THE number of people in Powys with confirmed coronavirus now stands at eight, Public Health Wales has said.

It confirmed 24 new cases bringing the Welsh total to 170 but health chiefs say the real figures are likely to be much higher as they are no longer testing. The Welsh Government has said all frontline NHS staff will be tested.

Of the confirmed cases eight are in the Powys Teaching Health Board area. On Monday the county’s total was seven but at that stage Public Health Wales was giving cases by local authority area, though the Powys health board covers the same area as the county council.

It has now issuing confirmed cases by health board area with the highest number, 76, in Gwent’s Aneurin Bevan health board.

r Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:“Twenty-four new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 170, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.

“As has been reported previously, two people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales, and this is reflected in the Welsh Government decision yesterday to close schools 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. Based on careful risk assessment, a phased rollout of testing will commence starting with health care workers involved in frontline patient facing clinical care.

"Testing capacity is being expanded and is currently prioritised for patients, health care workers involved in frontline patient facing clinical care and others where recommended by health board medical directors. As our testing capacity increases, further guidance will be issued on those who are eligible for testing.

“Members of the public should follow the latest public health advice, which was updated on Monday 16 March.”

“The updated guidance is:

People who live with others should 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 who live alone should stay at home for seven days if they develop a high temperature or a new and continuous cough

Everyone should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel

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

People over 70, and vulnerable groups of any age will be asked within days to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

For the guidance in full, visit the Department of Health and Social Care website: Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response

Dr Robin Howe said: “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.”

The totals are

Swansea Bay 33; Aneurin Bevan 76; Betsi Cadwaladr 7; Cardiff and Vale 28; Cwm Taf 6; Hywel Dda 12; Powys 8 Wales 24 new cases 170 total