THERE has been a rise in the number of coronavirus cases confirmed in Powys in the last few days.

Figures released on Monday, July 13, by Public Health Wales (PHW) show the total number of confirmed cases in the county has risen from 302 to 305 since last Friday, with two new cases confirmed at the weekend and another found today.

Prior to the weekend Powys had gone a week without any new confirmed cases.

The number of deaths reported in Powys remains at 15 , although the true figures are likely to be higher.

Powys Teaching Health Board has suggested that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data is more accurate, and that shows 92 deaths where coronavirus may have been present since the epidemic began.

Public Health Wales figures relate to cases where coronavirus has been confirmed, and only include 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.

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 with the opening of hairdressers, pub gardens and outdoor cafes and restaurants from today.

“However, we continue to caution and 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. When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household.

"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.