Newtown becomes a Wales Covid-19 hotspot

Newtown has become a Covid-19 hotspot in Wales with 1,000 cases per 100,000, one of the highest in the country.

Health chiefs have urged residents to get tested following a sharp rise in cases in the town over the past two weeks, particularly in the under 40s age group.

The number of positive cases has continued to rise with many businesses reporting staff are having to self-isolate.

There is concern that if restrictions in Wales are started to be lifted it could result in more cases in Newtown. 

"Residents in Newtown are being urged to access COVID testing as the town has become a COVID hotspot. Newtown has seen a sharp rise in COVID infection rates rise to over 1,000 per 100,000 over the past seven days, mostly in the under 40s age group," said a Powys Teaching Health Board statement.
 
"Many people are able to carry COVID without displaying any symptoms and this means that they can infect others without even realising. Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board are asking everyone to get tested, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not."
 
There is a range of testing available in Newtown:

A PCR testing centre for those with symptoms – call 119 or book online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
An LFD testing centre for those without symptoms  - no need to book, just come along between 11:30-5:30 to the Park Street Day Centre, open 7 days a week.
LFD Collection points for people to collect LFD testing kits to use at home – Boots Pharmacy, Lloyds Pharmacy, Morrisons Pharmacy in Newtown as well as pharmacies and libraries across Powys.

"With testing being faster and more available than ever before, there is no reason not to have regular tests to help keep yourself, your friends and family and your community safe," said a health board spokesperson.

"As restrictions start to lift across the UK and schools breaking up at the end of the week we must all do our bit to ensure we have a safe summer."