Powys communities are being urged to be on their guard for Coronavirus and follow social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of the virus.

Recent sharp increases in cases in Powys towns, including Builth Wells, have been linked with increased social contact resulting in a number of residents having to self-isolate.

“We have seen an increase in case numbers in Powys communities which appear to be linked to increased social contact. These cases have a significant impact on the health service, our economy and households with many individuals having to self-isolate as confirmed contacts.

" It is vital that we do all that we can to prevent the spread of the virus within Powys. Limiting contact with others whilst maintaining social distancing is a key measure along with wearing face coverings and regular hand washing,” said Stuart Bourne, Director of Public Health, Powys Teaching Health Board.

“It is important for all of us to remember that Coronavirus is a very real threat to public health, particularly with a new variant which spreads with greater speed. The best way to stop the chain of infection is to come into contact with fewer people and follow social distancing. We need to do all that we can to prevent a further rise in coronavirus cases.”

Cabinet Member for Emergency Planning Councillor Graham Breeze said: “The threat of Coronavirus has surfaced in our communities and I urge everyone to adhere to social distancing, carry out regular and thorough hand washing/sanitising and wear a face covering. When visiting essential shops and whilst carrying out other necessary business matters, please follow relevant Covid guidance made by individual operators. I urge everyone to stay safe.”

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a high temperature: this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

• a new, continuous cough: this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste: this means you have noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.

If you have any symptoms, ensure that you and your immediate household self-isolate immediately. Visit https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test or call 119 to book a test. People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119.

More information about testing in Powys is also available from www.pthb.nhs.wales/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing/

We can all help to reduce the spread of coronavirus:

• Stay at home

• Wash your hands regularly.

• Keep a social distance from others.

• Do not meet anyone you do not live with

• Wear a face covering in shops, in indoor public spaces and on public transport unless there is a reasonable excuse not to do so

• Work from home if you can.

“We all share a personal responsibility to controlling the spread of the virus. The situation can change very quickly. By following Welsh Government guidance, we can help keep Powys safe.”

The Test Trace Protect team here in Powys is working tirelessly to ensure that positive cases are contact traced, and that symptomatic contacts are offered testing. If you are identified as a confirmed contact, the Powys contact tracing team will call you from 02921 961133.

If you are called by a contact tracer, please help them in their vital work to Keep Powys Safe.