Public Health Wales Sunday update

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Sunday 5 April

Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“355 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,197*, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“12 further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of deaths in Wales to 166.

“We offer our condolences to families and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

“Public Health Wales has conducted more than 14,000 tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on nearly 12,000 individuals since the start of this outbreak. 

 “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.  The single most important action we can all take in fighting Coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“We know that staying at home can be hard especially when the weather is nice and we want everyone to follow the rules. We want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.

“Members of the public must adhere to social distancing rules about staying at home, and away from others, introduced by the UK and Welsh Government.  These rules are available on the Public Health Wales website.

“People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Information about the symptoms to look out for is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on hold to 111.  We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

“The public play a very important role in slowing the spread of infection. By strictly following the latest measures, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Numbers of confirmed cases by local health board 

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
Aneurin Bevan	65	1020*
Betsi Cadwaladr	11	189
Cardiff and Vale	92	815*
Cwm Taf Morgannwg	94	479*
Hywel Dda	19	189
Powys	2	48
Swansea Bay	66	378*
Resident outside Wales	1	27
To be confirmed	5	54
Wales Total	354	3196
Total	355	3197

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."

Public Health Wales - Saturday update

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Saturday 4 April

Dr Chris Williams, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“387 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2,853, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“13 further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of deaths in Wales to 154.

“We offer our condolences to families and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

“Public Health Wales has conducted more than 13,000 tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on more than 11,000 individuals since the start of this outbreak. 

“Following publication of a new Chinese study which shows smokers with COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease, we encourage all smokers that want to stop to use NHS Wales’ free Help Me Quit stop smoking advice and phone support service. Search ‘Help Me Quit’ or call 0800 085 2219 to get started.

“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.  The single most important action we can all take in fighting Coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“We know that staying at home can be hard, and we want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.

“Members of the public must adhere to social distancing rules about staying at home, and away from others, introduced by the UK and Welsh Government.  These rules are available on the Public Health Wales website.

“People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Information about the symptoms to look out for is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on hold to 111.  We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

“The public play a very important role in slowing the spread of infection. By strictly following the latest measures, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Numbers of confirmed cases by local health board

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
Aneurin Bevan	87	956
Betsi Cadwaladr	45	178
Cardiff and Vale	116	729
Cwm Taf Morgannwg	58	387
Hywel Dda	26	170
Powys	5	46
Swansea Bay	39	312
Resident outside Wales	5	26
To be confirmed	6	49
Wales Total	382	2827
Total	387	2853

Cat suggests a Clap for Kids tomorrow

Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group co-ordinator Cat Meade has today (Saturday) sent out a message on Facebook suggesting local people take part in a Clap for the Kids  tomorrow afternoon at 3pm

She explains: "Our Lovely Kids are completely thrown on the current situation, they are not moaning to go out, let's all give our little heroes a clap."

Health boss welcomes plea for business support to produce PPE

The Chair of North Wales Health Board (pictured) has welcomed the First Minister’s plea yesterday (Friday) for urgent business support in producing personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff fighting the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mark Polin, Chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) said now is the time to appeal to businesses again to show their support for health and care staff working across North Wales.

“This is a rallying call for arms for companies to change their production lines where possible and start making this hugely important protective equipment. It is paramount that our brave and committed frontline colleagues feel safe and are safe so that they can in turn protect and provide the best care they can to those requiring their help. I urge those companies here in North Wales who can assist in any way to come forward.

“Whether it is visors, masks, aprons or gloves, a change in government guidance explaining when PPE should be worn will no doubt see demand for these items rise further throughout the country in the coming days, weeks and months.

“As we are all aware, this virus shows no discrimination as each and every one of us is vulnerable towards it, some more than others. We all have a part to play in making sure our loved ones continue to receive the best care we can give and that our colleagues remain as safe as possible for those of us that will sadly require specialist frontline care.”

"There are a number of ways for companies to help this urgent request for PPE:

·        Visit the North Wales NHS Charity website Awyr Las

·        Emailing the Procurement Department via nwssp.nwales.procurement@wales.nhs.uk

"BCUHB would like to say a very big thank you to organisations and individuals who have already been in touch to offer their support and generosity during this outbreak. This assistance is greatly appreciated.

"A further and urgent call for volunteers and trained return to practice clinical staff is still needed more than ever to offer additional support to the Health Board and the temporary hospitals currently being constructed across North Wales. Here’s how to get involved:

·        Visit the Get Involved page to become a public volunteer

·        Trained healthcare staff wanting to join the staff bank should contact BCU.TemporaryStaffingAdmin@wales.nhs.uk

Statement from the Town Mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy

* Town Mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy.

The Town Council’s thoughts are with the people of the town and especially those who may be particularly vulnerable to this dreadful disease. 

Councillors are aware of the support groups being set up to practicably aid those in need and as a Council, as a whole, will be doing its very best to help and support them in whatever way we can. 

Individual Councillors are directly volunteering with the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group, ably coordinated by Ms Cat Meade. for which we are deeply grateful.

Through our Town Clerk we shall also be doing our best to signpost to the appropriate departments at Denbighshire County Council and to our Third Sector Partners.

All your local councillors remain available for residents and their contact details are shown on the Town Council website and whilst the Town Hall remains closed, and will remain so for the foreseeable future, our dedicated staff will be offering help through both phone and email.    

In these difficult times it is important we all stay as safe as we can and help each other. 

Please follow Government guidance about self-isolation, and when going out of your house keep your distance from others as by doing this will reduce the chance of contracting or spreading this world-wide virus, so that we can return to a normal, but, I suspect,somewhat different world.

As always, I am confident the great community spirit of the residents of Llangollen will make this happen and will continue beyond the end of these difficult times to ensure that our community bounces back as strong as ever.

Finally, please keep safe and I look forward to seeing you at events in the town later in the year.

Coronavirus local update - Saturday

Llangollen Railway posted on Facebook yesterday details of the shares scheme it has launched to help it survive its current shutdown due to the coronaviris threat.

The heritage railway has warned that the closure could leave it with a £600,000 deficit.

Its post says: “You can help to support Llangollen Railway by purchasing shares.

“The link below takes you to our website where you will find more information. Minimum purchase is £50 which will give you 50 shares.”

The website sets out the benefits of purchasing the PLC shares, which will entitle the holder to travel vouchers.

With a minimum purchase of 50, and a scale of benefits ranges from up to 99 shares – 1 travel voucher up to 3000 + shares – travel pass for holder and three guests.

There is a shares application form and the link to the railway’s website is: https://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/shares/

Cat Meade, co-ordinator of Llangollen Coronavirus Support Group, has set up a new Facebook page to create raffles. Find it at: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/223545835554870/

Prizes will be vouchers/goods from local businesses, both currently open and closed, as Cat explained: "To maintain spend and know we are supporting them in these difficult times."

The first raffle was held yesterday with a prize of a £50 takeaway voucher for Adyan's Tandoori plus 4 beers & a bottle of wine,  all delivered to your door.

It was £2 per number (max 2 numbers per person) and those interested in joining were asked to message their number to the page,with payment via paypal.

* The group's new supplier leaflet.

The support group has also posted the latest list of suppliers for food and other essentials in Llangollen, (pictured above). It also contains a list of up-to-date contact numbers.

* The #Llangollen Family t-shirt to be available soon.

Another big announcement from the group yesterday was that it is making available a t-shirt with the logo #llangollenfamily.

Cat explained: “I started this on my posts and was overwhelmed with our community spirit, volunteers, support, shops etc... the whole package...one big Family.

“Well, I have been working with a local supplier and tomorrow we shall be up and running to take orders on these beauties.

“On the other side of this we will have our own #Llanfest and I want to see you all in these tops. Post on orders coming tomorrow (Saturday).

“A percentage of purchase will all go to the Llangollen Support Group.” 

Meanwhile, Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches invited people on Facebook yesterday to tune in this Sunday at 8pm and sponsor a hymn to be sung which will be dedicated to you during the live stream. You can sponsor a hymn with a donation by visiting:

https://paypal.me/llangolenchurches?locale.x=en_GB