Everyone needs to take their own decisions about risk over the next three days and what they are going to do on Christmas Day. The comments here are my OPINON based on the information I have collated. I cannot (and will not) tell you what to do however personally I will be looking to minimise contact as much as possible and focussing on being outdoors when I am with others.
Current Powys situation
The situation across the country shows a N/S split with very high infection rates in Ysytradgynlais reducing as you move further north. Ystradgynlais remains at levels similar to South Wales authorities and in terms of the outbreak should be considered alongside S Wales not the rest of Powys. Brecon, Crickhowell, Sennybridge and surrounding areas have elevated levels but have stabilised in the 25-35 case range in recent days. The entire Wye Valley is much lower until the Rhayader area where cases have stabilised and are falling back the same is true of Llanidloes which is now well off its peak. The rest of Powys is rising from a very low base with areas in single figures now, whereas a few days ago they were suppressed.
Llandrindod Wells
Infection rates remain low but we have now had 4 in the 7 days to the 18th compared to 2 in the 8-21 day window. So again there is a slight increase. This means Covid 19 is circulating in the community in town but at very low levels. There is no information I can find to say if this is the new strain or not.
Christmas Day
Personally I would encourage people not to mix households on Christmas Day that are not already in a bubble. To me the risk is not worth it with mass vaccination around the corner however for some people the need will out way the risks. So how can those risks be minimised? These are my suggestions.
Travel
Stay local risk levels based on current info are the same across all of Radnorshire and the parts of Breconshire that are in the Wye Catchment. Further south the risk increases and out of county 1 in 100 people have tested +ve in many parts of the Valleys in the past 7 days.
Meeting people Stay outside the current forecast is for a dry but cold day so if you can stay outside. The lake park, rock park, the pomerium even the industrial estate all offer opportunities to be out of the house but still talking to family and friends. Latest Detailed Metcheck Weather Forecast for 25 December 2020 for Llandrindod Wells
If you are out taking a walk say hello or wave to everyone you pass. It will help reduce the isolation of people who are living alone.
At home
Wipe down surfaces before and after your visitors have been.
Use the largest rooms in the house and try to keep windows open to increase airflow. (think about the virus as the smell from burnt toast, if the door is closed the kitchen becomes filled with smoke if you open the window it becomes breathable again)
Sit space out at the dinner table if it opens out open it even if you don't need the extra space
Consider wearing masks if you are over 14 while with another household especially is someone was shielding in the spring
Play games that minimise the amount of sharing of items.
Don't crowd into the kitchen its likely to be a small room and even harder to socially distance in
Sit in household groups as far apart as the room allows
EDIT Info for people who were shielding
Since I wrote the initial article the Welsh Government have released new guidance for people who were shielding. If you fall into that category you can find the briefing note here
Christmas advice for people who were shielding | GOV.WALES
Like everyone I had hoped we would have something that could pass for a normal Christmas day but as those of other faiths have already experienced 2020 is a year like no other. The New Year offers up the prospects of Mass Vaccination and weather permitting a real prospect that all Over50s and vulnerable people will have had at least the first dose before Easter.
So please stay safe this Christmas and I wish you all a pleasant Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year.
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