Two new coronavirus cases confirmed in Powys as more events cancelled
Two new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Powys, meaning there are now eight in Shropshire and Mid Wales.
The number of people to have died from coronavirus in the UK increased from 11 to 21 on Saturday, while the number of cases rose from 798 to 1,140.
Among the new cases were two in Powys, bringing the total there to five.
A third Shropshire case was confirmed on Friday but so no updates have been issued today.
The Shropshire case confirmed on Friday involved an adult patient who had returned from an infected area and was not linked to the previous two confirmed cases, health bosses said.
The new diagnoses came as sports events including Premier League and EFL matches were postponed until April, May's local elections were cancelled and the United States declared a national emergency.
Meanwhile the UK’s approach to developing “herd immunity” against Covid-19 has been called into question by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Plans are now under way to ban mass gatherings in the UK from next week as the Government looks to make a U-turn and implement more extreme measures in the fight against Covid-19.
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Boris Johnson had faced criticism for not taking such actions, despite similar steps being taken by other European countries as the pandemic worsens.
Shrewsbury 10k run is set to go ahead on Sunday, with organisers saying they are following government advice, but other events in the region have been cancelled or postponed.
The inaugural Welshpool 10k, which was set to take runners through the town centre and the grounds of Powis Castle, should have taken place on March 29 but has now been postponed.
Organiser Alan Lewis said: "Due to fears for public safety with the growing number of coronavirus cases in the UK, the Welshpool 10k will be postponed to a new date in the future. We will now work with the relevant partners to identify a new and suitable date for our race.
"As you can imagine we are extremely sad about this situation but the safety of the runners, volunteers and local community is the most important part of our event."
Meanwhile the Proms in the Park due to be held at the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry on May 23 has also been cancelled. The centre said the decision had been taken in conjunction with the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra and other partners.
"It is a large gathering with people seated in close proximity and it was felt best we ensure safety at such an uncertain period. Our visitors' peace of mind and best interests must be prioritised," chairman Clive Knowles said.
"Tickets, which were to have raise money for the NHS, can be refunded.
"Anyone wishing to decline the refund and help us to support the NHS at this time can do so. All money raised through non-refunded tickets sales will be passed to the NHS."
Shropshire Council says it is working with health colleagues, Public Health England and partners to do everything possible to stop the virus spreading and ensure people are protected.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “We can confirm a third case has tested positive for Covid-19 within Shropshire Council local authority area.
"This is not linked to the first two cases.
"As with the first two cases, this is a case in an adult who had returned from an infected area."
She said as of 2.30pm on Friday afternoon there were no known cases of coronavirus in staff or pupils at any childcare or education setting in the Shropshire Council area.
Ms Robinson added: "Should the situation change and there becomes a need for people to take additional measures to prevent the spreading of coronavirus, specific instructions will be disseminated widely, and available online.
“Parents and carers can continue with their regular childcare arrangements until specifically told otherwise by the childcare provider or Public Health England.”
Drive-through testing centres were due to open in Shrewsbury and Telford this week, but officials say this will no longer happen following advice from the Government for people to stay at home.
Urgent cases
The third Covid-19 case in Powys was confirmed as having been diagnosed in the Llanidloes area on Friday.
Arwystli Group Medical Practice in Llanidloes said: "Due to a confirmed Covid-19 case in the practice area we (Llanidloes Medical Practice) will only be seeing urgent cases today.
"If you feel it is urgent for today please contact the surgery and we will organise a call back on the triage list.
"If you are having any flu like symptoms then please self-isolate for seven days.
"Llys Meddyg Surgery (Caersws) will be closed all day today as originally planned."
NHS bosses locally say that they are preparing a number of "practical solutions" as the outbreak is likely to spread more widely.
A spokesperson for the health service said: “As the chief medical officer has warned, NHS services will come under pressure as the outbreak spreads more widely and so it is only right we are preparing a number of practical solutions to respond.
"Last week, guidance was sent out across the NHS to help local services to prepare so patients can get the care they need which remains the priority for hardworking staff and advice will continue to be updated.”
The latest guidance issued by the Government is that anyone with symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, should not leave their home for seven days from when the symptoms started.
If symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days, people are asked to contact NHS 111 online.
Anyone without internet access is asked to call NHS 111 and for a medical emergency dial 999.
Visit gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection for more information.
