£120m available to help Omicron-hit businesses in Wales

Businesses in Wales impacted by the rapid spread of the Omicron virus will be eligible for emergency financial support under a new Welsh Government support package.

The Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced the details of the £120m funding which will be available for retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business and their supply chains affected by the move to alert level two, as announced by the First Minister on Wednesday 22 December.

Under the latest package, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business who pay Non Domestic Rates will be entitled to a payment of £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000 depending on their rateable value. Businesses will need to re-register their details, through a quick and easy online process, with their local authority in order to receive their payments. Registration will open via local authority websites from the WC 10^th of January

The Welsh Government has decided to extend this support to non-essential retail so that smaller shops, and Travel Agents will be supported and our high streets can continue to thrive. In England, support is not available to non-essential retail.

In addition, impacted hospitality and leisure businesses and their supply chains will be able to apply for top up funding from a new Economic Resilience Fund (ERF). Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between £2,500k - £25,000, with grants dependant on their size and number of employees. The application window for ERF will open in week commencing 17^th January 2022 with payments starting to reach businesses within days.

Local Authorities will also administer a Discretionary fund for business and sole traders who do not pay rates. The fund will provide £500 to sole trader and freelancers and £2,000 to employing businesses in impacted sectors.  Further details to follow on business.wales.

An eligibility checker which will help businesses to gage how much they can expect to receive under the new support package will be available on the Business Wales website by the start of 2022.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said:

“We fully understand the continued challenges faced by businesses, however we are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious omicron variant is headed our way, this means taking early action to try and control its spread – and limit the impact on Welsh businesses.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve provided over £2.2bn of support to businesses throughout Wales to help them manage their way through difficult circumstances.

“We will continue to monitor the impact of the spread of Omicron on businesses in Wales, and will consider whether additional emergency funding is needed in the new year.”

Business.Wales will be updated with details, frequently asked question and support guidance.

First Minister reveals new Covid measures

 

The BBC is reporting this lunchtime that groups of no more than six people will be allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants in Wales from 26 December,  according to the First Minister (pictured).

And two metre social distancing rules are to return in public places, Mark Drakeford said in his latest update screened at 12.15pm.

Licensed premises will have to offer table service only, face masks will have to be worn and contact tracing details collected.

Outdoor events will be limited to 50, with 30 indoors.

Advice has been given to limit household mixing and use lateral flow tests beforehand, with a specific offence for having gatherings of more than 30 people.

Spectators at community sports matches will also be limited to 50 people.

Mr Drakeford announced the return to some Alert Level Two restrictions at a Welsh government press briefing.

The number of identified Omicron cases in Wales grew by 204 on Tuesday to 640.

Mr Drakeford also urged people to get vaccinated, saying this is "the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves".

"We are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious Omicron variant is headed our way," Mr Drakeford said.

"This new form of coronavirus could infect large numbers of people in Wales, disrupting daily lives and businesses and could cause an increase in the number of people who need hospital care in the coming weeks."

Close contacts of people who have Covid will no-longer have to self-isolate provided they have been fully-vaccinated.

They will now have to take a lateral-flow test instead.

Mr Drakeford has not gone as far as England, where people with Covid will now have to self-isolate for seven days instead of 10, providing they have a negative test result.

He said early action was needed to try and control the spread of the Omicron variant.

"As we enter our second winter of the pandemic, we have high vaccination coverage and tens of thousands of extra boosters are being given every day," he added.

"We also have access to the rapid lateral flow tests to help us all identify signs of infection without symptoms.

"Both of these, together with everything we have learned over the last two years will help to keep us safe at home without the need for new rules and regulations about mixing at home."

Covid-19 update from Welsh Government

Latest updates on the coronavirus situation from the Welsh Government (Dated December 21) are:

·         204 more cases of omicron confirmed in Wales today bringing total to 640 cases: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-cases-of-omicron-variant-of-coronavirus-in-wales/

o   60,508 cases in the UK: https://twitter.com/UKHSA/status/1473324700860399620

·         The Welsh Government is making £5.25m available to assist Wales' arts organisations, museums, libraries and independent cinemas through the winter months, the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden has announced: https://gov.wales/525m-cultural-winter-stability-fund-established

o   https://gov.wales/525m-cultural-winter-stability-fund-established

·         Sporting events will be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day in Wales to help control the spread of the new omicron variant: https://gov.wales/sporting-events-be-played-behind-closed-doors-omicron-cases-rise

·         Social care staff will receive the Real Living Wage in Wales as part of a package to support the sector the Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan has announced.

o   A key pledge in the Programme for Government, the implementation of the Real Living Wage is the first step in to raising wages, esteem and recognising staff for their extraordinary contribution to the coronavirus pandemic.

o   https://gov.wales/social-care-staff-earn-real-living-wage and https://gov.wales/written-statement-real-living-wage-social-care-workers-wales

·         Check if your proof of COVID-19 vaccination is valid for travel to Wales: https://gov.wales/check-if-your-proof-covid-19-vaccination-valid-travel-wales

o   Travel to Wales – testing and isolation: https://gov.wales/travel-wales-covid-19-testing-and-isolation

o   Travelling to Wales if you are fully vaccinated: https://gov.wales/travelling-wales-if-you-are-fully-vaccinated-coronavirus

·         Latest summary of advice from the Technical Advisory Cell: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-cell-summary-advice-10-december-2021

·         Guidance for boarding schools, colleges and universities for students arriving from red list countries: https://gov.wales/guidance-boarding-schools-colleges-and-universities-about-under-18s-arriving-red-list-countries

·         Guidance for childcare and playwork: https://gov.wales/guidance-childcare-and-playwork-coronavirus 

Coronavirus in numbers

·         The latest figures published by Public Health Wales show there were 2,375 newly-reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 562,333 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

o   There were six deaths reported by Public Health Wales. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 6,522.

o   These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection/viz/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary   

·         The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is published every weekday by Public Health Wales.

o   The latest figures show 2,483,556 people have received their first dose.

o   2,291,345 people have had two doses of the vaccine.

o   To date, 1,356,249 people have had their booster dose of the vaccine.

o   https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection/viz/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

o   For more information about getting your Covid-19 vaccine: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination

o   Can you support the vaccination programme? More information for NHS staff and volunteers at: https://heiw.nhs.wales/jobs/nhs-wales-covid-19-vaccination-team-returning-healthcare-professionals/

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

·         The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.

·         If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.

·         If you are fully vaccinated or aged five to 17 and live with someone who has Covid-19 or has symptoms you must self-isolate until you have a negative PCR test.

·         If you are not fully vaccinated and someone you live with has Covid-19 you should self-isolate for 10 days.

·         Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation

o   You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test

o   You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result. 

Where to find the latest information

·         Wales is at alert level zero. More information is available at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus  

·         Staying safe this Christmas: https://gov.wales/staying-safe-christmas

·         Our latest Coronavirus Control Plan, setting out the longer-term plan for Wales is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-autumn-and-winter-2021-update  

·         Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws

·         For more information about getting your Covid-19 vaccine: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination

·         Can you support the vaccination programme? More information for NHS staff and volunteers at: https://heiw.nhs.wales/jobs/nhs-wales-covid-19-vaccination-team-returning-healthcare-professionals/

Seren wins MP's Christmas card competition

* The winning entry for the Christmas Card Competition from Seren Brierley of Ysgol y Gwernant.

Clwyd South MP Simon Bayne, has congratulated the 2021 winner and runners-up of his Christmas Card Competition and thanked everyone who took part.

Mr Baynes launched the competition on November 3 to design his official card and received a large number of pictures from primary school pupils in his constituency who were excited to showcase their artistic talents. 

Mr Baynes said judging the competition was a difficult process due to the high standard of entries, however has congratulated the winner, Seren Brierley of Ysgol y Gwernant, and the two runners-up, Romany Roberts from Rhosymedre Community Primary School, and Rhys Jones from Ysgol y Gwernant. 

Seren received a £20 book token and Romany and Rhys received £10 tokens as prizes. 

The winning design has been sent to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other public figures in Government and beyond, with the designs from the runners-up featured on the back of the card. 

Mr Baynes said: “I was delighted to hold the Christmas Card Competition and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part and congratulate the winning entries. 

"The standard of entries was extremely high and it was very difficult to decide on a winner. However, I would like to congratulate Seren Brierley on her excellent design and also Romany Roberts and Rhys Jones on being runners-up.

“I was extremely proud to present the Prime Minister with the winning Christmas card design and to showcase the wonderful talent we have here in Clwyd South.”

Information given on waste services over Christmas

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents of waste collection arrangements over the festive period.

As Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fall on a weekend, collection days will remain the same as usual for all residents.

During the festive period residents are asked that:

·         Waste and recycling containers are put out on their usual day of collection by 7am.

·         Non-recyclable waste is contained within the black bin or pink sacks, recycling as much as possible. 

·         Extra dry recycling, if the blue bin or sack becomes full, can be presented in a cardboard box, except for glass which should always be placed in the designated recycling container for safety reasons.

·         Ribbons, bows, excessive adhesive tape and plastic windows are removed from cardboard packaging and wrapping paper before recycling.  Unfortunately, wrapping paper and cards containing glitter or foil should be put in the black bin as they are not recyclable and can contaminate the paper stream.

·         Food waste (cooked and uncooked) should always be recycled – even meat bones can go into the orange kerbside caddy for composting at a specialized facility within the county.

Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We are wishing all our residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

“We know households will have extra waste and recycling during this period, but most of this can be disposed of and recycled through our kerbside collection services.

“If residents follow the guidelines it will help our staff to collect waste and recycling as efficiently as possible during Christmas.”

The Council’s bulky waste collection service and bin deliveries are running as usual over Christmas. 

Extra waste can be taken to one of our three household waste recycling centres, in Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin which are open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Booking is essential and you can book at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling

Government rules sporting events to be played without crowds

 

Sporting events will be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day in Wales to help control the spread of the new omicron variant of Covid-19.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething today announced the new measures for indoor and outdoor sporting events as the latest figures showed a further steep rise in the number of confirmed cases of the fast-moving variant. He also confirmed a £3m Spectator Sports Fund will be available to support clubs and sporting venues affected by the new measures to protect public health. Further details about the fund will be available following discussions with the sector. The Economy Minister said: “Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big highlights of the year. Unfortunately, the new omicron variant is a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large number of infections. “We need to do everything we can to protect people’s health and control the spread of this awful virus. “Throughout the pandemic we have followed scientific and public health advice to keep people safe. The advice is clear – we need to act now in response to the threat of omicron. We are giving people as much notice of these decisions as we can. “Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to be here to enjoy their favourite sports.” The decision comes as some football clubs have already announced Christmas matches have been postponed because of cases of Covid-19 in their squads. Cardiff City FC has postponed its Boxing Day match against Coventry City due to several cases of Covid-19 in its playing squad and staff. And League Two leaders Forest Green will not be playing Newport County. The latest figures show omicron cases are rising quickly in all parts of Wales. The overall rate of coronavirus infections is also rising in Wales and now stands at just under 550 cases per 100,000 people. The First Minister last week warned of a gathering storm of omicron infections after the Christmas period as some strengthened measures were introduced from 27 December to protect lives and livelihoods. The coronavirus regulations, including playing sports behind closed doors, will be reviewed regularly, says the Welsh Government. * The Daily Post is reporting that all non-urgent treatment at North Wales hospitals has been cancelled to due the increasing number of Covid-19 cases.   For the full story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/non-urgent-treatment-north-wales-22524120?fbclid=IwAR3pPdm5pHGbzk2AsXfAN5Azew09aHuX05WMAdIl6ENA8OArCsWQR9UfDlk

 

Latest advice column from Denbighshire CAB

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is: 

Q: I’m a bit anxious about going out into shops at the moment so I want to do more shopping online, but there have been things in the news about delivery problems. I’m worried about not receiving things on time or packages being lost. What should I do if my parcel goes missing?

 

A: When you’re online shopping, it’s not always clear whom to contact if things go wrong.

 

As a customer, your contract is with the seller that you bought the item from. It’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. They should chase the courier to find out what happened to your order if there is a problem.

 

If your parcel hasn’t arrived:

 

·       Check the delivery address you gave the seller, to make sure it’s correct

·       Then contact the seller and ask where your order is

·       If the seller claims they’ve delivered it or doesn’t know where it is, you can ask for a redelivery. You might be able to get a refund in some circumstances where the delivery time was essential and you let the seller know ahead of time.

 

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you can ask the seller to deliver the item to you again if the item wasn’t delivered either by an agreed date, or within a reasonable time – usually 30 days.

 

If the new delivery fails to come within a reasonable time, you cans ask the seller for a refund.

 

If your parcel was left somewhere:

 

Another problem people face is when parcels get left in different places, for example outside or with a neighbour.

 

If your item was delivered by Royal Mail:

 

If Royal Mail left your package with a neighbour or in a certain place because you told them to, it’s not the seller or Royal Mail’s responsibility if it gets lost.

 

If they leave it somewhere you hadn’t instructed, it’s the seller’s responsibility if it gets lost.

 

You should contact the seller to ask for a redelivery or a refund.

 

If the item was delivered by a courier:

 

Check your terms and conditions or account details – they might include other places for delivery, like your porch or a neighbour’s house. If you agreed to them, it’s not the seller’s or courier’s responsibility if your order has gone missing. However if you did not agree to this, then it’s the sellers responsibility if your order goes missing.

 

If you ordered something from a private seller or you’re still having trouble after trying the tips above, you can contact the Citizens advice Consumer Helpline for help on 0808 223 1133