County bosses put out joint coronavirus message

* County Hall in Ruthin.

Llangollen update at foot of story

Denbighshire County Council’s leader, Cllr Hugh Evans, and its chief executive Judith Greenhalgh have made a joint statement about the current coronavirus outbreak.

In it they say: “The national situation with Coronavirus- COVID19 is unprecedented – and one which is posing significant challenges to us all as organisations, to communities and to our residents.

“We have known this is coming and have been putting plans in place to continue with business continuity as much as possible.

“However, over the last week the situation has escalated from one where the virus has been contained to a period of delay. 

“The national and Welsh Governments have issued health and well-being advice, as has Public Health Wales and we are doing our utmost to reiterate those messages to our communities in Denbighshire.

“We want to reassure our residents that we are working closely with our partners to respond to rapidly developing situations. 

“Discussions are going on at a national, regional and local level to put plans in place to try to mitigate the impacts, but also to protect the well-being and welfare of those who are vulnerable.

“We are playing our part in trying to reduce the spread of the virus by implementing our flexible working procedures. Many of our staff will be working from home and those that are deemed vulnerable are following national advice to stay at home.

“Currently, the majority of our buildings and facilities remain open, but may have limited staffing available. 

“This position is changing by the minute and we are making a firm commitment to providing the latest information and advice on our website, social media accounts and other channels.

“We have already taken some steps to protect our vulnerable in our care homes and day centres by restricting visits to close friends and family, health and care professionals and any contractors who need access for essential maintenance.

“We have appealed to residents to keep an eye out for each other, to be a kind neighbour and to check on the welfare of their families, relatives and neighbours.   By building resilient communities, we hope that people will be able to deal with any self-isolation by having regular contact with the outside world. The use of technology can play a big part.

“The first of our schools has now closed and we fully understand the rationale behind it. The well-being and welfare of our school communities is of paramount importance. Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams has announced that all schools across Wales will be closed by Friday.

“We are trying to reduce demand on services by encouraging people to access information and services online (www.denbighshire.gov.uk). 

“Inevitably, we have decided to cancel some functions and activities to the public and we expect more to be cancelled over the coming days.

“We have cancelled formal meetings until at least the end of April and the position will be reviewed at that point. 

“We will be putting in place arrangements to ensure open and transparent discussions take place, for the democratic process to continue. 

“This will allow us to carry on working to deal with the coronavirus situation.  This work is essential and key staff are working tirelessly to respond to the emerging situation,  carrying on with day to day activities for as long as possible and planning for what will be a lengthy recovery process for our residents.

“We fully understand that the public are concerned: so are we, but rest assured that everything is being done to minimise the impact on our services, our residents and our communities. We would encourage you to continue to listen to any advice or information from Public Health Wales or Welsh Government.  Their websites have a wealth of information that will be of use to you.

“It’s great that communities are pulling together, but we urge the public to be vigilant, only accept support from trustworthy sources and to beware of any scams operating.

“We will continue to provide services as best we can, but please bear with us. Some things may take longer than usual, some things may stop completely, but this will all be in the interests of our residents.

“But our final appeal to our residents is to listen to official advice and information and to take care of themselves and each other.”

Meanwhile, in Llangollen Philip Stroud, chair of the local Royal British Legion, has contacted llanblogger to say that the operations of the branch has been formally suspended for at least the next 12 weeks due to the outbreak.

He said: “Regrettably, this means the cancellation of the ceremony, together with service at the war memorials and march through the town, to mark the 75^th anniversary of VE Day planned for May 8.

“Depending on whether the coronavirus situation has improved by then we intend to hold a joint commemoration of VE Day and VJ (Victory over Japan) Day in August.”

On its new Facebook page, South Wrexham Cluster of GP Practices https://www.facebook.com/South-Wrexham-Cluster-of-GP-Practices-100434138268393/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARD28Vz09Ts1V7Qq20G7ql2o3rJ3BTaJ5vJ3x2Q-nj1yL6poRaycAbaX0AUtqnntGuVttzYnNOmqC8VR, Llangollen Health Centre says in a message to patients: “In order to relieve the pressure on our phones, if you have non-urgent queries you can email these to us at the following address: Llangollen.Admin@wales.nhs.uk”

In its latest Facebook message Llangollen’s Courtyard Cafe says: “It's been a hard decision but we will be closed Monday to Thursday until further notice.

“However, we will be open FRIDAY to SUNDAY offering takeaway food and drinks. Also we'll have a stall selling cakes and pastries. The cafe will be open with seating as usual if you wish to eat in. We have tables inside and sheltered undercover and outside seating.

“Our customers have asked us to provide this service, we will monitor the situation.”

A Llangollen police officer has taken to Facebook to put out a warning to local people.

She says: “I am aware that a lovely group of people are offering to help with shopping etc for the elderly and those isolated but please be careful with giving out bank cards and pin numbers to those you don’t know.”