Public Health Wales - Friday update

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

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Friday 10 April

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

“502 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4,591, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“29 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 315.

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

“All available data relating to Coronavirus in Wales is now available on a new user-friendly data dashboard, which is available on the Public Health Wales website.

“As part of our efforts to continually expand testing, there is now a Deloitte testing facility operational at Cardiff City Stadium. This is part of the UK-wide plan to test key workers.  In Wales this has been led by Public Health Wales, Welsh Government, the Local Resilience Forum, and Deloitte. Please note that the facility is for key workers and you should only attend if invited.

“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 want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus. 

“We know that staying at home can be hard especially when the weather is nice, but 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.”

Council thanks business for donation of protective masks

* Staff at Gorwel Newydd Extra Care Scheme
 who will be some of the recipients of the masks.
The picture was taken before social
distancing measures were brought in. 

A significant number of protective masks have been donated to Denbighshire County Council by a St Asaph firm.

The face masks have been donated by Qioptiq and were delivered to the council by Vale of Clwyd MP James Davies who helped organise the donation.

The masks will be used by the council’s social care workers including those in residential and nursing care homes, domiciliary workers and social workers while a number were also donated to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “I would like to thank Qioptiq and James Davies on behalf of the Council and all of our staff in social care.

“This donation will protect our key workers and vulnerable residents across the county. This is a fantastic example of our community working together and supporting each other during this difficult time.

“It is encouraging to see a local business rallying round to help key workers deliver essential services which are helping protect lives.

“We are sourcing protective equipment from a number of sources and donations like this help ensure we have a good supply of equipment moving forward.”

Dr Davies said: “I wish to thank the company for the generous donation. Our frontline staff are doing truly amazing work in this moment of national emergency.”

Peter White, Managing Director, Qioptiq Ltd and Vice President Excelitas Land Equipment, said:  “We are delighted to support health and social care professionals from our local community in the battle to contain the Covid19 virus. Our thoughts are with them and everyone affected.”

Stay Home, Stay Safe – Minister for North Wales

* Ken Skates AM.

As we approach the Easter weekend the message from Minister for North Wales Ken Skates is clear – stay home and stay safe.

He said: “This Easter will be very different to the holiday weekends we have enjoyed in the past.  Normally North Wales would be preparing to welcome visitors from near and far, but this year we are dealing with the covid-19 pandemic and the message is clear – stay home. “Accommodation, pubs, restaurants and tourist attractions across the region are closed.  We have taken action to close caravan, holiday parks and campsites, and we’ve given national parks and local authorities the power to close footpaths.  “This unprecedented action has been taken to save lives.  These measures will only succeed if we all follow the guidelines and stay at home.  We all have a responsibility to ensure we do not spread the virus and put lives in danger. “It may be difficult but we must continue to comply this Easter weekend and stay at home. “This is the best way to show our support for the NHS, emergency services and other key workers.  This has been the clear message from across the public sector in Wales including North Wales Police and the Snowdonia National Park. “Thank you for staying at home.”  Michael Bewick, the Chair of the North Wales Tourism Forum said we must comply with the Government’s regulations. “As the Director of an attraction and the Chair of the North Wales Tourism Forum, asking people not to visit is unbelievable, but we are living in a period of national emergency. “Every attraction in North Wales is closed, our principal mountains and beaches are closed and our towns and villages are to all extent and purposes closed. This is going to be an extremely challenging time for the tourism sector. “I’m sure that I can speak on behalf of the whole sector when I thank people for staying away, for staying at their main home and by saying that we very much look forward to welcoming you back to North Wales – in the future.”

Local coronavirus update - Good Friday

* A police officer acknowledges the light sabres thank you gesture by residents of Bishops Walk.

* Bishops Walk residents come out to salute NHS carers and emergency services staff with
light sabres like the one lit up below. The police car responded with a display of
"blues and twos".

Llangollen residents were out with their light sabres and clapping last night to say a big thank you to NHS carers and emergency teams helping the country through the coronavirus crisis.

Supply if the sabres was arranged by the town’s Coronavirus Help Group to make an even bigger impact at the weekly Thursday evening applause sessions taking place across the UK and some of the proceeds from their sales through the Castle Street newsagents have gone to the group to help with its work.

* County Councillors Graham Timms, left, and Melvyn Mile Skype their "stay at home" appeal.

Llangollen’s two county councillors, Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile, teamed up on Skype yesterday to send out a “stay away” message to anyone thinking of visiting the town over the Easter holiday.

In their joint appeal they said: “Whilst Easter weekend is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year in Llangollen, we are urging everyone to continue to stay away during the current lockdown. 

“The local economy relies heavily on tourism and will be severely affected by the absence of visitors in the coming weeks. However, it is essential that we all stay at home so that we don’t risk spreading the virus to others and to protect our family and friends.

“The first weekend of the lockdown saw many thousands of visitors in Llangollen, but since then there has been a complete change in behaviour.  Thank you for staying at home.

“We are looking forward to better times when we will be able to welcome you all again to this beautiful area where we can once again say that this is ‘the town where Wales welcomes the World’.”

* The array of  loudspeakers through which the town crier broadcast his
thank you message yesterday.

Llangollen’s town crier, Austin “Chem” Cheminais, boomed out a message of support over the town to show support for NHS and key workers at 8pm last night.

He did it courtesy of a bank of loudspeakers set up on a vantage point up by Ollie and James from Llangollen-based Orb Sound and Lighting.

The message, which was recorded by Chem earlier as he is self-isolating due to a heart condition, started off with a couple of his trademark oyezs and said: “Llangollen thanks the NHS carers and all the other people supporting us through these difficult times. It ended with three cheers for the carers and “take care and stsy safe Llangollen!”   

* Prizes from a Help Group raffle yesterday.

Cat Meade streamed the draw for the latest Cornoviris Help Group raffle live on Facebook, with the winners being chosen during the course of the filming.

Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South, posted yesterday: “I wanted to send my very best wishes to everyone involved in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod at this difficult time.

“I much enjoyed being an external Trustee between 2016 and my election as the MP for Clwyd South at the end of 2019.

“During that time we faced many difficult decisions but none so challenging as having to postpone the Eisteddfod, unavoidable as that recent decision has been.

“But I know the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will weather the storm due to its decades long, deep-rooted history and its importance to the culture of Wales and its international significance.

“Above all, however, it will be sustained by its Trustees, staff and many hundreds of volunteers who all work with such inspiration and dedication for this unique cultural celebration in the beautiful town of Llangollen.”

The vicar, Father Lee Taylor (pictured above), streamed his Maundy Thursday service live on Facebook from St Collen’s yesterday evening. He will stream other services over Easter weekend.

Betsi Cadwaladr health board, which covers Llangollen, posted yesterday to say: “This Easter, if you need to access urgent medical help in North Wales over the bank holiday weekend and outside of normal GP Surgery hours from Thursday 9th April to Tuesday 14th April, call the GP Out of Hours Service on 0300 123 55 66."

* North Wales Police's own pictures of their officers out on coronavirus patrol.

North Wales Police posted a number of times yesterday to say: “We continue to urge people today not to travel to North Wales this Easter weekend.

Travelling is for essential reasons only.

Our tourist attractions, mountains, beaches, pubs, restaurants, caravan, holiday parks and campsites are all closed.

“Companies including Airbnb have announced that second home bookings are only for key workers and other essential stays only in order to support front line staff in the fight against Covid-19.

“We ask that local people take into account that some of those staying in holiday homes will be NHS staff and other essential workers who are staying away from their families to protect loved ones whilst they work.

“Police officers, PCSO’s and the Special Constabulary continue to be out on patrol today and throughout the weekend stopping people travelling here to ensure journeys are for essential purposes only.

“Thank you to those of you who are staying at home. You really are playing your part in helping to save lives.” 

Public Health Wales coronavirus update - Thursday

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

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Thursday 9 April

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

“Due to a change in our reporting process, today we are reporting a lower than usual number of new cases of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales.

“Today’s figures reflect a much shorter period of six hours of testing.  Case numbers will return to normal on Friday, as we return to 24 hour reporting.

“16 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4,089, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“41 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 286.

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

“All available data relating to Coronavirus in Wales is now available on a new user-friendly data dashboard, which is available on the Public Health Wales website.

“As part of our efforts to continually expand testing, there is now a Deloitte testing facility operational at Cardiff City Stadium. This is part of the UK-wide plan to test key workers.  In Wales this has been led by Public Health Wales, Welsh Government, the Local Resilience Forum, and Deloitte. Please note that the facility is for key workers and you should only attend if invited.

“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 want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus. 

“We know that staying at home can be hard especially when the weather is nice, but 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.”

Temporary mortuary site announced

Breaking news

The Daily Post is reporting this morning (Thursday) that plans for North Wales' first temporary mortuary catering for a potentially steep rise in deaths from coronavirus have been unveiled.

The industrial units on Mochdre Commerce Park have been earmarked as a "respectful and dignified holding point before funerals take place", if hospitals and funeral directors become unable to cope with the number of Covid-19- related deaths.

The decision was taken by the North Wales Local Resilience Forum, a body comprising local authorities, Welsh Government, emergency services and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Airbnb to temporarily restrict UK bookings to key workers

BREAKING NEWS ...

The BBC is reporting this morning (Thursday) that home rental firm Airbnb is to temporarily restrict UK bookings to keyworkers and “essential stays” because of the coronavirus crisis.

The firm said that the measure would last until at least 18 April.

Keyworkers - such as NHS and social care staff, and transport and food retail employees - can still book through a programme called Frontline Stays.

The decision comes after the government criticised opportunistic hosts.

Insight into how county council is dealing with virus crisis

* County Hall, Ruthin. Headquarters of Denbighshire County Council.

Llanblogger has been sent a copy of Denbighshire’s briefing document to its own councillors and those on town and community councils on how it is responding to the coronavirus crisis.

Supplied to us by Llangollen member Graham Timms, this says that during the escalation of the pandemic the county council has been engaging with residents and partners across the county to support residents and maintain service delivery as much as possible.

The emphasis has been on prioritising information gathering and publishing to enable local communities to support their most vulnerable, it adds.

The council’s community housing team has been calling tenants who have been identified as vulnerable, largely due to their age. 

To date, reveals the document, 741 calls have been made out of a list of about 900. 

Of those, 79 have been marked as ‘amber’, signposted or referred to agencies for some additional help, and 19 have been marked as ‘red’ requiring immediate follow-up work. 

All the people on the list will be called at regular intervals throughout the period, assures the document.

“Tenants are in good spirits and are largely well supported by family, friends or neighbours. They have been very glad to receive the call,” it adds.

Registered social landlords operating in Denbighshire have been following the same process.

The document continues: “We have received some information about the Welsh Government’s Shielding scheme and letter. 

“The letter advises the recipients to self-isolate for a period of 12 weeks and make use of local support to ensure they have enough food, drink and medicine for the period. People who do not have that support have been advised to call our Contact Centre.

“The letter has been sent to about 1,300 residents in Denbighshire who have been identified by the NHS as highly vulnerable. This is being followed with a letter being sent to a further circa 1,400 this week. 

“Around 3,000 people will receive these letters overall. We are cross-referencing the lists with our own housing and social services lists to identify who may have already been contacted by us.

“We have started to proactively call all the recipients of the Shielding letter to check on their wellbeing and to signpost them to community support if they require help.”

The briefing goes on: “The Welsh Government has contracted with a company to deliver food boxes and are creating a database for local authorities to complete with information on people to receive these boxes: this is in the process of being set up.

“Meanwhile, we have a team of people who are ready to take calls from people who call us as a result of receiving the letter.

“Both teams (reactive and proactive) have information on local community and third sector services, as well as local shops and businesses that are helping residents. 

“This information is being kept up to date and published on our website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/community-and-living/community-planning/community-resources/community-resources.aspx”

The document says a further exercise is being established for the council to engage directly with people who are registered for free school meals through text, e-mail or voice message to landlines.

“We continue to publish safeguarding messages through our usual channels, including information about scams that have been identified by Trading Standards,” says the briefing. 

“In addition we have published a briefing note to councillors and city, town and community councils on mitigating financial security risks. This was devised with the help of WCVA and Citizen’s Advice.”

On community volunteering the document says: “We have been working closely with Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) to establish a single portal for registering volunteers and volunteering opportunities in the community. 

“They have published this on their website: https://www.dvsc.co.uk.  All of their resource is now focussed on mobilising and catalysing community action.

“As we have identified community responses we have encouraged them to register with DVSC to enable a coordinated approach in supporting people in need in communities across the county.”

On communications the document says that apart from the council’s own website, which has links to many other agencies such as the Welsh Government, the authority is actively engaging with local Facebook page administrators, 20 of whom are now receiving twice weekly newsletters with the latest information that has been published. 

Members of the council’s democratic services team are regularly contacting all county councillors by phone. 

They are signposting them to the latest information and also gathering local intelligence which is being fed through to the local resources spreadsheet, explains the document.

Small Business Grants available for Llangollen traders

Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms (pictured) says he is concerned that some small businesses in town are not aware of the grants that are available to help them survive the current crisis. 

He explained: “Many of Llangollen's businesses are eligible for grant support.  

“I am concerned because businesses desperately need help to survive the next few months as they provide essential services for locals and tourists, and employment for our residents.

“The application process is simple and Denbighshire County Council is administering these grants on behalf of the Welsh Government.”

He added: “There are two different grant schemes for small businesses. 

“Anyone who has business premises with a rateable value of £12,000 or less can apply for a grant of £10,000 to help them to survive during the current crisis. 

“Alternatively, if your rateable value is between £12,001 and £25,000 and you are in retail, leisure or hospitality you can apply for a £25,000 grant to support your business. 

“If you think that you might be eligible for either grant, details and online application is on the Denbighshire County Council website: 

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/community-and-living/coronavirus/coronavirus.aspx

“Support for many other sectors, including the self employed are have also been announced. The latest information can be found here: https://businesswales.gov.wales/financial-support-and-grants”

Meanwhile, a list of business support available during the coronavirus outbreak has been compiled by Denbighshire County Council.

It has collated all government schemes, such as business rate relief and business grants, as well as support from other organisations.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “During this worrying time for businesses we wanted to provide them with one point of contact to find out about what is available.

“I would encourage all Denbighshire businesses to check this information and see what support they are eligible for.

“Our Economic and Business Development Team is continuing to support local businesses by signposting and finding information, sharing the latest information on social media and via our mailing list. We would encourage businesses to contact the team to sign up and get information sent to them directly.”

Support available includes business grants, business rate relief, the job retention scheme, support for the self-employed and the economic resilience fund, all provided by the UK or Welsh governments.

* For information on support visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/business-support and to sign up to our mailing list for businesses contact econ.dev@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 706896.

Local coronavirus update - Thursday

* A picture which appeared on Facebook from Betsi Cadwaladr health board of its new temporary hospital at Venue Cymru, which was recently renamed Ysbyty Enfys (Rainbow Hospital) Llandudno, lit up to symbolise hope amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis.

As First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed yesterday that the lockdown in Wales will be extended and not be lifted next week, Cat Meade, cor-ordinator of Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group gave her latest update on Facebook.

She said: “Thank you for your continued support with the GoFund raiser, we have now managed to obtain gloves, masks, sanitisers and visors for our volunteers, they will be distributed in the next few days.

“The fund also assists with shopping funds, admin costs and much more.

“We are planning for the long haul, as we are all unsure when this may end, please keep supporting.

“Big Thank you to our resident Chef Steve The Swan Inn, Pontfadog. A batch of veg lasagne and more soup made this week? Steve has taken the challenge with every bit of food we can give him to make hearty meals. Thanks Steve.

“Don’t forget to get your #Lightupllangollen Light Saber from the newsagents Castle Street ready for 8pm tomorrow (Thursday), £4 each with every sale £1 donated to the Support Group.

“Join us on Llangollen Raffles tomorrow at 11am with a chance to win a few Sabers #shoplocal

“The #llangollenfamily t-shirts are selling that well. The guys over at #infintitee are having to restock, let’s give these guys a big 👏👏 for supporting and in turn we are supporting again a local business #llangollenfamily

“And please, give a huge THANK YOU  to Dee Valley Produce these guys have been AMAZING  these last 3 weeks, working their hardest, lots of long days by all the team to get supplies to you all.

“I am proud to live in this community, and what a community we have, these current circumstances make us all reflect, I hope you are all proud to be a member of this amazing town.”

Cat Meade shared a post yesterday from David Pinel who runs IT-Pro Support in the town, who said: “Myself and my team have been exceptionally busy over the last few weeks helping our support clients adjust to remote working, we’ve also had to be quick to learn and implement our own remote practices.

“Now that things are settling down a bit for us I’d like to offer our expertise to other local small businesses. Every Tuesday and Thursday we will run a free 1 hour 1-2-1 technology review, we can discuss what issues you’re currently facing with remote working, collaboration or communication and will advise on solutions that you can implement.

“Due to the time constraints we can only offer this to small businesses with less than 10 office based employees.

“If you would like to book a slot please email me directly on david@itprosupport.co.uk or phone our office on 01978 869182.”

Help group volunteer Mike Connolly posted on Facebook yesterday: “PRESCRIPTIONS - For those over 70 or self-isolating on medical advice there is a daily prescription collection by the Rotary Club. 

“Please request by 3.30pm Mon - Fri and 11am Sat, for delivery same day.  The Pharmacy is CLOSED on Fri/Sun/Mon this week. Please call or text Sheena on 0759 201 8533 with your name, address and contact number if you require meds to be collected.”

Llangollen Railway yesterday renewed its appeal via Facebook for cash to help it survive the lockdown. 

This currently stands at £5,662 and donations can be made at:

https://llangollenrailway.charitycheckout.co.uk/cf/covid-19-appeal?fbclid=IwAR0FG-epvCDVzEBn0fw-5eeWB1sa1UjF74NkmA7UJCSWuJuevakAvs1511U

St Collen’s took to Facebook yesterday to provide details of its Easter weekend services, which are:

“Holy Week & Easter - Live-streaming services

“Maundy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper with stripping of the altar, 18:30

“Good Friday: Readings and Music, 14:30

“Holy Saturday: Service of Light with singing of Exsultet, 21:00 (all invited to put a lighted candle by your window)

“Easter Day: Mass, 11:00.”

Stories of interest from outside Llangollen

* The team manning the new Dementia Hub. 

A Dementia Hub has been launched at Ysbyty Gwynedd to enable staff to provide support to those living with the condition during the outbreak of COVID-19.

The service will operate seven days a week from the hospital by the Dementia Team.

Dementia Nurse Practitioner, Delyth Thomas, said she was delighted they could offer this service to ensure they can provide support for those living with dementia during these unprecedented times.

She said: “This is a very worrying time for people living with dementia and also their carers, family and friends.

“The dementia team here in Ysbyty Gwynedd would like to reassure you that we will try our very best to support you during this very difficult time.

“In order for us to achieve this we have set up a temporary bilingual Dementia Hub to provide support over the phone.

“The seven day service will be open between 8.30am and 4.30pm, if we need to be out of office for any reason, please do leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. You can also leave us a message outside of these opening hours and we will get back to you.”

The team are also working alongside Alzheimer’s UK and Carer’s Outreach who are able to offer support to families and carers.To contact the Dementia Hub for more information call 01248 384384 and ask for extension 4041.

During yesterday the organisation Vets Now used Facebook to “de-bunk” suggestions that cats can spread coronavirus to humans.

The post said: “Please read, digest, and share. There remains NO evidence that pets can spread coronavirus to humans.”