Spike prompts 'no appointment' vaccination day

Health chiefs are urging residents who haven't yet had their first Covid-19 vaccine to attend a special 'no appointment needed' drop-in session on Friday.

It comes following a surge of positive cases in the town since last weekend.

Several businesses have been hit after staff were told to self-isolate following positive cases over the weekend.

The recently opened 23 Social bar announced on Monday that it would not be opening until this weekend after some staff tested positive.

It is understood many customers who attended the venue on Friday and Saturday have been told to self-isolate.

Other businesses in the town are understood to have seen staff having to self-isolate as well.

On Friday, the Powys Teaching Health Board is to provide a day of first dose vaccinations without appointments at the Maldwyn Leisure Centre.

"Cases of COVID are rising again in the community and it is essential that as many people as possible are vaccinated as quickly as possible," said a statement.

"As part of our ‘Leave no one behind’ policy on COVID vaccination, Powys Teaching Health Board will be offering a first-dose drop-in vaccination session in Newtown on Friday, 9 July.

"Anyone in Powys aged 18+ who has not yet had their first-dose of COVID vaccine can come along to the Mass Vaccination Centre at the Maldwyn Leisure Centre between 8.30am and 4.30pm to receive their vaccine.

"No appointment is needed to attend this session."