Workplaces urged to be Covid vigilant amid increase in cases in Powys
A public health director has called on people to be more vigilant against Covid in the workplace after a significant rise in positive cases.
Powys has seen a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the past week – while other parts of Wales, as well as Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, are seeing their rates fall.
Stuart Bourne, director of public health in Powys, said that the cases were partly due to outbreaks in workplaces.
In a 'concerning' development he said that the 'Kent' variant, known to be more infectious, was now being commonly found in cases in the county.
It comes as the number of Covid deaths in Powys has passed 200, reaching 201 according to the latest government data.
According to the latest figures the rate of cases per 100,000 people in Powys has risen by 33 to 120.
In the seven days to February 10, there have been 159 cases – an increase of 47 on the previous week.
Guidance
Mr Bourne urged people to remain vigilant in the workplace.
He said: “The recent rise in the rate of cases is partly due to outbreaks of Covid-19 in specific settings across the county.
"Workplaces provide an opportunity for infection to spread, especially in settings where people work closely, where there is a high throughput of staff and where the environment may allow the virus to persist.
“It is vital that all employees in workplaces follow guidance around hand hygiene, social distancing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) both in and out of the workplace to prevent outbreaks occurring.
"In particular, car sharing and congregating at breaks or at the start and end of shifts should not take place. If at all possible, people should be working from home."
He added: "There is evidence that a new, more infectious strain of Covid-19 is circulating in Powys.
"The ‘Kent’ variant is now commonly being isolated in the test results of Powys residents.
"This is concerning because it is more easily spread and it is more likely that exposure to the virus will lead to infection.
"This is why it remains vital that we all continue to follow the advice to stay at home, follow social distancing rules and wear face coverings in indoor public places.
"Vaccination does offer the hope of a brighter future, but for now it is crucial that we continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and others from Covid-19. Remember – Hands, Face, Space."
