Welsh Government's coronavirus update

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is:

• People who are asked to self-isolate via the NHS Covid-19 app will now be eligible to apply for the £500 self-isolation support payment, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James has announced.
• From today app users who have been notified as being exposed to the virus, are on low income and at risk of financial hardship are eligible alongside those who have been asked to self-isolate by Test, Trace, Protect or parents whose child has been asked to self-isolate by their education setting.
• https://gov.wales/users-nhs-covid-19-app-now-eligible-apply-ps500-self-isolation-payment
• FAQs: self isolation support scheme https://gov.wales/self-isolation-support-scheme
• Mental Health Minister Eluned Morgan has today spoken of her commitment to ensuring support is available for changing mental health needs as she announced more than £9m will be available to support children and young people in Wales.
• The additional funding, announced at the start of Children’s Mental Health Week, recognises the effect being away from school and regular support networks has had on young people during the pandemic.
• https://gov.wales/pledge-support-youth-extra-ps94m-investment-children-and-young-people-mental-health-services
• Watch the Minister’s press conference again: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1356214630897512451
• Wales’ Chief Medical Officer Dr Frank Atherton has published his annual report which looks back at Wales’ initial actions in response to the pandemic from early 2020 until the end of the summer, and considers what lessons can be learned: https://gov.wales/chief-medical-officer-wales-sets-out-lessons-learnt-covid-19-pandemic 

• Technical Advisory Group report Using Behavioural Science to Inform Policy and Practice: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-group-using-behavioural-science-inform-policy-and-practice 

• Alert level four – frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4-frequently-asked-questions

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 630 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 192,912 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Very sadly, there were 21 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 4,775.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 416,306 people have received their first dose
• And 841 people have received two doses of the vaccine
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus once you are self-isolating. You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus 

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4

• 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
• Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ and https://gov.wales/vaccine-coronavirus
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Eluned Morgan, Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1356214630897512451

Health board's vaccination advice for over-80s

The Betsi Cadwaladr Heath Board has this afternoon posted an update on its Facebook page about vaccinations for the over-80s, which says:

"We have now vaccinated the majority of people aged 80 years or over in north Wales. If you are aged 80 years or over, or know of someone who is, and have not had a first COVID-19 vaccination or an appointment to have it, please call the vaccinations booking centre and we will arrange an appointment. 

"The opening hours are 8am to 8pm. The lines are very busy, the best time to call is late afternoon, or evening before 8pm. This message is for the over 80s only who do not have a first appointment, please do not use the telephone number provided above to enquire about new appointments unless you are over 80 or information about the vaccine as the call handlers are not medically trained.

"Please only use this vaccinations booking centre number for the above reasons. We are sending invites out for vaccination in order of priority, according to national recommendations. We will repeat this process for different priority groups in due course to make sure everyone has had an opportunity to be vaccinated at the correct time. 

"Telephone number for the vaccinations booking centre: 03000 840004 

"Information on eligibility is also available on our website: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/eligibility/"

People asked to self-isolate now eligible for £500 payment

People asked to self-isolate via the NHS Covid-19 app will now be eligible to apply for the £500 self-isolation support payment, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James has announced.

From today app users who have been notified as being exposed to the virus, are on low income and at risk of financial hardship are eligible alongside those who have been asked to self-isolate by Test, Trace, Protect or parents whose child has been asked to self-isolate by their education setting.

To be eligible to apply, app users will need to meet the criteria of the main scheme and be:

• Employed or self-employed;
• unable to work from home and will lose income as a result; and
• (the applicant or their partner) are currently receiving, Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit; or
• Have their application accepted under the discretionary element of Self-Isolation Support Scheme.

To allow as many people notified by the app to apply as soon as possible, a temporary workaround has been created until a digital solution is available. Users can apply for the payment by contacting their local authority. 

However until the app is updated to verify individuals who has been asked to self-isolate, users will need to show evidence that the app has asked them to self-isolate in addition to evidence of reduced income when applying.  Local authorities will be able to accept and process applications for payments from Friday 5 February and applicants will be able to apply up to three weeks from their last date of isolation.  

The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said: “The Welsh Government is committed to protecting people’s health and wellbeing and we will continue to support the people of Wales during this difficult time. The £500 payment has already provided financial security to those asked to self-isolate, helping to break the cycle of transmission and ensure no one has to choose between feeding their family or going to work and potentially spreading the virus.”

“Local Authorities have once again risen to the challenge of ensuring all those who need financial support throughout this pandemic receive it whilst we finalising work to allow people to apply directly through the app. They have already been working tirelessly I once again thank them for their hard work and dedication.”

“I will continue to keep the scheme under review to ensure that those most in need receive the support they need to self-isolate and reduce transmission.”

Funding for community project in Pengwern

* £71,000 of funding has been secured for a community project in Pengwern.

Denbighshire County Council has secured £71,000 of funding for a community project in Pengwern,

The Rural Futures Lottery funding, which is being match funded by the Council, will focus on making a positive impact within the community of Llangollen by increasing opportunities to raise skills and aspirations, provide additional space at a community centre as well as resources to deliver activities and services to support people.

The funding will allow the Council, working with partners South Denbighshire Community Partnership, Friends of Pengwern and Severn Wye, to create three bespoke units to provide a confidential meeting space and a community workshop space to address rural poverty, isolation and the overall wellbeing of the community.

A part time centre co-ordinator will be employed by South Denbighshire Community Partnership to increase uptake and usage of the centre to deliver services that address isolation, improve access to services and activities, to develop skills and provide training. 

Cllr Tony Thomas, the Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding, as well as providing match funding, which will make a positive impact in the community.

“I would like to thank local members, the community and all the partner organisations that worked with us to help secure this funding.

“The new community space will allow residents to engage with a host of activities to increase the overall wellbeing of the community.

“Supporting connected communities is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and projects like this help us achieve that ambition.”

Denbighshire County Council’s Community Housing team worked in closed partnership with South Denbighshire Community Partnership, Friends of Pengwern and Severn Wye on the development of this project.

Some - if not all - of Castle Street potholes are repaired

* Top and bottom: The potholes on the bridge which have been repaired.

Some of the deep potholes which litter Castle Street in Llangollen have been repaired.

Two of the more extensive holes on the bridge - on the left-hand carriageway heading towards the A5 - have been filled in what appear to be temporary repairs.

One of the deeper holes on nearby Abbey Road also appears to have been filled.

However, a number of other deep cavities in the roadway, such as the one on the right-hand bridge carriageway and another at the junction of Castle Street and Parade Street, have not yet been attended to.

The worsening state of the Castle Street potholes was pointed put to Denbighshire County Council, which is responsible for local road maintenance, by llanblogger a couple of weeks ago.

Shortly afterwards a spokesperson said an officer would be sent out to examine the holes and advise on whether they were a safety hazard.

This morning llanblogger has asked the county council if and when the remaining potholes will be dealt with.

* Two holes still unrepaired: On the bridge (top) and at the junction of Castle Street and Parade Street (below).

County gives guidance for businesses over coronavirus regulations

Businesses in Denbighshire are being reminded of the rules around trading during the current lockdown by the county council.

Welsh Government regulations state all businesses still operating must take all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus for both customers and staff.

Businesses must complete a risk assessment in relation to coronavirus while retail premises, including takeaways, must control numbers entering and provide hand sanitisers as well as signs and announcements to remind customers of the need to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.

Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “Businesses in Denbighshire have worked hard during the last year to follow regulations from the Welsh Government. They have played a vital role in keeping Denbighshire safe and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

“It is important, with the more transmittable variant of the virus, that businesses continue to follow the regulations. This includes taking all reasonable measures to ensure social distancing is followed.”

* To read the Welsh Government guidance visit https://gov.wales/business-closures-alert-level-4

 

Welsh spectator sports to get £17.7m government boost

A £17.7m funding package to help spectator sports severely impacted by the pandemic has been announced by the Welsh Government.

It has been designed to provide immediate financial support for spectator sports through the remainder of the winter period to ensure that sports will be ready for the beginning of the new season in September.

Support will be provided to rugby union, football, cricket and ice hockey. Rugby league, netball and horseracing are also in line to benefit. The funding will ensure the short-to-medium term survival of sports organisations and clubs who have been financially impacted by the restrictions on spectators at sporting events.

The revenue funding package will be allocated to the sports’ national governing bodies directly from Welsh Government.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said: "While restrictions on supporters at events have been vital in stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives, there can be no doubt that they have created real hardships for many sports clubs, many of whom receive a significant proportion of their income through spectator attendance.

"Sport is an important sector of our economy and has a positive impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. Sporting events provide important shared experiences, have often been a welcome distraction during the pandemic and will be a vital player in our recovery and healing after the crisis.

"I know this money will provide some stability to those sports worst affected by the loss of revenue during the pandemic, helping to bridge the financial gap until spectators are able to return safely."

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: "We're committed to providing a responsible and targeted approach to addressing the financial impact of the pandemic. The package of support we have announced today takes the total funding for this sector to more than £40 million since the start of the crisis, helping to provide longer-term stability for a sector that has suffered significant financial loss. 

"As we look ahead to brighter days, sport and physical activity will be vital players in our recovery, helping to develop a healthier and more resilient Wales."

Young leaders win support for mental health campaign

Young people from schools, faith and community groups across North East Wales have created a resource and award for secondary schools to improve mental wellbeing in their school communities.

Young leaders from TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/Together Creating Communities) met with Karen Evans, Chief Officer for Education & Early Intervention at Wrexham County Borough Council, who supported the Healthy Minds Haven resource and award and agreed to encourage local schools to use it.

TCC brings together local groups so they can take action on issues and improve their communities. TCC’s Youth in Action group, with support and training from the charity, explores issues affecting young people and their communities. 

The group has been campaigning to improve mental health support in schools across North Wales because they passionately believe that school plays a vital role in supporting students, given half of lifetime mental health problems start by the age of 14.

In a survey carried out by TCC leaders from Hawarden High School, 92% of the school community felt more should be done to support young people around mental health. Healthy Minds Haven is unique as it has been designed by young people who are experts by experience, as a resource and checklist of practical things schools can do to improve mental health support for their students.

Schools can work towards achieving the Healthy Minds Haven Award by completing all of the actions if they wish, or they can use the checklist as a resource and still benefit from time invested in creating a learning community that feels positive and confident around the subject of mental health.

In January the young leaders held an online meeting with Karen Evans, gaining her support for the campaign and commitment to sharing the Healthy Minds Haven resource with schools in the area. 

The Chief Officer also agreed to share the toolkit with local authority counterparts in Flintshire and Denbighshire County Councils and to take forward a request for the resource to be added to the Hwb resource platform for schools in North Wales.

Secondary schools are invited to sign up and show their commitment to improving mental health. The group chose to focus on schools as the environment that most young people spend time in, and where the issue of mental health difficulties seems to be on the rise. 

Schools will benefit and learn from lived experience of school pupils in their area. A 2020 Barnardo’s report said 85% of school staff worried that lockdown has affected pupils’ mental health and over 70% called for additional staff training.

Schools are invited to register for Healthy Minds Haven and use the checklist which they can download at www.tcc-wales.org.uk/hmh. Any schools interested in finding out more can also get in touch by contacting youthorganiser@tcc-wales.org.uk

The snow is back as forecast in Llan

* The view towards the castle from the town.

As forecast, snow began to fall in Llangollen and across Denbighshire at around 8.30am this morning (Saturday).

Such was the intensity of the fall that the view of the castle was obscured and it was easier to see spire the tower of St Collen's Church.

A mixture of snow and rain is due to continue for the rest of the day.

* The tower of St Collen's under heavy snowfall. 

GPs urge people not to delay seeking support during lockdown

* Giving Covid jabs is just part of the service provided by GPs.

Doctors in North Wales are urging people to not delay seeking support if they are worried about their health during the latest COVID-19 lockdown.

The plea is being made after some GPs reported a drop in the number of people with health concerns contacting them for consultations during the latest lockdown, leading to fears that the opportunity for successful early treatment could be lost.

Despite the stay-at-home restrictions and GP involvement in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout, GP appointments continue to be available, with telephone, video and face-to-face consultations offered.

Mold based GP Dr Jim McGuigan, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s East Area Assistant Medical Director, said its vital that people don’t delay seeking advice or support if they have any health concerns. He also appealed for people to be patient when attempting to book appointments.

“We have a clear message for the public that they should continue to contact their GP surgery if they have any concerns about their health,” he said.

“This is particularly important for people who have persisting worrying symptoms. You are not wasting your GP’s time by getting your symptoms checked and contacting us in a timely manner makes it much more likely that you will be offered successful early treatment.

“Telephone, video and face to face appointments are still being offered, where needed, and all GP practices have introduced appropriate infection prevention measures to keep patients and staff safe.

“If you are contacting your GP to make an appointment for any health concerns we ask you to please be patient. Reception staff are working incredibly hard, as they have done throughout the pandemic, and will answer your call and offer you a consultation as soon as one is available.”

All 98 GP surgeries in the region are playing their part in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, which is set to ramp up significantly in the coming weeks, as vaccine supplies increase.

People are being invited to vaccination centres and GP practices to receive their vaccine in order of the priority groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Dr McGuigan says people can help reduce pressures on GP surgeries by not contacting them to try and book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

“Please do not contact your GP practice directly unless you have been contacted and given a vaccination appointment. We won’t be able to offer you the vaccine any sooner, but you may cause delays for people who are trying to book general appointments.”

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website contains a range of helpful information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme and how to access appropriate local health services.

* For further information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in North Wales please visit: COVID-19 Vaccination Information - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)

For further information on choosing the most appropriate health service for your needs, visit: Where Do I Go? - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)

For information and resources to help you access support for your mental health and wellbeing, visit BCUHB’s Mental Health Hub: Mental Health Hub - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)

Welsh Government's coronavirus update

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is: 

• The First Minister has today set out the results of the second review of the alert level four lockdown restrictions in Wales.
• Wales will remain at alert level four for the next three weeks.
• We will work towards opening primary schools for the youngest children from February 22, if cases of coronavirus continue to fall.
• A further £200m of support for businesses has also been announced: https://gov.wales/written-statement-extension-restrictions-business-fund
• Written statement: https://gov.wales/written-statement-review-health-protection-coronavirus-restriction-no5-wales-regulations-2020-0
• Watch the First Minister’s press conference: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1355127737179017217
• Watch Education Minister Kirsty Williams’ video message: https://twitter.com/wgmin_education/status/1355048032199462913
• Alert level four frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4-frequently-asked-questions
• Leaving your home and seeing other people in alert level four: https://gov.wales/leaving-your-home-and-seeing-other-people-alert-level-4
• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has today published a written statement extending the stay-at-home advice for people in the clinically extremely vulnerable group: https://gov.wales/written-statement-advice-those-who-are-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-extension-period-advice
• Guidance to protect the clinically extremely vulnerable: https://gov.wales/guidance-protecting-people-defined-medical-grounds-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-coronavirus
• All travellers arriving into Wales who have been in the Republic of Burundi, Republic of Rwanda or the United Arab Emirates in the previous 10 days will be required to isolate for 10 days and will only be able to leave isolation in very limited circumstances in line with amendments made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Wales) Regulations 2020: https://gov.wales/written-statement-amendments-health-protection-coronavirus-international-travel-wales-regulations-3
• The latest summary report published by the Technical Advisory Cell: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-cell-summary-advice-22-january-2021 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 546 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 190,940 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Very sadly, there were 29 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 4,695.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 362,253 people have received their first dose
• And 717 people have received two doses of the vaccine
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus once you are self-isolating. You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus 

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4

• 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
• Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ and https://gov.wales/vaccine-coronavirus
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   The First Minister held today’s press conference. You can watch again at https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1355127737179017217

o   Slides used in today’s press conference are published at: https://gov.wales/slides-and-datasets-first-ministers-coronavirus-briefing-29-january-2021

Health centre's vaccination update

Llangollen Health Centre has posted it's latest vaccination update, which says"

"We're very pleased to say that we have now had the go-ahead from the health board to move on to the next two priority groups - namely patients aged 70 - 79 years and those on the official shielding list - and we have already made a start on these. All our patients who fall into these two groups will be contacted over the next two weeks to arrange an appointment.

"We have now vaccinated the majority of our patients aged 80 and over. Any patients in this age group who have not yet received their vaccine and want to have one can contact us to arrange an appointment.",

Government gives further details of Covid business help

 

The Welsh Government has revealed further details of the £200m package of support for non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses that continue to be impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest funding is linked to the non-domestic rates system and will operate as a top up to the Restrictions Business Fund which was put in place in early December. It brings this latest phase of Welsh Government support to £650m and will help businesses with operational costs through to the end of March. Businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or under will be eligible to receive a payment of £3,000. Businesses with a rateable value between £12,001 and £150,000 will be eligible to receive a payment of £5,000. The Welsh Government is also extending the £5,000 grant through to businesses with a rateable value of up to £500,000. Supply chain businesses will be able to apply for support if they have had a reduction in turnover of more than 40%. The combined package provides eligible businesses with an NDR rate of £12,000 or under with a £6,000 grant towards their operating costs, and an eligible business with an NDR rate of between £12,001 and £150,000 with a £10,000 payment. This does not include, where eligible, businesses who have accessed the ERF Sector Specific Fund which would see a typical hospitality, leisure and tourism business with 10 employees receive up to an additional £15,000 meaning a £25,000 grant in total for the period. A further £30m is also being made available through the discretionary fund to provide up to £2,000 grants for businesses not on the non-domestic rates system. Welsh Government support is in addition to that available from the UK Government. Local authorities, who have been absolutely vital in getting money to businesses quickly, will again be administering and distributing these payments. Businesses that pay non-domestic rates and have already received a payment since the firebreak in October do not need to take action. However, businesses that have not registered with their local authority, should take action now to ensure they receive the financial support they are entitled to. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has ensured that more than £1.7bn of business support has reached the bank accounts of Welsh firms. This help has been crucial for businesses across Wales throughout the pandemic and has protected tens of thousands of jobs that might otherwise have been lost. Economy Minister Ken Skates said: “The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a severe impact on our economy and our businesses, particularly those in the leisure, tourism, hospitality and retail sectors. “The additional £200m we are making available will provide reassurance to firms across Wales and help them with their operating costs through to the end of March. “Our support is in addition to that available from the UK Government, including the Job Retention Scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, and I encourage businesses to explore those options as well. “I am also calling on the UK Government to provide further certainty to businesses and individuals by assuring that support available through interventions such as the Job Retention Scheme will not be withdrawn before the economy is ready. “Local Authorities have been crucial throughout the pandemic in supporting our efforts by administering and distributing this funding to firms in their area and I would like to once again thank them for their fantastic work and everything they continue to do to help our businesses when they need it most.” Local Government Minister Julie James also paid tribute to the efforts of local authority staff: "I know that staff across Wales have worked incredibly hard to make sure support was available to their local businesses as quickly as possible. “They have done this while continuing to ensure local services are delivered and while playing an essential role in many other responses to the pandemic from test, trace, protect to supporting those self-isolating."

Welsh lockdown to continue for another three weeks

The First Minister will today confirm alert level 4 lockdown restrictions will remain in place in Wales for the next three weeks. 

While the situation in Wales is improving, lockdown restrictions must continue for another three weeks to allow the NHS to recover, says the Welsh Government.

Mark Drakeford will also indicate that the youngest learners in primary school could begin returning to school after the February half term, if rates of coronavirus continue to fall.

The Welsh Government says it will work with schools and education partners on a phased and flexible return to school after 22 February, if the public health situation continues to improve.

Rates of coronavirus across Wales have fallen below 200 cases per 100,000 people for the first time since early November. And every day, thousands more people receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine – the latest figures show almost 11% of the population have been vaccinated.

Scheme aims to help people needing help with digital technology

* Volunteer Digital Buddy Keith Owen.

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, Digital Communities Wales and Denbighshire County Council have teamed up to launch a new digital volunteering scheme in the county to help those that need assistance with digital technology. 

The pandemic has highlighted more than ever that digital inclusion is fundamental and without technology it would be extremely difficult to stay connected with family, friends and loved ones in lockdown. 

However, there are still people who are not as confident in using tablets and smartphones, and the aim of this scheme is to reach out to those that feel left behind and help them acquire those invaluable digital skills. 

Technology can be life changing, can make people more independent and boost mental health.

 Denbighshire Digital Buddies have been recruited to offer much needed help over the phone. 

Gareth Jones, of Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, said: “Communities across Wales and especially in Denbighshire have come together during this pandemic, and our digital buddies scheme aims to tap into that positive energy within our communities to support each other." 

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead for Wellbeing and Independence, said: “This pandemic has brought to light the need for digital assistance more than ever. At the beginning of this pandemic most people were able to learn quickly on how to stay in touch, but for others in our community, they found it extremely difficult. This scheme will hopefully reach those people who need extra help and helped keep our communities connected." 

“The council felt it was essential for us to support this scheme, as it is a positive step forward to helping those in need”. 

Deian ap Rhisiart of Digital Communities Wales said: “We have been working in the field of digital inclusion for nearly a decade across Wales, and this is a timely response to tackle the digital skills gap. People need to be able to stay connected, to be able to use digital services, sustain their mental health in lockdown, and technology is an integral part of the solution." 

Digital Buddies will begin to assist people over the phone next month. 

Volunteer Keith Jones said: "There is a danger of some people in society being left behind. This has become more evident during the pandemic. I would like to use my skillset to assist. 

If you have or know of a relative or friend that has received a tablet or smartphone for Christmas and require help how to use it, the scheme would like to hear from you and they can be paired up with a Digital Buddy.

* Contact Gareth Jones on 01824 702441 for further information or e-mail office@dvsc.co.uk.