THERE have been 11 new new cases of coronavirus reported in Powys today (Wednesday, November 25).

The total number of lab-confirmed cases of the virus in Powys since the outbreak of the pandemic now stands at 1,369.

There have been four deaths with the virus in Powys recorded since last week, meaning the total number of people to have died from Covid-19 in the county now stands at 28.

Public Health Wales' figures mostly involve hospital deaths and only include cases when the virus has been confirmed in a laboratory test.

The figures do not include deaths of residents from Powys in hospitals in England, although these are included in Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.

ONS figures, considered a stronger indicator of the overall impact of the virus, and which are based on all deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate, stand at 102 in Powys.

Powys stats:

Confirmed cases – 1,358

New cases in November 25 data – 11

Rate of new cases per 100,000 in week to November 21 – 90.6

Powys position among Welsh local authorities for rate of new cases – joint 17th out of 22

Newly-confirmed cases day-by-day:

Wednesday, November 25 - 11

Tuesday, November 24 - 9

Monday, November 23 – 9

Saturday/Sunday, November 21/22 – 26

Friday, November 20 – 15

Thursday, November 19 – 37

The national picture:

Another 40 people have died with coronavirus in Wales, taking the total to 2,446, according to latest figures.

Public Health Wales data also showed 907 more people have tested positive for Covid-19, making a total of 74,735.

Public Health Wales' statement:

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales notes the decision of the four nations of the UK regarding the relaxation of restrictions over the Christmas period, enabling up to three households to meet.

“The festive period is important for people across Wales who want to be with loved ones during the holidays, particularly after a very difficult year, but we would remind everyone that we must each continue to take personal responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable or extremely vulnerable. For many, this will mean that it isn’t possible to celebrate Christmas in the way you normally would.

“Public Health Wales is encouraging everyone who lives, works or studies in Merthyr Tydfil to attend the mass testing service at the Leisure Centre as soon as they can – even if they do not have symptoms.

“Thank you to those who have already attended and undertaken a test, as this will help us to break the chains of transmission in the area. However, in order for the exercise to be as successful as possible then we need as many people in the area as possible to be tested.

“For more information about the testing exercise, visit the MTCBC website.

“Anyone aged 11+ without any symptoms can have a test, but children under 18 will need parental consent. The more people who get tested, the more chances we have to reduce the spread of the virus.

“People with symptoms should also get tested but need to book a test either by calling 119 or by clicking here.

“Public Health Wales strongly advises the public to take personal responsibility for their actions and to ensure that we are all doing as much as possible to limit the transmission of Coronavirus.

“We would remind everyone that Coronavirus is still active in our communities, and therefore this does not mean a return to normality.

“We ask the public to observe the new regulations and to limit their contact with other people as much as possible so that we all work together to bring the numbers of positive cases down.