Friday coronavirus update

* St Collen's is bringing back an ancient tradition to help workers in the field get to church. The ringing of the Angelus Bell at noon. 

The newly-formed Llangollen Coronavirus Group has been busy working out the duties its band of volunteers will perform as they come to the aid of those worst hit by the outbreak.

In a message put out yesterday one of its founders, Cat Meade, said: “I have had several contacts today from local police, DCC, Health Centre and local businesses.

“Safeguarding of those we are helping is paramount, any duties the volunteers carry out are being carefully planned.

“We have confirmed with the Health Centre and Rowlands who is able to collect and deliver prescriptions, Rotary are also on board.

“Rowlands Pharmacy is under huge demand on medication, they will close 12 -2pm daily to keep up with orders.

“Under no circumstances will any volunteer take a card with pin to run errands, we are in talks with local business on card payments etc.

“Newspapers - a lot of requests, we have teamed up with Sam at the Newsagents (former Mr Lees) to arrange daily deliveries, if you would like to add to the list please call our volunteer Verity Maybury on 07500103945 who is collating a database of requests, this will be rolled out in the coming days. Working on volunteers for delivery.

“Gwyn the Butchers is now teaming up with Dee Valley Produce to deliver meat supplies with your veg order, contact Gwyn on 01978 860075 ... this may become very popular so will be limit per customer and may require further volunteers to help with deliveries.

“I have had many calls today to simply say "thank you", felt worried and concerned until heard what we are all doing and what a comfort it is to our elderly community.

“Thank you once again to all of you amazing people keeping our town going, keep shopping local, help all our businesses get through these trying times #llangollenfamily.”

St Collen’s went on Facebook yesterday to announce it is bringing back a time-honoured tradition during this difficult time - the ringing of the Angelus Bell.

Vicar, Father Lee, says: “Many of us rely on alarms and alert sounds on our mobile phones to remind us of things. The tolling of the Angelus Bell, which goes back to the 11th century, was to alert people of a time of prayer.

“At 12noon each day the Anglus Bell will ring (three sets of three with a pause in between, followed by nine rings).”

If you would like to join Fr Lee live for the Angelus prayers, this will be live-streamed at 12 noon. Simply visit the Facebook Page: Llangollen Group of Churches.

Well-known local figure Pete the Hat, who is the key organiser, was on Facebook yesterday to announce that another major event, the Red Dragon music festival planned for May at the Pavilion,  had fallen victim to the coronavirus outbreak.

He posted: “We have been advised and therefore it is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that May’s Red Dragon will not be going ahead ...... that’s the bad news.

“The good news is we have snapped up the last available date at the Pavilion and we can announce that the Red Dragon has been postponed until Friday 9th October till Sunday the 11th October.2020.

“We have messaged all the bands and it’s looking very positive that the line up won't change, we will keep you posted. Oliver/Dawson Saxon are good to go.

“All tickets already purchased are valid for the October Red Dragon, or next Mays Red Dragon. Any problems call me 07784 519900.”

Llangollen Health Centre out a message about Covid-19 and the drug ibuprofen on its new Facebook page, South Wrexham Group of GP Practices.

They said: “There has been a lot of concern regarding the use of ibuprofen in relation to Covid-19.  Whilst there is no conclusive evidence overall, the current recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales is that patients who have confirmed Covid-19 or feel that they may have Covid-19 should use paracetamol to manage their symptoms.

“Those who take ibuprofen for other medical reasons (such as arthritis) should not stop taking it.

“This position is being kept under constant review by the CMO and any changes to guidance will be posted on here.”

In another post the health centre said: “We cannot provide med-3's (fit/sick notes) for patients who are self-isolating. 

“These are unprecedented times and the advice from the UK government to employers is this:

‘By law, medical evidence is not required for the first 7 days of sickness. After 7 days, employers may use their discretion around the need for medical evidence if an employee is staying at home.’

“We strongly suggest that employers use their discretion around the need for medical evidence for a period of absence where an employee is advised to stay at home either as they are unwell themselves, or live with someone who is, in accordance with the public health advice issued by the government. This will allow GPs to focus on their patients."

Rowlands Pharmacy next door to the health centre had its own message for the public when it said: “Please be aware that Rowlands Pharmacy Llangollen is closing every day between 12 and 2pm.  They are so busy and this allows them time to catch up with all the medication requests.”

New Dot Cinema posted to say: “We have been carefully following advice from the government, health services and cinema organisations regarding COVID-19.

“As the situation around the country has worsened, the Town Hall has decided to close until Monday, June 15th - a decision we fully support.

“Our main priority is to support the Town Hall in ensuring our audience is as safe as possible. However, this means that we will no longer be able to show most of our Spring programme.

“We are very excited about the films we have lined up for the upcoming quarter but we will be equally excited about them when we are finally able to resume screenings in the Summer.

“Online tickets will be automatically refunded, paper tickets can be returned at Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods.

“We will let you know when we can resume screenings and we hope we can come back with something cheering after what is likely to be a very trying and difficult few months for everyone in our community.”

Courtyard Books said it is still open for books, games and jigsaws to help pass the time and is also able to offer  cards and stamps to help keep in touch.

They said: “You can message us for a book and if we haven't got it in stock will order it for you. Payment can be made over the phone and as long as it is within Llangollen. I can deliver for you ... a walk would be good exercise for me!

“Please ask if there is anything we can do to help in these strange and worrying times. Stay safe and healthy.”

Sam’s Coffee at Gales Wine Bar said it had “regretfully” decided to close yesterday until it knows what’s happening.

It added on Facebook: “It’s upsetting as we’ve had the best few months since we opened, it’s been getting busier all the time and it’s been so good meeting you all.

“The shop will be back better and stronger and tastier when we return, we had some plans for summer which we will hopefully be able to carry out. Best of luck to our neighbours during this time, please support them as best you can. Look after yourselves and your loved ones and see you soon.”

Bethan Mascarenhas at the Old Vicarage care home in Llangollen posted: “If you are out of work at present and stuck, there are a few care homes that are in need of extra staff for care, kitchen and cleaning.

“If you would like information of local homes who need staff, please get in touch and I will pass on their information.”

Meanwhile, Arriva Buses Wales said on its own website that emergency timetables will be introduced on many of its services from next Monday.

It added that details were being finalised and would be announced soon.

The UK Government has announced a radical package of measures to protect renters and landlords affected by coronavirus.

It says that, as a result, no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home during this difficult time.

Emergency legislation will be taken forward as an urgent priority so that landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least a three-month period.

A press release adds: “As a result of these measures, no renters in private or social accommodation needs to be concerned about the threat of eviction.”