Public Health Wales update - Wednesday

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

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Wednesday 15 April

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

“272 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 6,118, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“60 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 463.

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

“We are aware that the number of deaths reported today is regrettably much higher than yesterday, however it is worth noting that day-to-day fluctuations are to be expected.”

“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.

“From tomorrow, confirmed case numbers and deaths will be available to view in the dashboard only, with the daily statement focusing on key public health information and updates.

“We are encouraging everyone to download the Covid-19 Symptom Tracker app, which has been supported by Welsh Government. The app allows users to log daily symptoms to help build a clearer picture of how the virus is affecting people. For more information, including how to download the app, visit covid.joinzoe.com.

“Public Health Wales is working to address the negative impact of COVID-19 on the social, mental and physical wellbeing of people in Wales. The new ‘How are you doing?’ campaign is now live and offering practical advice from phw.nhs.wales/howareyoudoing.

“The Deloitte testing facility at Cardiff City Stadium continues to operate to full capacity and provides a means for testing key workers.

“Public Health Wales is working in partnership with the Welsh Government and the Welsh Blood Service to explore the use of convalescent plasma from people who have recovered from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Plasma from patients who have recovered from Coronavirus will contain antibodies that their immune systems have produced to fight the virus which can be transfused to patients whose immune systems are struggling to develop their own antibodies.

“The initiative is at an early stage and we will be inviting eligible individuals by direct approach only at this stage.

“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.”

Lockdown costs businesses £100m in lost Easter takings says tourism boss

* Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism.

The coronavirus lockdown has cost tourism in North Wales £100 million in lost takings over the Easter bank holiday weekend, it’s been revealed.

Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, says many tourism businesses were telling them they may not survive the economic carnage caused by the pandemic.

Traditionally, Easter marked the beginning of the main tourism season where operators reaped the rewards of their investment.

The Covid-19 crisis hit at a time when the visitor economy was booming.

There were record levels of private and public sector investment while the annual level of spending by tourists had risen to an all-time high of £3.241 billion and the number of visitors rocketing to 30 million a year.

Before the crisis the industry employed 42,000 people across North Wales – adding up to one in seven jobs in the region.

But the industry had now ground to a complete halt with attractions, accommodation providers and events all closed down indefinitely – and no certainty there would be a summer season this year. 

Mr Jones said: “Tourism generates more than £3 billion a year of spending by visitors.

“About half of that comes in the main holiday season – it's estimated the amount of income generated over the long Easter weekend is £ 100 million.

“What’s causing particular hardship in our tourism sector across North Wales, is that it’s come at the worst possible time.

“Many businesses haven’t generated any new cash flow since October and they committed to general maintenance and improvements over the winter using extended overdrafts and loans with the hope of a good Easter break to kick start them into the season.

"The UK and Welsh Government have been extremely generous in an unprecedented provision of financial support.

“However, as you will see in time, it’s not going to be enough. There are still a number of critical issues that need looking at, such as some banks are not helping businesses in this difficult time.

“One of North Wales Tourism Board Members was told, that because her business will not be generating any income in the next few months they were unable to support them.

“Not getting enough cash flow into their businesses to help right now is the crux of the problem and will ultimately be make-or-break for many.

“We’ve heard from many businesses that even when they have closed the doors to visitors they still have huge overheads.

“For example, the Welsh Mountain Zoo still have to care for their animals. Anglesey Sea Zoo, who have a globally important British Sea Horse breeding and conservation programme, still need to cover the cost of keeping all the plant and filtering systems working.

“On a positive note North Wales has great resilience, and we will get through this. Tourism business here have a great sense of community and they pull together and work with each other.

“We have paused all our marketing activity for the moment, though brilliantly, the Great Orme goats have been promoting North Wales around the world on our behalf!

“Our organisation is starting to think about helping North Wales be future-ready for when this is over.

“All the work that has gone into making North Wales the Adventure Capital of Europe over recent years hasn’t been wasted and will give us a good platform from which to rebuild. We are confident that people will come back when the time is right.

“But for now the message is loud and clear, stay home and stay safe and we hope to see you soon.”

Plea made over fires during Covid-19 crisis

Denbighshire’s Countryside Service and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are backing efforts by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to highlight the dangers of uncontrolled fires and bonfires over the coming months and at a time when services are stretched to the limit dealing with effects of coronavirus.

Landowners will probably be aware the heather and grass burning season runs from 1st October to 31st March in upland areas and between 1st November and 15th March elsewhere. 

Many farmers take the opportunity to undertake controlled burning of heather, grass bracken and gorse on their land and should not continue this the practice beyond the burning season. 

But the agencies say there have been occasions in the past when fires have been lit either by landowners or by other countryside users wanting to create a bonfire and this has caused some damage to our scenic countryside and fires can quickly get out of control.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “The heather and grass burning season has only just come to an end in upland areas of Denbighshire and landowners are respectfully asked to stick to the Code and not carry out burning.  

"The majority of landowners stick to the rules and we thank them for that.  But we have seen examples in the past of people either burning or lighting fires in the countryside, and there’s a risk that these fires can get out of control, especially after a dry and warm spell. 

“Only recently there were reports of uncontrolled fires in the county.

“We are trying to protect our scenic countryside and there’s no reason to be lighting fires during this time.  People should not be wandering around the countryside; they should stay at home and take exercise locally. Certainly no one should be lighting any bonfires. 

“Staffing resources within countryside service will be stretched as a result of coronavirus and we do not have additional capacity to respond and deal with the aftermaths of fires like this. They are completely avoidable and our plea is for people to act responsibly and not create a fire risk in the countryside now, or at any other time.”

Tim Owen, Arson Reduction Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re asking farmers and landowners to avoid undertaking controlled burning and residents to avoid burning waste to help to reduce the demand on firefighters and help them to stay safe during this difficult time.

“A small fire can spread so easily. Please don’t put unnecessary extra pressure on North Wales’ services. Let’s work together to fight coronavirus.”

Citizens Advice still available for help

Citizens Advice Denbighshire has sent the following message to the people of Llangollen:

Local coronavirus update - Wednesday

* The protective gloves donated by the Welsh Dee Trust.

A number of posts on Facebook yesterday showed how local people are helping to keep frontline workers and volunteers safe from infection during the Covid-19 crisis.

Typical of them was Mike Connolly, a volunteer with the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group, posted:  “Can we say a BIG THANK YOU to Welsh Dee Trust in The Malthouse Business Centre, Llangollen for the kind and generous donation of 8 boxes of gloves which we will make sure are used wisely. www.welshdeetrust.com

 

* The headbands made by Mary Gary Rogers.

Mary Gary Rogers posted to say: “I have so far made 21 headbands. I need to put the buttons on them tomorrow, could any of the nurses that work in the Maelor that live in Llan mind taking them in for me, I can deliver to your doorstep.”

 

* The Llangollen chemist heroes.

Another Facebook member posted a short message of thanks to staff at Llangollen pharmacy together with a picture of them wearing their protective face visors.

 

It said simply: “Llangollen chemist 💕 because they’re heroes.”

 

* The tribute to CAB teams from the Royal Family.

Lesley Powell, chief executive officer of Citizens Advice Denbighshire had a message yesterday for all CAB teams in the county.

It said: “As we come to the end of another busy week my thanks to you, your staff and all your volunteers for your hard work - you really are all making such a positive difference to people’s lives.

“Yesterday we got a high profile mention from the Royal Family. They posted on twitter and instagram about the great work we do. It’s really nice to receive this public recognition and reflects the incredible work that everyone is doing.”

* AVOW's message to volunteers in Llangollen Rural.

Keith Sinclair posted on Facebook yesterday some information which may be helpful to those living on the outskirts of town.

It said: “Volunteers across Llangollen Rural are doing a great job supporting friends, neighbours, relatives or, indeed, anyone else needing support.

“It would be very helpful if we could increase the number of local volunteers who are registered with AVOW. This is particularly to assist our Community Agent who is using AVOW registered volunteers to support those who are referred to him.”

* Help may be at hand for struggling small sports clubs.

Help group volunteer Mike Connolly also posted details yesterday of a scheme which aims to help sport clubs are facing an immediate threat to their existence due to coronavirus.

Sport Wales and the Welsh Government have confirmed emergency funding of £400,000 for not-for-profit community sport in Wales.

.

This is targeted at clubs who are already facing significant challenges after a difficult few weeks and who are likely to need immediate financial support over the next 12 weeks (up to 30th June 2020) if they are to remain an important part of their communities in the future. Each eligible club will be able to apply for a maximum of £5,000.

For full details go to: https://www.sport.wales/content-vault/emergency-relief-fund/?fbclid=IwAR0bmyqbS-dmHSgFKHZqD5ptVGvnIu7R9aIEcnXDhKnvQTYVX_CtWQTacKA

Police back lockdown domestic abuse campaign

North Wales Police is backing a campaign highlighting the signs of controlling and coercive behaviour as part of an on-going drive to raise awareness and deal with domestic abuse during the Covid 19 outbreak.

 Domestic abuse is not only about physical violence and the Welsh Government’s “This is Control” campaign aims to encourage people to recognise the signs of controlling and coercive behaviour and to report it.

Controlling and coercive behaviour is designed to make a person subordinate or dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain and depriving them of the means to be independent or to resist and escape their situation. It also seeks to regulate their everyday behaviour.

North Wales Police has teamed up with the Live Fear Free Helpline, an all Wales domestic abuse service which deals with this issue every day of the year.

Ann Williams LFF manager said: “The Helpline deals with victims who receive constant harassment by text or social media or who are emotionally abused through degrading comments about appearance or their weight. We speak to victims who have been deprived of money to buy essentials for the household and who have been deliberately isolated from friends and family.”

“We know that COVID 19 has raised anxiety which is compounded in relationships where domestic abuse and sexual violence already exists. The situation is also exacerbated because the victim and perpetrator are within the same four walls 24 hours a day. In a lot of households children are also at home as schools are closed."

“We want people to know there is help out there.”

"The Helpline will listen, believe and never judge and we never tell people what to do. We offer options and signpost to other organisations or, if required, assistance to access refuge. These will offer a safe space for women, children and men.”

There are four ways to access the 24 hour Helpline-

• Telephone 0808 80 10 800

• Webchat livefearfree.gov.wales

• Text 07860077333

• email info@livefearfreehelpline.wales

The Helpline also offers support to Friends & Family who have concerns about their loved ones and to professionals looking for assistance

The conversations with the Helpline by telephone will not appear on any bills and are not recorded on electronic devices.                  

North Wales Police Strategic Domestic Abuse Officer Mike Taggart said ; “The Live Fear Free Helpline is an  a fantastic service that provides support to all victims. The helpline is indiscriminate and will help all those that reach out for support. "

“The Live Fear Free “This is Control” campaign is incredibly powerful, showing that domestic abuse is not just about physical abuse, but about power, control and manipulation as well as raising awareness that men too are victims of domestic abuse.”

"Victims sometimes don’t know that they are being abused, because the manipulation is so great.  This campaign highlights those behaviours that people wouldn’t normally think were domestic abuse, but in fact, they are.”

“I would urge anyone who is being subjected to this horrific abuse to make contact with North Wales Police or the Live Fear Free Helpline, where you can get the appropriate support and help keep yourself safe.”

Live Fear Free website: https://gov.wales/live-fear-free

Businesses asked to help with speedy ambulance contamination

The Welsh Ambulance Service has challenged businesses to develop a new innovation to speed up the decontamination of ambulances during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Trust has asked businesses to come up with a solution to accelerate the cleaning of its vehicles so that crews can get back on the road and respond to other emergency calls.

It takes additional time to decontaminate an ambulance that had transported a suspected or confirmed Covid-19 patient, taking precious resources away from the frontline temporarily while the vehicle is made safe for the next patient.

More than 200 applications have been received and shortlisted after the Trust put out a call to action through the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI).

Jonathan Turnbull-Ross, the Trust’s Interim Assistant Director of Quality Governance, said: “The safety of our patients and staff through the Covid-19 outbreak is paramount and we have to be on top of our infection prevention and control measures.

“Typically, it can take an additional 30 to 45 minutes to clean an ambulance vehicle that has transported a suspected Covid-19 patient, but the process can also take upwards of several hours, depending on the level of decontamination required.

“We have to think outside the box if we want a solution that is going to speed up this process, and release our crews back on the road quicker to respond to other calls.

“We were delighted with the number of submissions we received, and genuinely excited by the ideas and concepts that these businesses have to offer.

“We look forward to seeing how these will evolve through the evaluation stages, and to understand how these innovations can be further supported to roll out across Wales, which will ultimately save lives.”

The challenge is being managed by the Welsh Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Centre of Excellence, hosted by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, with support from Welsh Government, the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and Innovate UK.  

Vaughan Gething, Minister for Health and Social Services, added: “I’m really pleased the Welsh Government is supporting the Welsh Ambulance Service to spearhead this UK-wide search for sanitation solutions. 

“Anything which reduces the turnaround time for our ambulance fleet will ultimately save lives because innovation is never more important than in times of crisis.

“I hope too, that we can find solutions which can be used by our other emergency services and the dedicated workers keeping our public transport on the move.”

Testing will take place at the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Porton Down, Wiltshire, in mid-April before the Trust will consider the successful solutions which may be implemented across the organisation.

County backs "support each other" campaign

Denbighshire County Council is supporting a campaign to help people who are staying at home because of coronavirus.

The Welsh Government’s Looking Out for Each Other campaign focuses on how to help each other during the pandemic and provides practical guidance about how to stay mentally and physically active as well as how to perform everyday tasks safely to minimise the risk of contracting coronavirus.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the Council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “This is a very difficult time for all our residents but the most important message is for people to stay home and minimise contact with others. This helps slow the spread of the virus and helps protect our NHS, social care and emergency service staff as well as key workers continuing to provide services to us all.

“This advice is especially important to vulnerable members of society such as the over 70s and those with underlying medical conditions. Our message to them is please do not take any risks.

“The Welsh Government has published guidance on how we can support those in our communities who need extra care, but the message is clear this should be done safely by keeping your distance from others and minimising the number of trips out of your home.”

Examples of support that can be provided for vulnerable members of society include:

* Help with food shopping. You can do this in person and leave groceries on the doorstep, or help those who aren’t familiar with shopping online.

* Keep in touch. Staying at home for a long time can be a lonely experience. Just saying hello and regularly checking in over the phone or online is important.

* Run errands. Some people will need help collecting medication. Others may need support ordering so they don’t run out.

* Share trusted sources of information. It’s easy to become worried by online information, some of which may be deliberately designed to mislead people. 

* Help your community by sharing trusted information from Welsh Government, Public Health Wales, Denbighshire County Council and North Wales Police.

+ For more information on how to safely look out for each other visit https://gov.wales/safe-help

Public Health Wales figures - Tuesday

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

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Tuesday 14 April

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

“238 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 5,848, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“19 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 403.

“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.

“Public Health Wales is working to address the negative impact of COVID-19 on the social, mental and physical wellbeing of people in Wales. The new ‘How are you doing?’ campaign is now live and offering practical advice from phw.nhs.wales/howareyoudoing.

“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.

“Public Health Wales is working with Deloitte to integrate reporting systems so they can be included in Public Health Wales’ data dashboard.

“Public Health Wales is working in partnership with the Welsh Government and the Welsh Blood Service to explore the use of convalescent plasma from people who have recovered from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Plasma from patients who have recovered from Coronavirus will contain antibodies that their immune systems have produced to fight the virus which can be transfused to patients whose immune systems are struggling to develop their own antibodies.

“The initiative is at an early stage and we will be inviting eligible individuals by direct approach only at this stage.

“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.”

Local coronavirus update - Tuesday

* Cllr Issy Richards gets ready to Sing for Wales. 

Picture supplied by her.

At the suggestion of the town’s deputy mayor, Cllr Issy Richards, Llangollen took part in the nationwide Sing for Wales event yesterday evening.

It was a salute to NHS and key workers, people affected by COVID-19, everyone in town missing their family, friends and our busy local life, and also to thank Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group.

This follows an initiative started on 23rd March by Sarah Evans, whose Facebook page Sing For Wales now has over 105,000 followers. 

BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru were playing the backing track of the anthem at 8pm, but Cllr Richards had arranged something a little different to provide musical background for the anthem.

She said: "I've had some fantastic help from Oliver Bentley, Rachel Bentley and James Barber, of ORB Sound and Lighting fame, together with Peter Hartigan, of Sound Sensation Disco, who broadcast the anthem through loudspeakers from two locations across the town, at Pengwern and the Pavilion. 

"The anthem was sung by the Froncysyllte Male Voice choir as heard in their famous YouTube recording.”

Following the rousing performance, which some said could be heard as far away as Abbey Farm, comments on Facebook included “beautiful xx”, “well done Llangollen xx”, “brill xx”, “heartwarming” and “thank you. Brilliant.”

* The loudspeakers used to broadcast across the town. Above, at Pengwern and, below, at the Pavilion. Pictures supplied by team.

Later in the evening, Cat Meade, co-ordinator of the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group, posted on Facebook: “Thank you for your continued support, to our Volunteers, donators to funds and Community spirit.

 

“We have Llangollen Tshirts - InfiniteTee UK supporting with #llangollenfamily t-shirts.

“Newsagents Castle Street delivering newspapers daily & donating with purchases of #lightupllangolen light sabres.

“Llangollen Raffles supporting local business and support group, community fun, raising profiles of local business & supporting you all and the group.

“Local shops, staff going to work, posties, doctors, Simon and team at pharmacy, home deliveries from local shops, carers at nursing homes, volunteers getting to those in need, foodshare running day and night to assist.

“Llangollen has an AMAZING community, I am overwhelmed with the "help one another" attitude this town continues to give!

“As most of you know, I am normally your local estate agent, sold, purchased or rented for/to you, lots of clients I have met again through this, I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to my directors at Wingetts for supporting our local community and allowing our Llangollen office to be the hub (via phone) of our support group.

“A HUGE thank you to every single one of you for supporting, by any way you can.

“We are helping 100s of people in Llangollen. We will get over this, together, as a community.”

* The face masks supplied by Bill Kong 

being used by staff at The Old Vicarage

who supplied the picture.

‎On its new Facebook page, Vicarage DreamTeam‎, The Old Vicarage care home posted: “Another shoutout to say thank you to William WY Kong and his family for making masks for us at The Old Vicarage.

“We came in this morning to find a note from our team to say a lovely gentleman dropped some masks off for us. You’ve obviously left a great impression Bill!

“Thanks again for all of the kindness shown, we greatly appreciate all the support.”