Local coronavirus update - Sunday

 * Lucky number 9 was the winner of the first help group raffle yesterday.

The Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group yesterday used its new Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/groups/223545835554870/  to announce the winner of the first of its raffles aimed at helping to pay for its vital work helping vulnerable people cope during the lockdown.

Co-ordinator Cat Meade Cat gave out the news that the first lucky winner – holder of ticket number nine - had landed a meal put up by a local Indian restaurant.

And she explained: "The money raised pays for the item, it is a way to support local businesses, so we paid the Indian £70 and rest goes to support group."

Meanwhile, the Daily Post carried a worrying story from a tourism group chair and owner of guest houses and a restaurant shut due to coronavirus who saids his business and hundreds of others were running out of cash as they wait for funding to arrive.

Chris Frost, chairman of North Wales Tourism, who runs Manorhaus Ruthin and Llangollen with partner Gavin Harris, has been badly hit by the outbreak. They closed down the business nearly two weeks ago - just as the 2020 tourism season was getting underway.

* For the full story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/we-need-cash-now-says-18029887 

* One of the messages from a resident at Llangollen Fechan.

Roberts HomesCare has taken to its Facebook page to send a series of poignant messages from residents at Llangollen Fechan care home to their families who are unable to visit the due to the lockdown.

* Old Vicarage residents screen-shotted during their karaoke session.

Residents at The Old Vicarage care home in Llangollen were treated to an online karaoke session yesterday.

Phil Robinson took a break from running llanblogger to beam a selection of well-known songs via video conferencing from his home to a big screen in their lounge set up by owner Bethan Mascarenhas.

He crooned out numbers from crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Mat Monro and residents responded by singing some of their own songs.  

Help group volunteer Paula Lingard used Facebook to send out the message: "Please be vigilant. Do you know if your neighbours have everything they need? Pop your gloves on, knock on their window/door and stand 2 metres away. (DON'T ALL DO THIS AT THE SAME TIME). Wait for them to respond and check that they're okay.

"They might just need to be reassured that there are people out there who care. Check if they have received the leaflets with help numbers and shop delivery details on?

"If anyone would like to volunteer, please contact me directly with an email address and I will email you a volunteer form."

Lloyds Coaches (pictured above) posted on Facebook yesterday: "Service X5, T3. are still operating for Essential Journeys and key workers but at a reduced timetable in line with government advice.

"Following the government guidelines and advice to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, we're asking all passengers to sit 2 meters apart whilst travelling on board our services.

"Please also be aware that all of our buses will now only allow 50% of their passenger capacity on board, until further notice.

"We are happy to say all NHS staff can travel for free on all of our services!

😊

"All we ask is that you show the driver your NHS Photo badge when boarding the bus. Please also make sure you let the driver know where you are travelling to."

Betsi Cadwaladr health board shared a post which said: " URGENT APPEAL: Please share this post with friends, family and anyone who can help.

"We are urgently appealing to businesses that can change their production lines where possible to make personal protective equipment (PPE). Our brave and committed frontline staff must feel and remain as safe as possible and examples of the #PPE they need include visors, masks, aprons and gloves.

"A very big thank you to the organisations and individuals who have already been in-touch to offer their support and generosity so far.

"Think you can help?

"Please email: nwssp.nwales.procurement@wales.nhs.uk

For further information, visit:
https://awyrlas.org.uk/covid19/
and
https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/…/health-board-echoes-government-c…/

#COVID-19

Cyngor Gwynedd Council, Denbighshire County Council, Conwy County Borough Council, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service / Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub Gogledd Cymru

* Pictures posted by North Wales Police from across the region yesterday.

Given widespread concern about non-essential journeys, North Wales Police posted: "We've been out across North Wales today, carrying out patrols on foot in our communities as well as patrolling the road networks ensuring essential travel only.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you for complying with Government advice by staying at home. You really are playing your part in helping to save lives.

 💙

"The vast majority of those that we stopped today were local and were carrying out essential travel (food shopping, travel to and from work etc). We'd like to say how grateful we are to people for being so understanding and for the kind comments we have received.

"Colleagues from Traffic Wales have seen a 63% reduction in traffic volume on the A55 and our officers out and about have reported seeing empty streets and car parks. People who were seen out and about have been spoken to and given suitable advice.

"Patrols will continue this evening, tonight and all day tomorrow (Sunday).

"The sooner we can beat #COVID19 the sooner we can all go back to enjoying the great outdoors."