Welshpool coronavirus testing update

Nearly 500 people have been tested at a mobile coronavirus testing centre in Welshpool over the last four days.

The centre, which has been based at Welshpool’s Neuadd Maldwyn, was co-ordinated by Powys Teaching Health Board, Powys County Council, Public Health Wales and the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust after a number of cases were confirmed in the area.

The majority of the tests have come back negative but there have been 26 positive test results so far.

Anyone who tests positive should self-isolate for at least 10 days.

Contact tracers from the Test, Trace, Protect programme are also in action, tracing the contacts of people who test positive to put a stop the spread of coronavirus.

As well as being open to people who live in the Welshpool area, the testing programme has been supported by CDT Sidoli Ltd in Welshpool where a number of staff have tested positive.

Stuart Bourne, Director of Public Health for Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “We are very grateful to the team at CDT Sidoli Ltd, and to the people in Welshpool, for their quick and wholehearted response to this opportunity to be tested.

“A rapid and co-ordinated response when new cases are identified helps us to contain the spread of coronavirus and to keep Powys safe.

“Based on our testing so far, we are not seeing evidence of widespread community transmission in the Welshpool area.”

Cllr James Evans, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “We are working with local companies to remind their staff of the importance of social distancing, regular hand washing and avoiding car sharing with people from other households. It is vitally important that everyone maintains these standards outside the workplace in social environments as well.”

Phil Cummings, Managing Director at CDT Sidoli, said: “We have been working closely with the local health board and county council to help keep our staff and local communities safe, including requesting our 250 staff to have voluntary tests despite the vast majority exhibiting no coronavirus symptoms.

“We already have strong systems and policies in place in our factory which were checked and approved by the Health and Safety Executive last week. The recent cases have provided an opportunity to review and strengthen these further and also to provide learning that can be shared with other workplaces in the county.

“With coronavirus still circulating across the UK, we all have a vital role to play to stop the spread.”

The Food Standards Agency advise that it is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. It is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging.

“Coronavirus is still a very real threat to public health. All of us can help to Keep Powys Safe,” added Stuart Bourne.

“Always observe social distancing. Wash your hands regularly. If you meet another household, outside your extended household, stay outdoors. Work from home if you can.

“Stay at home and get tested if you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms.”