Coronavirus cases are rising sharply in the area, health chiefs have warned, as Wales-wide they are falling.
It comes as figures Wales-wide show a decline and as more than 200 people have now died in the county following a positive text for Covid-19.
Today, Powys Teaching Health Board issued a warning that they are becoming concerned at the rise, including in Newtown.
Over the past seven days (up to 10 February) there had been 15 new cases in the town (nine in Newtown North and six in Newtown South). Over the past 21 days (up to 10 February) there have been 48 cases - 548 per 100,000.
Stuart Bourne, Director of Public Health in Powys explains: “The recent rise in the rate of cases is partly due to outbreaks of COVID-19 in specific settings across the county. Workplaces provide an opportunity for infection to spread, especially in settings where people work closely, where there is a high throughput of staff and where the environment may allow the virus to persist.
“It is vital that all employees in workplaces follow guidance around hand hygiene, social distancing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) both in and out of the workplace to prevent outbreaks occurring.
"In particular, car sharing and congregating at breaks or at the start and end of shifts should not take place. If at all possible, people should be working from home.
“There is evidence that a new, more infectious strain of COVID-19 is circulating in Powys. The ‘Kent’ variant is now commonly being isolated in the test results of Powys residents. This is concerning because it is more easily spread and it is more likely that exposure to the virus will lead to infection.
“This is why it remains vital that we all continue to follow the advice to stay at home, follow social distancing rules and wear face coverings in indoor public places. Vaccination does offer the hope of a brighter future, but for now it is crucial that we continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. Remember - Hands, Face, Space.”
Please remember, all of Wales is in lockdown (alert level 4) where people must follow national guidelines and:
stay at home
meet only the people you live with
work from home if you can
wear a face covering where required
wash your hands regularly
stay 2 metres from anyone you do not live with