Tuesday coronavirus update - after the lock-down

* A virtually empty Castle Street yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

After its busiest day since it was set up yesterday Llangollen Coronvirus Support Group was forced to look at how it continues to operate following the lock down announcement by the government aimed at halting the spread of the infection.   

And Llangollen Railway has set up a crisis fund in a bid to reverse a potential £600,000 deficit caused by its recent closure due to the coronavirus risk.

On Facebook yesterday the support group’s Cat Meade said: “After this evening's announcement from Boris Johnson we are working with local police and officials on keeping the support in motion, I will have to iron out the details tomorrow and will post an update.

“PLEASE pay attention and STAY AT HOME, we need to fight this monster and by staying at home you are doing your bit.

“I will collate a full list of home deliveries available locally, our medication service is still in use tomorrow (as a support service) please call orders in by 11am tomorrow 01978 861366 or email catherine@wingetts.co.uk

“Today has been the busiest yet, more people needing foodshare, deliveries etc. Kind donations from business that made the tough but sensible choice to close.

“Thank you Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods big thank you to Ross &Tracey, lots of pies and cakes,  m'Eating Point for lots of milk, food parcels delivered by volunteers to those most in need and how delighted they were (pic below)

“Now, more than ever we need donations, any one that can assist please get in touch, you can place outside and we can collect, no contact required.”

Earlier in the day Cat had posted: “VOLUNTEERS - demand is high on newspaper deliveries I am just doing a rota for the rest of this week, need 2 people per day, one on foot and one with car, please msg me asap.”

During the day Cat had won some warm praise on Facebook when Sian Glynne-Jones, who runs Courtyard Books, said: “Can I please big it up for the amazing Cat Meade. She is doing a fantastic thing.

“There are many volunteers, but Cat has set this up so that they work together to help all those who are most vulnerable. That takes a truly exceptional person. Thank you Cat. Llangollen is lucky to have you.”

Speaking about her own business, Sian Glynne-Jones posted during the afternoon: “Due to the situation with Covid 19 we have decided to close the bookshop for the safety of our customers and ourselves. 

“We are still able to supply books to you, but anything not in stock may take longer than usual. You can send us a message on this page, or email: courtyardbooksllangollen@gmail.com

Another major development in the crisis yesterday came In a message sent out on Facebook by Llangollen Railway general manager Liz McGuiness who said: “Llangollen Railway needs your help.

“In light of the current government advice, we made the difficult decision on Tuesday 17th March, to close Llangollen Railway until further notice.

“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the railway, the wellbeing of our visitors, staff and volunteers is our absolute priority.  Matters of health and safety have our complete attention, which has led to this closure.

“Due to this WE NEED YOUR HELP. Llangollen Railway is a registered charity (1046614), the railway rely heavily on income from our visitors and events, without this there be a substantial impact on our future.  Please help by donating to give the railway a fighting chance to be able to continue once this current pandemic is over.

“Llangollen Railway can’t claim insurance compensation for business interruption.

“The government has not offered monetary aid to charities yet.

“The only government help currently available would put the railway into significant debt, which may take years to pay off.

“We could potentially lose up to £600,000 over the upcoming weeks. Figures of this magnitude could threaten the very existence of the railway.  Please help now and support Llangollen Railway to ensure we survive.

“Please help keep Llangollen Railway alive for the volunteers visitors and staff, donate today.”

She added: “Please donate using the link below.

“For taxpayers we can apply for 25% Gift Aid, at no extra cost to you, which makes this a very efficient way of giving. You can also use the following methods: Make a transfer to Llangollen Railway Charitable Trust (Sort code: 53.81.03   Account number: 23423455), call 01978 860979 for card payments; send a cheque payable to Llangollen Railway Trust to: Llangollen Railway, The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen, LL20 8SN.”

South Wrexham Cluster of GP Practices was on Facebook to say: “We are aware that there has been some information circulating on social media regarding the use of ‘rescue packs’ (antibiotics and steroids) for all patients with pre-existing Asthma and COPD, to help treat/reduce symptoms of possible Coronavirus.

“In simple terms, this is not recommended and does not form part of the current national guidance. In fact, there is some evidence that taking steroids may worsen the disease if taken unnecessarily.

“If you have not been issued a rescue pack in the past, please DO NOT contact your GP or pharmacist to request one – it is increasing our workload further at an already busy time.

“If you are an asthmatic or have COPD and have symptoms that you are concerned about please seek medical advice via our telephone triage system on 01978 845955.”

In another post the Cluster says: “HOW TO GET A SICK NOTE IF YOU ARE SELF-ISOLATING DUE TO CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS:

“If you are self-isolating at home because you have symptoms of Covid-19 you can print out a "self-isolation note" to give to your employer instead of a sick note. The self-isolation note provides sufficient evidence that you have been advised to self-isolate and generates a Unique Reference Number (URN) which an employer will be able to use to verify that your note is genuine.

“You will need to follow the link below to access the 111 symptom checker. Only those patients where the outcome of the symptom checker is self-isolation will be able to access the "self-isolation note" facility. Please note that this is an ONLINE ONLY service. Please DO NOT call 111 as the call handlers will be unable to help you.”

Rowlands Pharmacy next to Llangollen Health Centre posted yesterday: “Just to update everyone Rowlands Pharmacy in Llangollen will have reduced opening hours starting from tomorrow.

“We will now be open 10am, we will closed for 1 hour over lunch 12-1pm. Corwen branch will be open during that hour if needed in an emergency) and close at 5.30pm.

“These reduced hours will enable us as a team to catch up with all the extra work we have at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Llangollen vicar Father Lee Taylor came up with another novel scheme to lift people’s spirits during the lock-down when he launched his Songs of Isolation idea.

As the crisis bit deeper more local businesses took to Facebook to announce how they were either adapting their way of operating - or their closure.

Dee Valley Produce posted: “We are remaining open under reduced hours of 9am - 4pm, this is to give our staff time to sort home deliveries, we will be answering the phone between the hours of 9-4 also.

“We have been working hard up to 12 hours a day non-stop, to provide the best service we can.

“The shop is being restocked daily with plentiful of fresh produce.

“We kindly ask no more than 3 customers in the shop at any one time please.”

Finley’s newsagents said: “Following government guidance it is with a heavy heart that Finley’s will be closed from this evening.

“I have stayed open as long as possible but I feel now is the time to close to protect myself and the wellbeing of you my customers!

Jades Hair & Beauty posted the message below:

Premier Cars told its customers: “With the recent government announcement we have no choice but to close with immediate effect. The sooner everyone listens to the government’s guidance, the sooner we can all get back to normal.”

Rusty Gold Emporium said: “Following tonight’s announcement The Chapel Emporium and Rusty Gold will be closed until further notice. It’s always fun at the Chapel. Great people. Superb stall holders. Enthusiasm. Fab vibes. Great music. A shop of discoveries. A place where you can find memories....and a tip top bargain and.....do some serious mooching...And remember....we recycle everything.

“On a personal note, I tip my hat to all our customers. You have been fantastic and I will miss saying hi to you all. To all our passers-by and our visitors each day, young and old I would like to thank you all for making my job such a pleasure. As Arnold said...”I’ll be back”....Stay safe. Cheers Paul.”

And Julie Kirk Thomas posted: “FREE TASTER ON-LINE ZUMBA GOLD DANCE FITNESS SESSIONS with Julie starting this Wednesday @ 11.00am. Low Impact easy to learn routines featuring fabulous Latin Music which you won’t be able to stand still to!

“Cha-cha, Rumba, Salsa, Merengue & even a cheeky Foxtrot! Keep Calm and Keep Dancing! PM me for more info.”

Dee Valley Vets posted ...

G⛔️ URGENT CORONAVIRUS UPDATE ⛔️

Following the Prime Minister's announcement we will be making important changes to our service. From tomorrow we will be operating an EMERGENCY SERVICE ONLY IN LLAN - unfortunately this means we will be closing our branches in Acrefair, Corwen and St Martins.

If you already have an appointment, we will be in touch with you regarding this.

If you have a genuine emergency with your pet, please call the practice on 01978 860 246.

If you are seeking advice for a non urgent condition, please bear with us while we make arrangements regarding this.

During this time our doors will be locked and we will not be accepting any walk ins without prior arrangement. 

We hope that you understand why we are taking these measures and will provide an update soon regarding non urgent and prescription enquiries 🐾

Beauwood Dental Care posted ...

An important message to our patients:

Given the unprecedented situation regarding COVID-19 in the UK, we have decided to cancel all routine appointments.

The practice will remain open for emergencies only. We have taken this decision because the welfare of our patients, our team and the wider community is our absolute priority throughout this time of uncertainty.

If you have a dental emergency please call the practice on 01978 280285. If we are unable to take your call please leave a message and someone will call you back.

We will be contacting all patients with upcoming appointments to reschedule.

We wish all of our patients, colleagues and friend well and look forward to seeing you all soon.

Very Best Wishes


The Beauwood Team