Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, are: 

·         A new fund of more than £1m to help Wales’ unpaid carers cope with the financial pressures of COVID-19 has been announced today by the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services.

o   Open to carers across Wales, the Carers Support Fund will see grants of up to £300 made available for a range of essentials, including; food, household items such as furniture or white goods, or electronics such as a laptop for access to support and services.

o   A public consultation about a new national plan for carers, setting out how Welsh Government’s proposes to work with a range of partners to strengthen its priorities to better reflect every aspect of a carers’ life has also been published.

o   https://gov.wales/ps1-million-fund-carers-mark-launch-public-consultation

·         A quick guide to changes to benefits appointment, assessments and claims: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-changes-benefits-appointment-assessments-and-claims

·         Updated guidance which explains who is exempt from the requirement to self-isolate (quarantine) if travelling to Wales from overseas https://gov.wales/exemptions-self-isolation-coronavirus-covid-19-html 

Coronavirus in numbers

·         The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 1,148 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 37,400 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

o   Sadly, another 10 deaths were reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 1,722.

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

·         The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving COVID-19, for the week ending 9 October.

o   The cumulative number of deaths involving COVID-19 in Welsh residents up to 9 October was 2,671.

o   Of the deaths registered in the week ending 9 October, there were provisionally 37 deaths involving COVID-19 – this was 12 more than the previous week. This is the fourth successive week numbers have increased.

o   The numbers reported by ONS are different from those from Public Health Wales because of different reporting methods and timing.

o   https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/latest

 

Where to find the latest information

·        Information about local restrictions in Bangor, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly borough, Cardiff, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Llanelli, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham areas: https://gov.wales/local-lockdown  

·         Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/

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

·         Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/

·         If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe

·         The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL translator. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Economy Minister Ken Skates held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1318511230923939840 

Welsh Government doubles Economic Resilience Fund to nearly £300

The Welsh Government is doubling the third phase of its Economic Resilience Fund, making nearly £300m available to support businesses that continue to be affected by Covid-19.

In September, the Economy Minister Ken Skates announced £140m would be made available under the third phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund.

However, as a result of the “fire-break”, which will begin on Friday 23 October and continue until Monday 9 November and will require a range of businesses to temporarily close their doors or reduce their operations, the latest round of the fund will be more than doubled to ensure further help for businesses across Wales.

The Economic Resilience Fund, which complements support schemes available from the UK Government, is part of the Welsh Government’s £1.7bn plus support package for businesses to help deal with the economic impacts of Coronvirus.

Economy Minister Ken Skates said: “As a Welsh Government we are having to make important decisions to help slow the spread of coronavirus and protect both the stability of our NHS and the health of our people. However we absolutely recognise that these decisions do have a knock on effect on our economy and our businesses during what has already been an incredibly difficult year for them.

“We’ve been speaking at length and in depth with our business partners about the ongoing impact of coronavirus and the effect of the restrictions we are having to implement to slow its spread.

“One of the messages we have received loud and clear is that businesses want certainty so that they can plan and prepare, and that they need a clear package of support to help them through this difficult time.

“This enhanced package of support, which will see us doubling the third phase of our Economic Resilience Fund and quickly getting money out to our businesses to support them through this firebreak and beyond, is designed to provide just that.”

The new and bolstered economic package will see:

• Payments of £1,000 for businesses that are eligible for Small Business Rates relief and occupy a property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less.
• Payments of up to £5,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are required to close and which occupy a property with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £50,000.
• A discretionary £2,000 top-up grant for businesses closed or materially affected by the firebreak lockdown.
• A further discretionary £1,000 grant for businesses that were materially affected by local lockdown measures for 21 days or more prior to the start of the firebreak.

The Welsh Government is also providing a further £20m towards Business Grants meaning £100m will be available for this purpose. Previously, companies were required to provide a percentage of the funding to access these grants, but the Welsh Government has now confirmed it will provide 100% funding for businesses forced to close during the firebreak.

The Minister added: “By doubling the value of this phase of the fund, we are making almost £300m available to provide more financial assistance to our small and medium employers and to businesses in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector that must close their doors during the firebreak.

“This means an additional £150m going direct to Welsh firms to help them cover their bills and increase their resilience to help them through the challenging weeks and months ahead.

“The Economic Resilience Fund, which has been designed to plug the gaps in the UK Government’s support package, has already been crucial in protecting companies across Wales from the severe impacts of coronavirus, safeguarding more than 100,000 jobs.

“This announcement, which is again in addition to the offer from UK Government, will help ensure that many Welsh businesses can keep their heads above water, plan for the future and protect the jobs on which our communities rely.

“The funds will open next week and we will work hard to get money out to businesses as quickly as we can.”

* More information, which will be regularly updated during this week, can be found at: https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice

New testing centre opens in Corwen - but it's appointments only

A new testing station has opened in Corwen to make it easier for people in the area to get an appointment for a COVID-19 test closer to home. 

This service for individuals who believe they have COVID-19 symptoms, and you should only attend if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

•    a high temperature 
•    a new, continuous cough 
•    a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste 

The drive-through facility has been set up in the Green Lane Car Park and will be in operation for the next two to three weeks.

This is not a walk-in service and people will need to make an appointment to have a test. 

Details about how to apply for a test can be found on the Welsh Government website here.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has worked in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, Public Health Wales and the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care to set this testing station up.

Businesses and organisations get ready for latest lockdown

* Llangollen Wharf is one of the local businesses preparing

 for the two-week lockdown.

Llangollen businesses and organisations have reacted to yesterday’s Welsh Government announcement of a two-week circuit breaker lo lockdown to begin this Friday.

On Facebook the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group posted: “As we move into another, hopefully temporary, lockdown and in preparation for what could be some difficult months ahead the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group plans to resume its work and set up a new network of support in Llangollen for those who need help, are isolated, or are vulnerable during these difficult times.

“We hope to provide regular contact and support with shopping.

“If you need support or know of anyone who you think we could help please contact:

Austin Cheminais (Chem)07813 761766, chemshouts@gmail.com; John Palmer

07515 051696, palmerjc28@gmail.com. If you need help collecting prescriptions contact Sheena Grindley, 07592 018533.

Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches posted: “Following the announcement from the First Minister of Wales today, there will be no Sunday services until the National Lockdown has ended.

“A service will be live-streamed on this page at 11am on Sunday morning.

Please pray for each other during this challenging time.”

The message from the Ponderosa Cafe was: “Good afternoon everyone. I hope this message finds you all well amidst these strange times we again find ourselves and our livelihoods in.

“For the time being the Cafe will remain closed following Mark Drakeford’s recent announcement placing Wales into a circuit break national lockdown (from Friday 23rd October).

“Furthermore there will be another road closure week commencing October 26th, the main Horseshoe Pass road A542 will close for three weeks for essential maintenance works.

“At this moment in time the prospect of opening the Ponderosa Cafe before November is looking very bleak, hopefully we can get the Cafe open for December in time for our Christmas lunches, a bit of snow wouldn’t go amiss.

“I believe it would bring a bit of much needed Christmas cheer to children and adults alike.

“To all our wonderful customers I thank you once again the support we have received has been truly overwhelming and it honestly keeps us moving forward in these uncertain times.

“An update regarding the Cafe will coincide with the Welsh assembly’s update in two weeks time on the 9th of November. Kindest regards Simon Clemence.”

Llangollen Wharf posted: “You will all now know that we will be closed from 6pm Friday. So as a last farewell before the boys go on their winter holidays we are going to be running horsedrawn boat trips on Thursday 22nd at 11am 12.30 and 2pm.

“Our Tea Room will be open every day also from 9am till 4.30pm for eating at the Wharf or Take Away. You can book the trips on our website or phone the Wharf on 01978 860702.”

Posting from the Bridge End Hotel was: “Update: Following today's announcement, we will sadly be closing our doors again on Friday, 23rd October at 6 pm until Monday, 9th November.

“But we need your help... to clear our stock over the next 4 days, we've got Robinsons Smooth at £2.00 per pint and Unicorn at £2.50 per pint. So please pop by and have a drink in your local... When the beer has gone, it's gone!

“Thanks for your amazing support over the last few months and we can't wait to welcome you back on the 9th!”

And Dee Valley Produce posted: “HERE WE GO AGAIN........

“So just to keep you all up to date, I thought we would just put up a little reminder-

We are still going to be open as usual Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sunday 10-3.30pm.

“We are still doing free home deliveries and collections. To place an order call us on 01978861805. We can take payment over the phone and except cash.”

Llangollen Pizza & Kebab said on Facebook: "Dear customers,

"We find ourselves In the midst of uncertainty yet again. It’s like March all over.

"Well. At least we know now what we didn’t know before and rest assured, you will have your favourite takeaway ready to break the monotony of lock down life!

"We will still be open as usual. Visit our website https://llangollenkebabpizzapalace.co.uk

to order a delivery or a collection from our array of delicious, authentic kebabs and stone baked pizzas!

"From all our team here, we wanted to wish everyone good health in these difficult times and hope that all of us can support each other through this! "

 

County responds to circuit breaker announcement

Denbighshire County Council says the announcement made by First Minister Mark Drakeford this afternoon (Monday) regarding the circuit breaker does provide some clarity for residents and the authority says it will work with communities in the on-going fight against covid-19.

Last week, the council provided feedback to the Welsh Government via the Welsh Local Government Association, calling for guidance to be provided to the public and councils on the conditions of the lockdown; which businesses, premises and council services would be allowed to remain open and clarification on individual movement and households mixing.

Cabinet also called for a clear commitment and description of the support package that will be available to businesses and the self- employed and robust guidance to local authorities on eligibility, administration and funding arrangements and also asked for a commitment to fully reimburse local authorities for income loss and additional costs incurred resulting from implementing Welsh Government’s lockdown.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “The fact that the announcement has been made will end a lot of speculation that has taken place in recent days and will provide some clarity of what’s expected of communities right across Wales in terms of the timings of the circuit breaker.  We would like some answers to how this will all work and the devil is in the fine detail.

"There are still many unanswered questions around business and the support for businesses that will be affected by the new restrictions.

“Doing nothing is simply not an option and we do recognise that something needs to be done.  That is why we will work with Welsh Government, our partners and communities right across Denbighshire to implement these measures.

“We will now be considering the effect of the circuit breaker on the services that we provide in Denbighshire and will be making announcements in the coming days on which services will be affected and how people may access services in a different way."

*Details of the circuit breaker restrictions can be found on the Welsh Government website: www.gov.wales

Wales goes into "short sharp" national lockdown from Friday

* First Minister Mark Drakeford announces the new lockdown.

Wales will go into a "short, sharp" national lockdown from Friday until Monday, 9 November, the BBC says.

People will be told to stay at home, while pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops will shut.

Primary schools will reopen after the half-term break, but only Years 7 and 8 in secondary schools will return at that time under new "firebreak" rules.

Gatherings indoors and outdoors with people not in your household will also be banned.

Leisure businesses, community centres, libraries and recycling centres will shut. Places of worship will be closed for normal services, except for funerals and weddings.

The announcement follows rising case numbers in Wales and increasing hospital admissions, and replaces the 17 local lockdowns that had been in place.

Figures now stand at 130 coronavirus cases per 100,000 over seven days - there were 4,127 cases recorded between 9 and 15 October.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the "time-limited 'firebreak'" will be "a short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock, slow down the virus and buy us more time".

Halloween and Bonfire Night gatherings will not be allowed under the restrictions, which begin on Friday at 18:00 BST.

But there will be an exception for small Remembrance Sunday commemoration services on 8 November.

Universities in Wales will continue to provide "a blend of in-person and online learning".

If students have reading weeks or half-term they will also need to stay at home in their university accommodation, the first minister said.

The Welsh Government has provided a package of almost £300m to support businesses.

According to the BusinessLive website, this will include:

• Extra Economic Resilience Fund of £300m.
• £150m into Phase 3 of the ERF to support those businesses directly affected by the fire break.
• Every business covered by Small Business Rate Relief will get a £1,000 payment.
• Small and medium sized retail, leisure and hospitality businesses which have to close will receive one-off payment of up to £5,000. They will come to businesses automatically.
• Additional discretionary grant and support for smaller businesses who are struggling because of restrictions.
• £80 ERF fund announced recently increase to £100m. £20m ringfenced for tourism and hospitality.
• Businesses will also be able to access the support available through the existing Job Retention Scheme or the new expanded Job Support Scheme.

County recognised by RSPCA for its work with animals

Denbighshire County Council is celebrating receiving national accreditation from the RSPCA for its work in dealing with stray dogs and animal activity licensing.

For this it has been awarded a gold and bronze standard.

The RSPA runs Paw Prints, its animal activity recognition programme, each year and recognises authorities which demonstrate they have met the relevant standards to be awarded. 

The honours awards those who work tirelessly to improve animal welfare, campaign on behalf of animals or show true bravery.

The council has been honoured with the Gold Footprint standard for its work with stray dogs, whilst it received the Bronze Footprint for its animal licensing activity.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “The fact that Denbighshire picked up two awards is great news and is a testament to the team’s hard work.

“There is a strong partnership between the Public Protection team and the North Clwyd Animal Rescue Centre, as well as specialist vets who support the animal licensing process. Every effort is made to try and reunite dogs with their owners before they are taken to an animal rescue centre.

"Local authorities have a key role to play in protecting the welfare of animals and it’s great that Denbighshire’s commitment has been recognised at a national level."

Four pupils out of 1,102 test positive to Covid-19 at Ysgol Dinas Bran

The school has said that as of this evening (Sunday) four pupils out of a total of 1,102 at Ysgol Dinas Bran have tested positive for Covid-19.

All parents and carers have been informed and both the Local Authority and the school have consulted with Public Health Wales. 

The school will remain open and the Council is working closely with it, Public Health Wales as well as NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect pupils, staff and the wider community.

Parents/guardians have been advised to remain alert for the main symptoms of coronavirus:

• A new or continuous cough
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

Those advised to self-isolated should book a coronavirus test if they develop any of these symptoms, even if they are mild. A test can be booked by phoning 119 or online: www.gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

Advice requires those self-isolating to stay at home, not to go outdoors to exercise, to visit shops, family or friends, or to other public spaces. Please do not invite people to your house.

Further formation on Test, Trace, Protect can be found here https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

MP raises local transport upgrades with Prime Minister

* Simon Baynes MP at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has raised the need for an upgrade to the A483/A5 with the Prime Minister.

During Prime Minister's Questions with Boris Johnson in the House of Commons he also called for an improvement in railway journey times in North Wales.

Mr Baynes praised the recently-announced Union Connectivity Review, chaired by Sir Peter Hendy, which was commissioned by the Prime Minister and will review transport connections across the UK. 

He said that his constituents in Clwyd South would welcome improvements to railway journey times in North Wales and an upgrade to the A483/A5, before asking the Prime Minister if he agreed that the review demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to building back better in a strong United Kingdom.

In response, the Prime Minister said: “I thank my Hon. Friend, who represents a constituency that I once fought for.

"He represents it well, but I do not think I fought for it very well. I know the A483/A5 connection well, and Sir Peter [Hendy CBE, who is leading the review] will certainly look at that scheme and many others in his Union connectivity review.”

Speaking later, Mr Baynes said: “The Prime Minister knows our area and Clwyd South very well, not least from his time as the former Parliamentary Candidate for Clwyd South. 

"I am pleased that my mention of the need for a cut in railway journey times in North Wales and an upgrade to the A483/A5 received such a positive response and I look forward to seeing how the Union Connectivity Review progresses in the coming months.”

Corsa-e gives more power to the electric car circuit

* The Vauxhall Corsa-e.

Vauxhall Corsa-e road test by Steve Rogers

Who is ready to take the plunge and drive electric?

You would be joining a growing band - sales have almost doubled every year since 2018 and could reach 70,000 this year. But for the pandemic -rippling car sales that figure would have been even higher.

The surge in sales, particularly this year, is being driven by greater choice with just about every car company offering one or more electric models, the majority based on existing names but watch out for a flurry of bespoke electric cars. Volkswagen has just launched the ID 3 with a maximum range of 263 miles and a starting price just under £30k.

Interestingly the best selling electric car is the Tesla Model 3 which costs a lofty £56k but that is likely to change as the big players ramp up their electric portfolio.

So apart from doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions why switch to electric? 

The simple answer is cheaper motoring. An independent survey by Lease Plan showed that an electric car would cost £132 less per month than a similarly priced petrol and that survey examined every conceivable cost of ownership.

I've just spent a week with the new electric powered Vauxhall Corsa, a car I predict will do well on the 'e' circuit. The starting price of £27,665 is competitive but you can see why some buyers will shy away when a basic Corsa is just over £16,000.

We have to you have to look at the bigger picture and the fact that politicians want a huge shift in favour of electric vehicles by the end of the decade.

The Corsa-e price comparison is not a true reflection because there are only two to choose from and the equipment level on the entry model is heaps ahead of the 16 grand Corsa, plus it costs more to build an electric car.

For the Corsa-e Vauxhall increased the wheelbase to accommodate the 50kW battery pick positioned under the front and back seats but there is no compromise on space either for passengers or luggage.

Likewise there is very little difference in driving characteristics unless you pass through a series of B road curves when the car wallows a little with the extra weight of the battery pack but nothing to trouble the majority of drivers.

The biggest surprise, and a very nice one, is the performance which is phenomenal. Unlike a conventional motor the electric car gives max power the instant the accelerator is pressed and the Corsa-e will knock off 60mph in 7.6 seconds the sort of figure you get from a GTI but without the boy racer noise. Top speed is a more than adequate 93mph.

What was it like to live with? Pretty normal because the majority of my trips were short so there was never any stress of running out of charge, Remember, if you do it is a recovery job because there is no popping to the nearest garage for can of petrol!

Charging is best done via a wall box at your home which Vauxhall will charge £300 to fit. A full charge takes seven and a half hours but as you are always likely to have miles left in the 'tank'  three to four hours will do the job.

Surveys show the average journey is no more than 30 miles so there is no reason to get worked up about switching to an electric car.... until you want to take a long trip.

That is when planning comes into play and for some this is going to be a real faff. My experience with Corsa-e showed that if I wanted to drive 300 miles a top up point would need to be found no more than 150 miles into the journey. Finding a point for a 30 minute 85 per cent charge is not a problem using a mobile phone app, it is whether it's conveniently situated on the route.

The route throws up all sorts of variables for battery range, a hilly route will use up more charge, driving at 70mph on the motorway will quickly reduce the range, so best to stick just below 65mph and use the regenerative braking setting which gives the longest range by harvesting energy when braking and decelerating to put miles back into the battery and it is surprising how effective this is at increasing the range.

My top of the range Elite Nav proved a friendly partner and wants for nothing, heated seats, heated steering wheel, LED automatic dipping headlights, some of the luxury bits while navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connection via a 7inch touchscreen and numerous safety features contribute to a long spec list.

Am I ready to go electric? No, but I am struggling to come up with a good enough reason why. My main issue is concern about long trips because the current charging structure does not satisfy demand.

Ted Gunning, the boss of LeasePlan, hit the nail on the head saying 'policy makers need to step up' when it comes to providing enough EV charging stations.

Sort that out and we will be fine.

Need to know

Corsa-e Elite Nav

£31,160

Electric motor 134bhp

Range 209 miles

0-60mph 7.6secs; 93mph

Battery warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles

Car tax: Zero

Insurance group 25

Boot: 309-1118 litres

Llangollen Railway appoints new board members

* Platform paving at the new Corwen station. Picture by Paul Reynolds.

Llangollen Railway is pleased to announce the new members of the railway’s management boards.

llanblogger reported last week that there had been a number of resignations from the two boards.

According to the railway, the arose from major differences of opinion with the board’s heritage policy as being applied to the Corwen project.

Following a meeting on October 3, prospective new boards were formed for Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd and Llangollen Railway plc. 

The composition of the boards is:

Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd:

Bob Gordon, Chairman
Phil Coles, Vice Chairman
Phil Freeth, Finance Manager
Paul Bailey, Revenue and Fund Raising
Maureen, Theobald Volunteer Liaison Officer
Bob Creasey, Secretary
Andy Maxwell, Engineering
Pete Edwards, Diesel Group

Llangollen Railway plc:

Bob Gordon, Chairman
Phil Coles Vice, Chairman
Andy Maxwell, Engineering Director
Mike Williams, Operations Director
John Bearne, Health and Safety Director
Paul Bailey, Finance Director
Maureen Theobald, HR
Bob Creasey, Acting Secretary

The directors were all co-opted by the chairman, Bob Gordon, and have been registered at Companies House/Charity Commission.

The new directors will remain in office until the forthcoming AGM and beyond, subject to members' approval.

In a statement the railway says: "The new members bring a wealth of experience from their business careers, as well as being active railway volunteers, to inject new ideas and fresh impetus to the business. 

"They look for the continued support of all members and shareholders in seeing the way through the present difficult circumstances to secure the future of the Llangollen Railway."

Chairman Bob Gordon said, “Other volunteers have already offered to help the new board in many capacities and again the board wishes to thank them for offering their services. 

"Engaging and valuing volunteers and representing the wishes of the Trust members will be a policy priority of the new Board.

“The board fully supports the work of the project team at Corwen and applauds the completion of the platform paving which has produced a magnificent surface that has been greatly admired.

“As a consequence of the Covid-19 travel restrictions in North East Wales, we have reluctantly cancelled the running of trains during half term from 24 October, but are continuing with plans for the festive season with Santa trains and Mince Pie Specials in December.”

County calls for urgent information ahead of circuit breaker announcement

Denbighshire County Council has called on Welsh Government to provide urgent information to local authorities before a public announcement on the circuit breaker is made early next week.

The council’s cabinet has provided feedback to the Welsh Government via the Welsh Local Government Association, calling for guidance to be provided to the public and councils on the conditions of the lockdown - which businesses, premises and council services would be allowed to remain open and clarification on individual movement and households mixing.

Cabinet had also called for a clear commitment and description of the support package that will be available to businesses and the self- employed and "robust" guidance to local authorities on eligibility, administration and funding arrangements.  

This, they say, should include a furlough scheme at least equivalent to the ‘flexible furlough’ scheme due to cease at the end of this month 

The council had also asked for a commitment to fully reimburse local authorities for income loss and additional costs incurred resulting from implementing Welsh Government’s lockdown, with the ability to negotiate on the nature and level of these additional costs as they are determined.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “It’s extremely important that Welsh Government provide clear information to the public on how they come to their decision on the proposed circuit breaker and to justify the actions being proposed.  

"Residents rightly want to know the facts and figures behind the decision, what has driven the Welsh Government into making this decision. They also need clarify on how it will work and when it will end.

“We believe that the measures we have highlighted are essential to ensuring public support and business and service sustainability, not just over the lockdown period, but over the winter and in to the New Year.

“We fully recognise that something needs to be done. Doing nothing is not an option. However, we are not convinced that this is the right measure at the right time,  and are concerned that the long term damage to the economy and to the mental health of residents are not being given due weight in decision making. 

“We maintain our call for greater information to help convince the public that this action is the right approach and the sensible way of trying to halt the increase in coronavirus cases."

Police statement on enforcing lockdown rules

On behalf of the four Welsh Police Forces, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Harrison, North Wales Police said: “As we move into a critical stage of the virus progression, policing across Wales will continue to support the Welsh Government to help limit the spread of the virus.   

“We absolutely recognise the great strain on people and the sacrifices that we are all making to get through this difficult time. Throughout the pandemic we’ve worked closely with our partners to ensure that measures are in place to help communities and prevent the spread of COVID-19. This will continue as we respond to the current situation.

“You will see increased visibility across our force areas where we will be trying to help our communities do the right thing and protect themselves and others.

“Our focus continues to be to reassure, inform and engage with people – explaining the regulations and encouraging compliance. We all have a personal responsibility to comply to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities from this virus.

“However we are now at a time where we will robustly enforce the regulations where there are blatant breaches, we will not allow the selfish minority to risk the health of the vast majority who have sacrificed so much over the last few months.   

“We intend to focus our activity on areas and behaviours that pose the greatest risk to our communities and we will be proactive in targeting those that are not sticking to the gathering rules, whether that be indoors or outdoors. 

“People should not be travelling between the areas facing local restrictions without defined reasonable excuses. This will include those that travel from other parts of the UK with high transmission rates.

“If you live in Wales in a non-restricted area you must not leave Wales to travel to other areas of the UK with high transmission rates - again without a reasonable excuse.

“All the actions we take and the effort we put in will be focussed towards limiting the spread of the virus, helping us all protect our loved ones, our communities and our vital health service.  

“The demand on North Wales Police has returned to pre-Covid level. And as a result, it is essential that people comply with the restrictions to reduce the number of breaches which officers have to respond to. We need people to recognise that wilfully flouting the guidance places unnecessary strain on already stretched resources.

“The weeks and months ahead will be difficult but we all need to work together to get the best result we can for our families.   

“We all have a shared responsibility to protect the NHS, please use your common sense and help us together to protect our communities and save lives."

Further details regarding the restrictions are available via the Welsh Government website.

Welsh Government considering 'circuit breaker' lockdown

Hospitality and non-essential retail would close under proposals under consideration for a 'circuit breaker' in Wales, BusinessLive is reporting this afternoon.

The story says: "Welsh Government is currently considering whether to bring in much tougher short-term measures to stem the rising tide of coronavirus cases.

"Mark Drakeford this afternoon confirmed they were looking at this "fire break" for "weeks and not months".

"They have held briefings with council leaders and chief executives in Wales as well as business group leaders.

"Sources have given more details about the proposals on the table.

"It includes a shutdown for stores, restaurants and pubs, which comes on the back of an incredibly difficult 2020 so far.

"No final decisions have been made but the sources said these were the measures being considered: 

• Two/three week circuit breaker coming into force on Friday, October 23.
 
• Stay at home message (similar to spring lockdown) - apart from essential work and medical.
 
• All hospitality and non-essential retail to close.
 
• Indoor activities to stop - including closure of leisure centres.
 
• Parks and cemeteries to stay open
 

• Primary schools to return after half term BUT secondary schools to remain closed for two/three period with remote learning for pupils. This will include the one week of half term and then an additional week or two, depending on the length of the circuit breaker."

Clwyd South receives £30,774,732 in Government Covid loans

Businesses across Clwyd South have benefitted from £30,774,732 worth of loans since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak. 

This includes 961 Bounce Back Loans (100 per cent Government-backed loans which are interest-free for the first 12 months) worth £24,874,029. 

The scheme ensures that small firms who need vital cash injections to keep operating can get finance in a matter of days, with no repayments due during the first 12 months.

In addition, 26 loans have been made in Clwyd South at a value of £5,900,703 through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme. This scheme has helped small and medium-sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5 million.

Across Wales, a total of 48,893 Bounce Back Loans, worth £1,347,011,281, and 1,691 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, worth £373,795,012 have been provided to support businesses across all sectors, protecting jobs and livelihoods.

The Chancellor also announced last week that the government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses required to close their doors as a result of Coronavirus restrictions, alongside increasing the cash grants to businesses in England required to shut in local lockdowns to support with fixed costs–worth up to £3,000 per month.

Commenting, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: “So far, the Government has provided over £200 billion throughout its economic response to coronavirus to support jobs and businesses in the UK.

“This year has been hugely challenging for businesses in Clwyd South, but these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Conservative Government has put in place to protect livelihoods and businesses.

“Never has the Conservatives’ agenda to level up the whole county been so important–and we will continue to focus on supporting hardworking families across Clwyd South.”

Climate change plan for county council decision-making approved

Denbighshire County Council has made climate change a guiding principle in its decision making process.

Last year the council declared a climate change and ecological emergency which included a commitment to make the authority net carbon zero by 2030, enhance biodiversity across the county and call on the Welsh and UK governments to provide assistance and resources to enable the council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Full council voted unanimously today (October 13) to amend its constitution so all decisions made ‘have regard to tackling climate and ecological change’.

Cllr Graham Timms, the council’s Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Working Group Chair, said: “This decision shows the commitment Denbighshire County Council has made to tackling climate and ecological change. By making climate and ecological change a part of our decision making we hope to limit the Council’s impact on further exacerbating climate and ecological change and to maximise opportunities to make a positive contribution.  

“We believe we are the first Council in Wales to take such a step.”

Cllr Brian Jones the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “This is a positive step for the Council and we are continuing to work on ensuring the Council is reducing its carbon footprint and increasing biodiversity in the county.

“We have already achieved a lot, we have reduced carbon emissions from our buildings and fleet by 15 per cent since 2017, the Council now only uses renewable electricity for its own buildings after switching to a renewable only energy provider for its schools, leisure centres, libraries, council offices and depots and we are over halfway to reaching our target of planting 18,000 trees by 2022.

“Our Climate and Ecological Change Strategy and Action Plan to get the Council to net carbon zero and ecologically positive by 2030 which we engaged with the public on earlier this year will be ready early next year. We intend to consult with the public on the draft strategy in November.”