Powys residents are being urged to remain Covid-safe after a spike in case numbers particularly among children.

The county has seen more than a 50 per cent increase in COVID-19 cases with secondary school age children particularly affected.

Parents and guardians are being urged that if a child has a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste, they ensure that they isolate immediately and get a PCR test.

In addition, twice weekly LFD testing is strongly encouraged for all secondary school age learners to help identify and isolate asymptomatic cases as soon as possible.

The huge increase in case numbers is also having an impact on the county’s dedicated contact tracing team which is being stretched by the volume of cases. It has asked residents to be patient warning that calls may be delayed but that the team is working hard to reach contacts.

Residents are being urged to continue to help keep Powys safe by getting vaccinated, meeting outdoors where possible, washing your hands and wear face coverings.