Welsh Government's coronavirus update

 

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

·         The Welsh Government has delivered its key promises to the people of Wales in the face of one of the most difficult periods of government in modern history, First Minister Mark Drakeford said today: https://gov.wales/we-have-and-will-continue-to-deliver-for-wales-first-minister 

·         Health Minister Vaughan Gething has published a written statement about how student nurses are deployed: https://gov.wales/written-statement-student-nurse-deployment-wales

·         Childcare and play at alert level four – frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/childcare-and-play-alert-level-4-frequently-asked-questions

·         From February, schools and colleges, including special schools and alternative provision and childcare and play settings will have access to rapid-result tests for staff to conduct twice weekly testing at home to help identify people carrying the virus without displaying symptoms, reducing the risk of transmission.

o   Asymptomatic testing in schools – guidance: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-asymptomatic-testing-schools-and-colleges

·         Wales’ vaccination programme – weekly updates: https://gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-programme-weekly-updates

·         Technical Advisory Group: Consensus Statement on Testing in the Context of Vaccination Associated with Care Homes: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-group-consensus-statement-testing-context-vaccination-associated-care-homes 

Coronavirus in numbers

·         The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 351 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 197,021 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

o   Very sadly, there were 10 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,011.

o   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.

o   The latest figures show 628,760 people have received their first dose

o   And 3,491 people have received two doses of the vaccine

o   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 29 January 2021.

o   The cumulative number of deaths involving Covid-19 in Welsh residents was 6,843.

o   Of the deaths registered in the week ending 29 January, there were provisionally 361 deaths involving Covid-19. This was 86 fewer than the previous week. The number of registered deaths involving Covid has declined for two successive weeks.

o   Unlike Wales, the number of deaths involving Covid increased in England for the most recent week.

o   For the period 29 February 2020 to 29 January 2021, there were a total of 5,302 excess deaths (18%) above the five-year average.

o   The excess death rate for Wales for this period was lower than in England.

o   ONS figures are different to those recorded by Public Health Wales as they record all deaths in all settings.

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

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

o   Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

o   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

o   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

·         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

·         Want to join Wales’ vaccination team? https://gov.wales/join-covid-19-vaccination-team

·         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, broadcast on BBC One Wales and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

MP welcomes military support for north Wales vaccination roll-out

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has praised the UK Government’s decision to deploy an additional 96 service personnel to Wales to support the Welsh Government with the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines.

Mr Baynes welcomed the decision made by the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP, and Defence Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey MP, to approve a Military Aid to the Civilian Authorities (MACA) request from the Welsh Government.

The MACA will provide 96 service personnel to carry out a range of tasks including up to 20 defence medics who will boost capacity by leading teams of local vaccinators. 

The UK Government has also provided two military planners to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales until mid-March to assist with the planning of the vaccination programme in the area.

This follows on from the UK Government providing 92 service personnel to support Wales’ Health Boards in rapidly establishing and operating vaccination centres, as requested by the Welsh Government in December 2020.

The 96 additional service personnel expected to be on task until the end of April 2021. 

Their progress will be reviewed in mid February and will help the UK Government understand the level of demand for the 92 service personnel who have been supporting Welsh Government since early January, and who are expected to complete their duties on 28 February.

Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment, Nadhim Zahawi MP, said: “Our military personnel are playing a crucial role in making sure that those who are eligible for the vaccine in every part of the United Kingdom get their jabs as quickly as possible. Working alongside local partners and healthcare heroes, I’m grateful for their efforts which are testament to the strength of our Union and will help us maintain the rapid pace of the roll out in all four corners of the UK.”

Simon Baynes said: “It is vital that we get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible to put an end to this terrible virus. The military have played and continue to play a key role in delivering this vaccine to people here in Clwyd South, Wales and across the United Kingdom.

“We have seen the incredible role that NHS and other key workers have undertaken since the beginning of the pandemic, including our heroic armed forces and I thank them for their incredible efforts. 

"I’m delighted that the UK Government is ensuring the vaccine is administered as soon as possible, bringing specialist services to accelerate vaccine roll-out and ultimately, saving lives across all four nations of the United Kingdom. This underlines the importance and benefit of the Union of the United Kingdom.”

 

Coronavirus update from Welsh Government

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

• Join with us, and help to become part of the solution by taking the vaccine and encouraging others in your communities to do so – Health Minister Vaughan Gething and Deputy Minister Jane Hutt’s message to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities in Wales: https://gov.wales/join-us-and-help-become-part-solution-taking-vaccine-and-encouraging-others-your-communities-do-so
• The Welsh Government has taken the Wales and Borders rail franchise into public ownership to protect services, safeguard jobs, and deliver infrastructure improvements in light of the ongoing challenges of coronavirus: https://gov.wales/welsh-rail-franchise-now-public-ownership
• £29m extra support for further education students to help them complete their vocational qualifications this summer: https://gov.wales/29-million-extra-support-further-education-students
• Need help paying your mortgage during the pandemic? https://gov.wales/problems-paying-your-mortgage-during-coronavirus-pandemic 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 610 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 196,670 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Very sadly, there were 12 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,001.
• 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 603,976 people have received their first dose
• And 2,792 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, broadcast on BBC One Wales and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Health Minister Vaughan Gething held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1358751653277495296

o   The slides used in today’s press conference are available at: https://gov.wales/slides-and-datasets-minister-health-and-social-services-coronavirus-briefing-8-february-2021

Prostate cancer support group gets its own website

* The support group's new website.

The Llangollen Prostate Cancer Support Group has started its own website to get its message of support across to the public during the pandemic.

This was announced on Facebook yesterday with a post which says: "The Group was established nearly 10 years ago to provide support and information to men diagnosed with prostate cancer and other prostate related problems.

"We used to meet every month at the Hand Hotel but because of the pandemic it has not been possible to hold face to face meetings for some time.

"Prostate Cancer UK, in recognising that this affected similar Support Groups up and down the country, paid for Zoom licences so that groups could hold virtual meetings with their members.

"Our Group in Llangollen took advantage of this and we now continue to hold Zoom meetings on the third Wednesday of the month.

"However, because of the pandemic it has been difficult to attract new members and make them aware of the Group and provide the support they and their families may need.

"We have publicity leaflets but, in the current circumstances, are unable to distribute them to Health Centres, GP Surgeries and the Urology Department of Maelor Hospital.

"Therefore we have now developed a website that provides a lot of useful information about the Group so if you know of anyone who has been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer or has had the disease for some time but who would like some support and someone to talk to then do tell them to visit: https://llangollenpcsg.co.uk

Essential work to begin on A5 River Ceiriog Viaduct

 

Essential work is due to take place on the A5 River Ceiriog Viaduct to replace the major bridge deck movement joint.

The works, which are being carried out in consultation with Highways England, will begin on February 22 and are programmed to take eight days. Built in 1990, the viaduct spans 500m from the northern side of the Ceiriog Valley in Wales to its southern side in England.  After 30 years, the large expansion joint at the southern end of the viaduct is reaching the end of its operational life and must be replaced. The works will include the demolition and re-construction of the reinforced concrete viaduct where it joins its support on the southern side of the Ceiriog Valley.  Planned routine maintenance and bridge investigation works will also take place to make the most of the closure.  Highways England will also carry out work on their section of the road between the southern end of the viaduct and the Gledrid roundabout. The A5 will be closed over a length of 3.6km between the Halton and Gledrid roundabouts for the duration of the work, with traffic diverted through the town of Chirk along the B5070. Temporary traffic lights will be installed on the B5070 Chirk Road bridge over the River Ceiriog.  The bridge must be restricted to single lane working for the duration of the works to ensure that the bridge can carry heavier vehicles without being over-loaded. To minimise disruption the work will be carried out 24 hours a day at a time of year when traffic flows are historically lower.  The work site is small enough to be protected against the worst of the winter weather, reducing the risk of adverse weather delaying the completion of the project. Road users can find out the latest traffic information and project updates on the Traffic Wales website or Twitter channel. The planning for this work has been agreed with Wrexham and Shropshire Councils. Transport Minister Ken Skates said:  “It is essential that this work is carried out to maintain the condition of the A5 River Ceiriog Viaduct. Every effort is being made to minimise disruption as much as possible and to complete the work as quickly as possible. “Planned full closures of carriageways are never taken unless they are absolutely necessary, but the safety of the travelling public is paramount and this work needs to take place to ensure that. “I would urge the travelling public to follow the diversion route signage while this work is in progress, and I thank them and local residents for their co-operation and patience.”

Petition started to remove Castle Street bollards

* The bollards along Castle Street.

An online petition has been started to remove the temporary bollards and lane defenders on Castle Street.

The temporary measures, along one side of Llangollen's main street where the butchers, bakers and charity shops are located, were put in place last November as part of Local Sustainable Transport scheme to ensure adequate pedestrian space for Covid-19 social distancing.

Parking along the opposite side of the street was temporarily banned at the same time.

However, the bollards and defenders have proved to be unpopular with some local residents and traders.

Ruthin rejected similar measures last week following resistance from the local Member Area Group.

Similar plans for Denbigh were shelved after public opposition to the idea.

Today, a petition to remove the bollards has been started by former town mayor and county councillor Stuart Davies who over the weekend announced his intention to stand for the vacant town council seat at a by-election on March 18.

By mid-afternoon today (Monday) it had been signed by 47 people.  

The petition, on Change.org http://chng.it/NhwVcbYC and intended to be passed to Denbighshire County Council's chief executive, says: "The changes brought in to Castle Street in Llangollen came about as a result of a flawed initial consultation with Denbighshire County Council.

"There was a lack of community awareness on the plans once published and how to respond to them once they were made public.

"Since implementation of the scheme its impact has been clearly evident with the complete loss of parking for the disabled, as well as the loss of any loading bay facilities on the high street.

"The ability for local residents to pop and shop has been lost impacting Castle Street businesses when they have been able to open.

"There are reports that people have been injured.

"The justification for social distancing is not warranted at a time of low footfall and lockdown.

"The measures taken over a 300m stretch of road have no significant impact on the aims of improving active travel.

"The lane defenders/bollards and associated fitting are unsightly and should be removed."

Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms, who supported the Sustainable Transport measures, has been asked for a comment.  

North Wales people urged to stop the spread of coronavirus

Communities across north Wales are being urged to stop the spread of coronavirus and help keep the region safe.

As new, more contagious, variants of Covid-19 are identified, the region’s health board, emergency services and local authorities have come together to make a public appeal for everyone to stick to the rules and help stop it spreading.

In a new video released this week https://www.facebook.com/264430120246051/videos/1161407884295432 three people share their personal experiences of the impact of Covid-19 on their lives.

Dr Chris Stockport, Executive Director for Primary Care and Community Services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), said: “If people ignore the rules and just do as they please, the virus will keep spreading. More people of all ages will get sick, putting more pressure on hospitals, ambulance and public services.

“On behalf of the partner organisations in north Wales, I’m urging all residents to keep up their efforts, stick to the rules and help stop the spread.”

The number of cases of Covid-19 is slowly reducing in north Wales, but new variants are circulating and if we do not take extra care, they will continue to spread.

The North Wales Contract Tracing Service is reporting more cases where whole households are now contracting Covid-19, and the Health Board has confirmed that at least 16 people under the age of 40 have needed critical care in north Wales hospitals to date. Covid-19 can affect any age group.

A joint statement by the agencies says: "The message is clear - stick to rules and help stop the spread.

"It is more important than ever that we all stay at home, meet only the people we live with, stay at least two metres away from everyone else, wash our hands regularly, and work from home if we can. Wear a face covering where required, or where you can’t maintain a social distance.

"If you or a member of your household develop symptoms such as a cough, fever or a change in sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate immediately and book a free test at https://gov.wales/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19 or https://llyw.cymru/cael-prawf-coronafeirws-covid-19

Former mayor to stand in election for town council vacancy

* Stuart Davies is to stand for the vacant town council seat. 

One of the area's best-known politicians is bidding to make a council chamber comeback.

Former Llangollen town mayor and local county councillor Stuart Davies has declared his intention to stand as an independent in a by-election for the vacant seat on the Town Council on March 18.

He was mayor in 1998 and served as one of the two county councillors for Llangollen, first from 2004-2008 and again from 2012-2017.

The vacancy he is contesting occurred as a result of the resignation of George Hughes last October. 

Announcing his candidature well in advance of the closing date for nominations of February 19, he gave a statement of his aims if elected which he said are: 

"To restore the voice of the people of Llangollen in the council chamber and hold to account our county councillors.

"Resolve the issues with the provision of waste disposal and recycling facilities, working with Phil Jones and his excellent petition to ensure the wishes of 900 residents are respected.

"Ensure that the proposals for change to Llangollen by the 2020 group have full and thorough public consultation and take into account the current views of the community.

"The potholes are a result of 2020 delays, so I will ensure a proper community based public consultation is put in place quickly that isn’t simply a paper exercise that endorses the 2020 plan."

He added: "Basically its about waste, bollards, potholes and parking and taking back control for the residents."

* So far Mr Davies is the only candidate to announce his intention to stand to llanblogger and we would be happy to highlight any further nominations. 

Health centre vaccinates 1,200 70-79s over weekend

Llangollen Health Centre has been on Facebook to give an update on its busy weekend vaccinating scores of people aged 70 to 79.

The post last night said: "Thanks to everyone for their lovely comments about our vaccination clinic this weekend.  

"It takes a lot of work and all the thank-yous and gestures of appreciation really lift the team and help us to keep going. It’s so good to be able to do something positive! 

"These clinics are a huge community effort. Not just health centre staff are involved, there are many volunteers who are all fabulous. We have vaccinated just short of 1200 patients this weekend." 

MP welcomes Cadbury's UK investment announcement

* Simon Baynes MP and David Mills, Head of External Affairs at Mondelez UK and Ireland, taken at a Parliamentary reception last March, before social distancing guidelines came into effect.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed the announcement that Mondelēz International, makers of Cadbury Dairy Milk, has announced plans to invest £15 million into the UK, at its Bournville site, which is supported by its factory in Chirk, where cocoa beans are processed and fresh milk is added.

The investment will include £11 million to create a new, line of the future for Cadbury Dairy Milk tablets as the company consolidates the majority of its tablet production at the site. 

The new, highly efficient line will enable 125 million more of the iconic large sharing bars to be made at its UK factory in Bournville annually, with additional capacity for any future growth. 

Alongside the new line, Mondelēz is also planning to invest a further £4 million at the site to increase its chocolate making capacity, to ensure sufficient chocolate mass to meet current demand and anticipate future needs.

Louise Stigant, UK Managing Director, Mondelēz International said: “At a time when manufacturing in the UK is facing significant challenges, it has never been more vital to secure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of our business. 

"We now have an opportunity at Bournville to further invest in its future as the home and heart of Cadbury by bringing more Cadbury Dairy Milk production to Bournville.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “The news that Mondelēz International plans to consolidate the majority of Cadbury Dairy Milk tablet production to the UK is excellent news for Chirk in Clwyd South, where cocoa beans are processed and fresh milk is added. 

"Investment in the new production line will see 12,000 tonnes more Cadbury Dairy Milk tablets – equivalent to 125 million bars - made in the UK each year.

“I welcome this investment with open arms and I’m proud to see Chirk and Clwyd South contributing to the success of a much-loved British brand and the production of the nation’s favourite chocolate bar.”

People in 70-79 age group flock to health centre for Covid jabs

Llangollen Health Centre is currently in the middle of its largest Covid-19 vaccination exercise to date.

Today an expected 600 people in the 70-79 age group will have turned up for their jabs at the rate of 80 an hour, with a similar number due tomorrow (Sunday).

Staff and volunteers have been working flat out inside the centre while the Llangollen Tidy Town Team are once again taking care of traffic management in the two busy car parks.

 

 

Campaigner gives update on response to his recycling petition

* The Plas Madoc Recycling Centre.

The Llangollen resident who sent in a petition to Denbighshire County Council (DCC) calling for a full-time recycling site to service the area has given an update on responses to it from key officials.  

In six weeks Phil Jones secured 800 on-paper signatures for his petition with more being added to an online version.

It asks the county to negotiate with neighbouring Wrexham County Borough Council for Llangollen people to have guaranteed access to the Plas Madoc Recycling Centre.

At the time the submitted the list of names he said "I think this is a measure of the frustration and anger felt by the community that daily access to a recycling facility requires a 30-mile round trip to Ruthin, when we have one on our doorstep at Plas Madoc."

In an update to his campaign he says: "I have now received a response from the Lead Member in Denbighshire County Council responsible for waste, and also from our two County Councillors, Messrs Timms and Mile. I received a detailed response summarised in the following extracts:

1] There are currently no plans to look for an alternative site to provide a new Household Waste Recycling Centre((HWRC) in the Dee Valley,

2] There is an acknowledgement that DCC did enter into discussions with WCBC after the closure of our site at Wenffrwd, that no agreement was concluded, but 'It is likely, however, that some Denbighshire residents did use the Plas Madoc site'

3]  DCC has ... 'now received a further response from Wrexham, which is the start of a more detailed discussion to agree the details of any potential proposal ... we will continue to keep the dialogue going with Wrexham to progress the matter as soon as we possibly can.

4] 'We remain committed to exploring whether it is possible and affordable to enable Dee Valley residents to use the Plas Madoc site, and we will push to get these discussions concluded as soon as possible. 

5] 'The council does not feel that there is a valid case to provide a free bulky collection service for residents in the LL20.'

6] I have also been assured by our County Councillors that they are pressing for an early conclusion to the discussions with Wrexham CBC.

I was informed some time ago by an officer in WCBC that no resolution was likely to be achieved before April. It is true that the pace of negotiations will be governed by WCBC, but reaching a provisional agreement on a costed service level agreement between the two council’s isn’t the end of the process because funding and committee approval has to be secured before an agreement could be implemented.

With cash limited budgets the Council may wish to close services to pay for the new service. The obvious candidate might be the pop-up service at the Pavilion. Our County Councillors may wish to consult the community on any proposals for change to the service before a final decision is made. I have argued that as over 900 people have now signed our petition asking for access to Plas Madoc the express wishes of the town could not be clearer, and that consultation would add yet more delay.

If you feel that consultation is an important and necessary step which should be taken before the potential loss of the pop-up service at the Pavilion, please email me at llanrecycle2021@gmail.com

Thank-you to all who have supported our campaign."

Half a million have now received Covid-19 vaccination in Wales

Today is the 60th day since COVID-19 vaccinations began in Wales and also marks the day when more than half a million people received their first COVID-19 vaccination.

As the total vaccinated exceeds more than 523,000 today, this now means almost one in every six adults have had their first dose of this life-protecting vaccine. 

Here are the latest statistics from the Welsh Government as of Friday February 5:

• More than half a million people across Wales have received their first dose - this will rise to 600,000 within a matter of days
• That’s the same as filling the Principality Stadium in Cardiff seven times or the Eirias Stadium in Colwyn Bay 86 times
• …or someone every four seconds
• Of the top 4 priority groups, Wales has vaccinated;

- 83% of over 80s

- 62% of 75 to 79 year olds

- 34% of 70 to 74 year olds

- And more than 112,400 frontline health and social care workers

• Wales is on track to have offered vaccinations to those eligible people in the top four priority groups by mid-February, if supplies continue at their current rate
• Around one third of everyone in the top 9 priority groups have been vaccinated too
• Last week, Wales vaccinated more people per population than any other UK nation
• Weekends are the busiest time, especially for primary care vaccinators. This means it can take a few days for data from these days to be uploaded
• There are 34 mass vaccination centres open across Wales at any one time and most are open seven days a week
• Six more mass vaccination centres are due to open in the coming weeks
• We have more than 400 GP-led clinics – the original target was 250 by the end of January
• 17 hospital sites are also providing vaccines
• Very little vaccine has gone to waste, less than 1% has not been used. This is exceptionally low, and thanks to the committed workforce delivering this precious resource

Once someone has had the vaccine, we ask everyone to follow the same steps to keep themselves and Wales safe; wear a mask, keep a 2m distance, wash your hands regularly and keep rooms as well ventilated as possible.

A Government spokesperson said: "We are still learning about how the vaccine affects transmission of the virus.

"And please remember, you will be invited to for an appointment when it is your turn – do not call your local health services, unless you are asked to do so, as this will add to their already pressured workloads."

 

Wales 'not yet ready' for full schools re-opening

According to the BBC online, the Education Minister has said in the latest Government update that Wales is 'not ready' for full school reopening.'

* For the full story, see:

 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55911573

Welsh Government's £55m healthier travel boost

The Welsh Government have unveiled a £55 Million funding package for councils to encourage people to take up healthier travel for short local journeys.

The funding boost represents an eleven-fold increase in the dedicated budget for investment in Active Travel in the last five years.

“We want to make it easier for people to make everyday journeys in ways that benefits their help and the environment” Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said.

The 2021-22 budget has allocated more than £55m to be spent on active travel, an increase of £20m from last year - up from £5 million in 2016 at the start of this Welsh Government term.

The big rise in investment is part of a major push to support sustainable transport as part of the Welsh Government’s action on climate change.

The new investment comes alongside the publication of new guidance to improve the design of new infrastructure

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said: “Changing travel habits is not easy to achieve but we have to make a big effort if we are to tackle our health crisis and our climate crisis. We want local authorities to be ambitious in their plans, and to reach out to people who currently would not consider swapping a local car journey for a bike ride or a journey on foot and design safe routes that would encourage them to give it a try.”

The new funding is part of a reform package which includes a major local consultation exercise in every local authority area to create a pipeline of schemes to make it more attractive to walk and cycle.

Councils have been invited to apply for schemes that can make a real difference to the numbers walking and cycling in their areas. They can use the money for small-scale schemes like upgrading narrow routes that have become overcrowded, or removing barriers that block wheelchairs or cycle trailers, as well as for the planning of bigger and more complex schemes.

Councils will be encouraged to work together to better connect places that may happen to lie in different council areas, but where many people travel between.

The Welsh Government has also published two sets of guidance designed to further improve conditions for active travel. The first set of guidance aims to ensure that when streetworks are put in place that the safety of walkers and cyclists are planned for. It has been drafted in collaboration with Sustrans and the Welsh Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee.

The second guidance focuses on active travel improvements on trunk roads, which the Welsh Government are responsible for managing. The guidance is aimed at ensuring that whenever improvements are made to trunk roads in Wales, full consideration is given to how conditions for walking and cycling can be improved as part of the project, both within and beyond the trunk road boundary.

Santa's virtual grotto raises £1,073 for air ambulance

* Santa Claus beams a personal Christmas message from his virtual grotto.

A series of personalised Christmas video messages by Santa Claus from his virtual grotto in Llangollen raised over £1,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Sion Corn, as he's known in Welsh, works closely each year with Austin "Chem" Cheminais - now the town's mayor - to boost funds for the air ambulance and other local good causes, with cash coming in from Llangollen's annual Christmas festival as well as personal appearances and quizzes during December.

Between £500 and £1,000 is usually raised for the air ambulance alone.

But Christmas 2020 was very different due to Covid-19 restrictions, which saw the festival cancelled, so Santa had to find a new and safer way of fundraising.

He and Chem came up with the idea of setting up a properly isolated grotto from where Santa used the internet to beam personalised seasonal messages to people prepared to make a small donation to the usual causes. 

Chem said: "Although most requests were Llangollen-based Santa had requests for messages from across the UK and as far away as the USA.

"He produced over 50 video clips and raised a very healthy £1,075 for the Wales Air Ambulance for which he and I are very grateful."