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Sunday, March 15, 2020

llanblogger's update on how coronovirus is affecting the town


* Staff members Rach and Tia at Cambrian House B&B, carry out a
precautionary temperature check on one another this morning.

Llangollen Operatic Society’s production of the musical Chicago is the latest casualty of growing local concern over the threat of coronavirus infection.

The lavish show was to have been performed at the Town Hall from April 22-25 but the society has just announced on Facebook that it has been postponed until later in the year.

This comes on top of Llangollen XX Club’s postponement of its planned production of the comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo, as reported by llanblogger the other day.

The Operatic's Chicago producer Helen Belton said in her post: “We have taken the decision to postpone in the light of the virus situation.

“Obviously we can’t know how the cast will feel to keep rehearsing, can’t know what the Government will order and can’t estimate ticket sales in April. So this is the best way forward for everyone’s protection health-wise for you and your families.

“We are all devastated however and assure you that we want to perform this wonderful show at some stage. I will suggest some dates when I speak to the Town Hall.” 

One Llangollen business owner has outlined the strong measures she is taking to safeguard customers and staff.

Cath Miller, who owns the Cambrian House B&B on Berwyn Street, told llanblogger: “We are disinfecting the whole building and providing guests with sanitizer.

“Our staff are temperature-checked on arrival. 

“Basically, we are doing everything possible to keep visitors safe as are other business and attractions in town.

“I'm not a media expert but would it be in the interest of the town to do some pro-active marketing rather than to just sit back and wait for visitor numbers to dwindle.”

Giving an appraisal of how the coronavirus scare is hitting the area’s business community, the chair of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism, Claire Quant, said Llangollen is open for business, despite some of them experiencing a fall-off in trade.

She added: “Following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Chamber of Trade a decision was taken to postpone a planned re-branded launch.

“ This is due to the changing situation surrounding the coronavirus.

“Some businesses in the town have reported a significant decrease in footfall this week.

“Whilst we advise people to adhere to the official guidance being given out it is important that we keep a sense of perspective and normality.

“Llangollen is open for business and as a group of business people we will be supporting each other over the coming weeks, through these unprecedented times.

“If anyone has a business in Llangollen and needs advice, guidance or support then please message us via Facebook.

“We remain committed to Destination Llangollen and continuing to build on the good work that has been done in the town for the economic benefit of all those who want to see Llangollen thrive in a modern, leisure/retail environment and enjoy the knock on effects that will bring to residents, business owners and visitors alike.”

The owner of a local care home has launched a new Facebook group to help vulnerable people at risk in the area.


Bethan Mascarenhas, who runs the Old Vicarage home, kicked off the group by describing it as “a group for anyone who may need help or assistance getting shopping or items, or need help picking up medication or other essentials.
“For those who may be isolated and in need of support or help.”

The page quickly attracted many offers of help and Bethan posted subsequently: “We’re making a leaflet for those who may not have Facebook, who might be older and vulnerable.
“We would need one or two people who would be willing to be a point of contact to find someone on here to help them if they called. Would anyone be happy to do this?”

Meanwhile, Pip Gale, who runs Gales Wine Bar in the town posted yesterday: “At Gales we have been watching the developments surrounding the COVID-19 Coronavirus very closely.

“Over the last month we have been increasing our high standards of cleaning particularly surrounding high-use areas and taking every measure to help protect our staff and customers. “This includes encouraging the use of contactless payment and providing digital versions of our menus and wine lists to avoid any unnecessary contact.
“Whilst we understand the severity of this outbreak, having been in business in Llangollen since 1977, we also deeply understand the need for community. As such we will not, at this time, be cancelling any of our events going forward. We love this town and we wish to continue being a hub for your social lives.”

And to help people keep up their spirits – literally – during the crisis he added: “To those in self-isolation, wine care-packages are available from our online shop and can be delivered to your door free of charge in the local area.” 
Interpol has warned people to be vigilant about fraudsters who “exploiting the fear and uncertainty” around the coronavirus outbreak to scam people out of their money.

The international law enforcement agency has listed a number of scams that have been reported to it by member countries in the wake of the COVID-19 emergency.

The scams include:

* Telephone fraud: victims receive calls from criminals pretending to be medical officials, claiming a relative has fallen sick with the virus and then requesting payment for their treatment

* Phishing: victims receive emails from criminals pretending to be from health authorities, or legitimate companies, using similar looking websites or email addresses.

People had been conned into buying protective equipment such as face masks online, or had fallen prey to successful phishing emails or fraudulent phone calls.

How to steer clear of online scams

Don't click on links or attachments in suspicious emails

Don't reveal any personal or financial details during unsolicited messages or calls

Independently verify the website or email address is legitimately from the organisation claimed

Be aware of bogus websites – criminals will often use a web address which looks almost identical to the legitimate one, e.g. ‘abc.org’ instead of ‘abc.com’

Be wary if asked to make a payment to a bank account located in a different country than where the company is located

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, alert your bank immediately so the payment can be stopped

Don't feel under pressure to reveal any information - cybercriminals use emergencies such as coronavirus to scare people into making rash decisions.


LATEST ...

An update from Llangollen walking Festival.

Here in Llangollen we are monitoring developments closely and noting updates and advice given by the UK Government / Public Health Wales and their experts.

The current advice is that events like ours should continue and go ahead.  We are continuing to monitor the situation and will take the necessary steps if, and when needed.

Our decision making process will be based on instructions from the UK Government
The safety and wellbeing of our walking guests and walk leaders is of the highest importance and will be at the heart of any action we take.

Llangollen and the Dee Valley is a beautiful walking area and we look forward to sharing our favourite places with you.  Should our walk / travel plans need to change we will adapt... and let you know.

We very much look forward to walking and talking with you and thank you for your patience and understanding.

In the meantime, please look after yourself and each other and follow, the Government Guidelines about reducing the spread of the virus 

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