As we near the end of the year it is timely to reflect on 2020 and the enormous impact that coronavirus has had on the county’s residents, businesses and communities, writes Powys County Council leader Rosemarie Harris.

The year started with a bang as the county suffered a series of violent storms bringing flooding and damage to a number of communities, the damage was widespread but Crickhowell, Welshpool, Ystradgynlais and Knighton were particularly hard hit.

The main clean-up operations were barely over – some will take years to recover - when coronavirus hit and our world has not been the same since.

Currently we are all preparing for a very different Christmas with some relaxation of restrictions but still a world-away from the usual festive celebrations.

It will be difficult for many and there will be difficult decision as families decide who they will ‘bubble’ with during the Christmas period.

Although it is difficult I urge residents to follow the national guidelines, it is important to remember that coronavirus is still widespread in the community and reducing contact with others is necessary to reduce the spread of this dreadful disease.

Regrettably we have seen an increase in county infection rates despite the Welsh national lockdown in October and November, affecting both rural and urban communities, resulting in the closure of two schools last month.

The council is working with Powys Teaching Health Board and other partners including Public Health Wales to do all that it can to tackle the spread of the disease. We have recruited staff to the Test Trace and Protect Programme and are working hard to contact trace those who have been in contact with positive cases, with considerable success.

I am sure we are all hoping that the much talked about mass vaccination programme will be rolled out quickly and we can see a start to the end of the pandemic.

We know it will not be a quick fix and it is likely that social distancing will be a part of our lives for some time to come, but a national vaccine would help protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

Although the council is still operating under business continuity plans with its focus firmly fixed on critical activities other activities are taking place. Last week we held our Annual general Meeting which is usually held in May.

The meeting elected Councillor Gwynfor Thomas from Llansanffraid as Chairman of Council, Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe from Hay as Vice Chairman and Councillor Jon Williams from Llandrindod wells as Assistant Vice Chairman. I congratulate them on all on their election.

I would also like to pay tribute to councillor Beverley Baynham our outgoing chairman, she did an outstanding job during an incredibly difficult year. Chairing a meeting is never easy but doing it in a virtual world is even harder, she did a wonderful job.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and look forward to a better 2021.