remain Covid-safe in the run-up to Christmas with case numbers in the county remaining high.
The county has seen an average of 100 new cases per day in the past month with a 500+ case rate per 100,000 population. This puts Powys above the Welsh average for case rates currently.
Powys County Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harries said: “The county has seen consistently high case numbers since the autumn with infection rates frequently above the Welsh average. With thoughts turning to Christmas and the party season it is important that we do all that we can to limit the spread of the virus.
“Case rates are high among most age groups, and it is worrying to see older groups, where the impact of the virus could be more severe, seeing escalating figures in recent weeks. We must do all we can to slow the spread, wear masks where we can and always follow national advice.
“COVID-19 shows little sign of releasing its grip on the country and we must do all that we can to protect the vulnerable and slow the spready of the disease.”
Residents are urged that if they have a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste, they isolate immediately and get a PCR test.
Please continue to help to keep Powys safe by:
- Getting vaccinated
- Getting tested if you have symptoms
- Meeting outdoors if possible
- Keeping your distance when you can
- Washing your hands
- Wearing a face covering
Rapid lateral flow test (LFT) kits are now available to collect from the county’s libraries.
Getting tested regularly is one way to know if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps break the chain of transmission and limits the spread of the virus.
You can collect two home testing kits (14 tests) at a time. LFTs are only for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms, if you have symptoms, please get a PCR test immediately.
If you use LFTs, you should test twice a week, three to four days apart. Please report rapid lateral flow test results (on GOV.UK) the day you or someone in your household takes the test. If your test is positive, you should book a PCR test within 24 hours of the positive lateral flow test result.
