THE total number of positive cases of coronavirus identified in Powys now stands at seven, according to Public Health Wales.

It has been announced the chief executive of Powys County Council, Dr Caroline Turner, has taken the decision to self-isolate as a precaution after feeling unwell at work on Monday.

Latest figures issued by Public Health Wales state there has been two new confirmed cases in Powys.

Yesterday the body said it had issued mistaken figures last week when the Powys total rose to five and downgraded those numbers to three confirmed cases.

But the latest figures issued today are that there were total of five cases in Powys yesterday and two more today, making the total seven.

Health chiefs said yesterday they hadn’t established the local authority area of all 30 new cases announced on Monday and are still working to confirm the residential area of today’s confirmed cases.

Today Public Health Wales said a further 12 cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 136.

Officials are no longer testing all cases and acknowledged the actual number of those infected is likely to be far higher.

People have been urged to work from home and avoid unnecessary social contact.

Anyone who has either a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, or if anyone in their household has, are being advised to stay at home for 14 days.

Powys council confirmed today its chief executive, Dr Turner, has taken the decision to self-isolate.

Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harries said; “I can confirm Dr Turner is in self-isolation as a precaution. She will be working from home during the isolation period and remains in contact with cabinet members and colleagues.

All councillors have been informed of the development.

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: As we are currently only testing within hospitals, this is likely to underestimate the true number of cases. “The advice for the public has changed.

· People are being advised to stay at home for 14 days if they, or anyone in their household, has either a high temperature or a new and continuous cough

· People are now being advised to avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel

· People are being asked to work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues

· People in at-risk groups will be asked within days to be largely shielded from social contact for 12 weeks

For the guidance in full, visit the Department of Health and Social Care website: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

“People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days. They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

“They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.”

“The public play an important role in the ‘delay’ phase. By following the latest advice, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable, and delay and flatten the peak, which will reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.

“We continue to undertake priority testing in Wales. We are working closely with health boards, NHS 111 and the Welsh Government to develop systems so that NHS Wales and members of the public have appropriate access to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.”