Residents in the county are being urged to get tested after the Delta variant – formerly known as the Indian variant – was confirmed in Powys.
This follows a similar message from health experts in Gwynedd last week who warned the people of Porthmadog to get tested if they displayed symptoms after two cases of the variant were identified in the town.
“Coronavirus continues to be a major threat to public health, and new variants are circulating,” said Stuart Bourne, director of public health for Powys Teaching Health Board.
“Cases of the Delta variant have now been confirmed in Powys.
“The Delta variant first appeared in parts of the north of England, including Bedford, Bolton and Blackburn and has spread rapidly since then.
“There is no evidence yet that it is more severe, but it is more transmissible.
“This means that everyone should follow the simple rules of Hands - Face – Space, and everyone who is eligible should complete the full two dose course of vaccination.”
“Throughout June, PCR tests for people with Covid-19 symptoms continue to be available from our testing sites in Brecon, Builth Wells, Machynlleth, Newtown, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais. You can also order these tests by post.
“We have also increased the number of locations where you can drop in to collect lateral flow devices for regular tests if you don’t have symptoms.
“Lateral flow devices can be collected from Brecon, Builth Wells, Crickhowell, Hay-on-Wye, Llandrindod Wells, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Newtown and Ystradgynlais. You can also order lateral flow devices by post.
“And throughout June we have a rapid walk-in testing centre in Newtown for people who do not have symptoms. This is open to everyone. It is located at the Park Street Day Centre in Newtown and is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm.”