Old-style load lugger probably deserves an ASBO

Mazda6 Tourer road test by Steve Rogers

This is a rare event, a car with a big petrol engine and not a hybrid motor or electric cable to recharge the battery pack in sight, and it's an estate.

Remember those, the  cars we turned to for carrying the big loads before becoming obsessed with SUVs. 

Volvo built some belters, renowned as load luggers, and as styling got sharper they got trendy names like sportwagon or sport tourer.

And you need look no further than this beauty for top notch styling. Mazda is going through a purple patch with the pen, or more likely a computer, and its 6 Tourer is the perfect example of how to fashion an estate car that turns heads.

The current model has been around for a few years yet still looks fresh, but the estate, sorry Tourer, is not all about looks. 

Okay, it is not top of the league when it comes to litres of space but will suit most families carrying needs. If space is that important buy a Skoda Superb estate.

With the seat backs dropped I managed to stow two adult bikes without removing the front wheels so that should give a good indication of the length of the boot floor.

Inside is a bit like stepping back in time.... the good times. 

You know where you are as soon as you take charge of the wheel. Comfortable. Confident. The dashboard is a traditional layout with a modern take, three large clear dials ahead of the driver for speedo, rev counter and fuel and temperature gauges with a neat info display in the middle.

There is no faffing around trying to master the touchscreen just to get the heating working, physical switches are clearly laid out across the centre console. Daft as it sounds this is just a friendly easy going car.

There is a 7 inch screen atop the dashboard (small by today's standards where 10in is the norm) for navigation, radio selections and Bluetooth etc, but that is controlled from a rotary switch between the seats. Mazda has used this same system for donkeys years and is still the easiest I have come across.

My car was the flagship with the 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol so it was a flyer, diesel has been dropped from this model, and I suppose this is where things are not so friendly. In an age where economy and low emissions are the buzz words this car would probably get an ASBO.

The delivery driver got 39mpg which is good going, my best was 37mpg, and over 450 or so miles the average was 35 which isn't great compared to the 58mpg from the hybrid BMW 3 Series featured a few weeks ago. 

Emissions are erm... 172g/km, probably best not to dwell on that.

The get out of jail card is a brace of 2-litre petrols, not quite as fast but cleaner and easier on the pocket at the fuel station. But if you want plenty of grunt from the fast pedal then it is here in spades and there is the benefit of Mazda's fine chassis for sharp handling.

With a £33k price tag the GT Sport comes packed with kit packaged in a plush cabin. Front seats are powered, heated and ventilated, outer back seats heated, auto dipping adaptive headlights and a camera with a 360 degree view are the highlights on a long spec sheet. All that is missing is a powered tailgate.

If the Touring proves anything it is that there is still life in the good old estate car.

Fast Facts

GT Sport Nav+ 6sp auto

£33,685

2.5 litre petrol; 190bhp

0-62mph 8.1secs; 139mph

37.2mpg combined

172g/km. First VED £870

Insurance group 29

Boot 522-1664 litres

 

 

Motor home pulled to safety after Panorama plunge

* Above and below: the motor home is pulled

 back onto the road by the heavy lifting vehicle.

* The motor home in the ravine where it landed.

Llanblogger reader Mike Edwards took these pictures on Friday after a motorhome went off the Panorama Road and landed in the ravine below.

It was recovered by a large military-style lifting vehicle believed to be from Richards in Fron.

It's understood there was no-one in the motorhome when it took the plunge.

Wales to benefit from extra UK government funding, says MP

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes says Wales will benefit from £400 million of additional UK Government funding for health and social care services in Wales.

As a result of last week’s announcement by Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, a further £7 billion will be made available for NHS and social care services. 

This means that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will benefit from an additional £1.3 billion. 

This funding for devolved governments is determined by the Barnett formula and it is therefore ultimately the decision of the Welsh Government of how to spend the money in Wales.

Additionally, the UK Government has set out its vision for the future of clinical research, developed by all four nations of the United Kingdom. 

The vision is designed to improve the speed and efficiency with which the UK Government sets up studies, uses digital platforms to deliver clinical research, and makes research more diverse and relevant to the whole UK. 

As a result, demonstrating a continued shared commitment to work collaboratively, ensuring the UK remains a world-leader in innovative research for the benefit of all four nations.    

Simon Baynes said: “I very much welcome the news that Wales is set to receive more funding from the UK Government, which will be vital for our NHS services and social care services here in Wales. This is once again a clear example of how the UK Government is committed to ensuring all four nations are able to benefit, with no one left behind. And I would urge the Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff to use this money for the benefit of our Welsh NHS and its staff.”

Work to ensure beauty spots' safety as stay local guidance lifted

* Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen.

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB have put plans in place to ensure countryside sites remain safe as travel restrictions ease.

The Welsh Government is removing the stay local guidance from today (Saturday) and work has taken place at sites across Denbighshire, including Moel Famau and Loggerheads country parks, to ensure measures are in place to keep visitors safe.

These include improvements to the car parks at Moel Famau and the upgrading of paths at Loggerheads and works at Horseshoe Falls to improve access.  

Huw Rees, Denbighshire County Council’s Countryside and Heritage Services Manager, said: “We know it has been a difficult period for residents not being able to enjoy the countryside here in Denbighshire and I would like to thank all those who have been following the exercise from home rules.

“The council and Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB have been preparing for the change in restrictions. However, it is vital visitors play their part when returning to our countryside sites.

“It is important visitors know what restrictions and guidelines are in place before travelling and to keep themselves and others safe they should avoid busy times, check ahead to see if facilities are open and where possible access quieter sites and walks during the initial period of re-opening. This will help avoid busy periods and parking issues.

“It is also important visitors respect the countryside and act responsibly during their visit and this means keeping dogs on leads and not to litter.

“We would like to reassure residents we will continue to work with North Wales Police and with partners to spread the message that cross-border travel is still restricted.”

* A list of alternative walks in the county can be found at www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/projects/community-miles/

"Great shame" not all hospitality will open, says industry leader

 

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

A tourism leader in North Wales says it’s a “great shame” that attractions and most of the hospitality industry won’t be open for Easter.

Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, said that their was a real sense of frustration in businesses that had been battered as a result of the pandemic.

He accused the Welsh Government of failing to listen to the sector’s pleas for a proper roadmap to navigate the return to something near normality.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has revealed the “stay-local" rules will lift in Wales from tomorrow (Saturday) and unrestricted travel within its borders will be allowed.

It means Wales will be the first UK nation to scrap travel restrictions within country boundaries since lockdowns were re-imposed in winter.

Self-contained tourist accommodation - including many hotels and cottages - will also be able to open then.

But non-essential travel to and from other UK nations will be banned for at least two weeks.

Mr Jones said: “It’s excellent news that slowly we are on the right track as we slowly start to open up the sector across Wales but it's a great shame that many of our attractions and hospitality won't be open for Easter. 

“There is still a real and palpable sense of frustration in the sector, as it feels that the Welsh Government haven't been listening to the mood on the ground. If they had, then we would have a plan to take us forward post April. 

“It is very difficult to understand why they won't map this out, especially as the other three home nations have now done so. 

“Maybe it's a matter of pride on the First Minister’s behalf that he wants to stick to his agenda of not budging on his opinion, even though the evidence and feedback tell him otherwise.  I really don't know.

“But he needs to realise that when running a business, people need time to plan. They now have very little resource, which makes things a lot harder. 

“We at North Wales Tourism, on behalf of the sector, have consistently offered advice and guidance to Welsh Government throughout this whole pandemic. But it appears to be of no avail. 

“However, we know dates will eventually be forthcoming, based on the success of the vaccine roll out and reduction in cases.

“In the meantime, more targeted financial support is still needed for the sector to help with recovery. Be under no illusion, this is still going to be a very tough and bumpy ride for many businesses going forward.”

Subscription service launched to end period poverty

The county council, through the Welsh Government 2020/21 Period Deprivation Grant, has secured a subscription service for young people in Denbighshire where period poverty could be a barrier to their education. 

The free service, in conjunction with social enterprise Hey Girls, will run until March 2022 providing either a package of re-usable period products or a monthly delivery of eco-friendly disposable products directly to subscribers’ homes.

Those eligible must be enrolled at either a primary or secondary school in Denbighshire and it is deemed a lack of period products could be a barrier to a young person accessing education. 

Geraint Davies, Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Education, said: “I welcome this collaboration with Hey Girls which will ensure period dignity isn’t a barrier to education in Denbighshire.

“This service will allow products to be delivered to young people’s homes or at an alternative location, if the learner wishes to receive them discreetly.

“Free menstrual products have always been available in schools and they continued to be provided for those attending during the lockdown.

“Schools themselves have been sending products home to those not in school during the lockdown and during the summer of 2020 there was an additional delivery service by the TRAC team.

“This new service continues and enhances the offer to leaners here in Denbighshire.”

Celia Hodson, CEO and founder of Hey Girls, said: "Hey Girls is delighted to be expanding our work within Wales to provide period dignity to students in Denbighshire. 

“The subscription service gives pupils the choice to find the correct period products to suit their individual needs, offering a range of products that they may not have tried before, including sustainable, reusable products.

“Hey Girls is supporting Denbighshire by providing educational resources for primary and secondary aged pupils, covering periods and menstrual health, and guides on how to use period products. By encouraging open conversations about menstruation in schools, pupils can address taboos, stigma and shame in a safe space and better understand how menstrual health affects themselves and others around them."

* To check if you are eligible for the service contact DCCHG@denbighshire.gov.uk

Tourism sector can start re-opening tomorrow, says First Minister

Wales' tourism sector will be able to start re-opening from tomorrow (Saturday) as the stay-local rule is lifted, First Minister Mark Drakeford (pictured) has announced.

The rules will also be changed to enable organised outdoor activities and sports for children and under-18s to take place and up to six people from two different households to meet and exercise outdoors.

The relaxations continue the Welsh Government’s planned, step-by-step approach to relaxing the coronavirus restrictions, taking account of the highly-infectious Kent variant, which is now the dominant form of the virus in Wales.

These are the final stages of the relaxations in this three-week review cycle and they follow the successful return of primary pupils and many older secondary school and college students to face-to-face learning and the start of the phased re-opening of non-essential retail, including the opening of hairdressers and barbers.

Wales is moving out of alert level four, and now starting to move into level three. Welsh Ministers will consider further alert level three measures in the next review of the regulations.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "These further relaxations are part of our careful and phased approach to unlocking the restrictions and enabling people and businesses to resume their activities in the safest possible way.

"We’re only able to do this because of the sacrifices everyone across Wales has made over the last few months – everything you are doing to keep your loved ones safe is also keeping Wales safe.

"The public health position remains stable; our incredible vaccination programme goes from strength to strength – we have headroom to make these changes.

"Self-contained holiday accommodation, including hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, will be able to reopen to people from the same household or support bubble.

"The stay local rule will be replaced by an interim all-Wales travel area, which will remain in place until April 12, subject to the public health situation. For the next two weeks, only those with a reasonable excuse, such as work, will be able to travel into or out of Wales." 

The current restrictions on international travel for holidays will remain in place.
Other changes include:

• Six people from two different households, excluding children under 11, will be able to meet and exercise outdoors and in private gardens;
• Organised outdoor activities and sports for children and under 18s will be able to resume;
• There will be a limited opening of outdoor areas of some historic places and gardens;
• Libraries and archives will be able to re-open.

The First Minister added: "We are taking a step-by step approach to relaxing restrictions and want to carry on being able to open up Wales.

"To do that we need everyone’s help. That means staying vigilant for signs of infection; isolating if we have symptoms and arranging to get tested.

"It also means following the basic steps to keep us all safe while we’re out and about – keeping our distance from others; not mixing indoors; avoiding crowds; washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings."

The next review of the regulations will take place next week. Welsh Ministers will consider the following relaxations, which will come into effect from April 12, subject to the public health situation:  

• All pupils and students can return to schools, colleges and other education;
• All shops and close contact services can open;
• The interim all-Wales travel area can be lifted.

Health centre's latest vaccination update

Llangollen Health Centre has just posted a vaccination update on social media, which says:

"We are running three clinics this weekend and are busy booking patients into these clinics.  

"We have tried to contact all patients aged 55 and over and have now started on those aged 50-54 (Group 9).

"If you are aged 55 and above and you are worried that we may have missed you, please contact us on 01978 860625.

"Important information for those attending a clinic this weekend:

"If you are attending the clinic on Saturday morning in Plas Madoc, please be aware that this is Plas Madoc Leisure Centre. Please park in the Leisure Centre car park – there will be marshalls there to guide you.

"All other clinics are taking place at Llangollen Health Centre. There are no clinics in Glyn Ceiriog this weekend.

"If you are attending the Saturday clinic in Llangollen, it is important that you park in the correct car park as advised when booking. 

"The patient car park is the one near the Pharmacy, the staff car park is the one furthest away from Llangollen.  There will be marshalls there to guide you.

"*If you drive yourself to the clinic please be aware that you need to wait in your car for 15 minutes after your vaccination.  If someone else drives you or you walk, you will not have to wait*"

Extra cash made available to tackle potholes

* Potholes on the bridge after they received attention from the county council.

Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James has announced an extra £12m of funding for local authorities to fix potholes and improve roads, pavements and active travel routes across Wales.

llanblogger understands that Denbighshire's share is £476,071.

This could be welcome news in Llangollen where there have been numerous complaints about the state of the roads in and around the town centre.

llanblogger recently highlighted the growing number of deep potholes in Castle Street and as a result some of these of these received attention from the county council. 

The additional Welsh Government funding will allow local authorities to continue with planned highways maintenance works, boosting the economy and making active travel safer. 

Local authorities will also be better able to respond to the impact of recent weather events, including damage to highways caused by the recent flooding.

Llwybr Newydd, the Welsh Government’s new transport strategy, pledged a 'bold' increase in the number of people using public active travel or walking and cycling to get around. 

It  also highlighted the need to make best use of existing infrastructure through effective maintenance and management.

Local Government and Housing Minister Julie James said: "We know that during the pandemic with a quieter road network most councils have already made good use of the opportunity to undertake repairs and improvements.

“We are providing this extra funding to reflect the flood damage we have seen to highways across Wales and the ways in which we are using our local environment differently. 

“By providing this extra funding, we are enabling local authorities to continue making improvements to roads in Wales, boosting the economy and making roads safer for active travel."

Companies present Bryn Collen children with Easter egg gifts

* A Ysgol Bryn Collen pupils gives the thumbs-up to the Easter eggs.

* The consignment of Easter eggs ready for delivery.

Children at Ysgol Bryn Collen will finish for the Easter holidays this week with an extra special treat, courtesy of  the Three Eagles and Tyn Dwr Hall. 

Each child from nursery through to Year Six will be presented with an Easter egg before finishing for their two-week break.

Speaking on behalf of Three Eagles and Tyn Dwr Hall, company director Vicky Jones said: “We were delighted to donate almost 200 Easter eggs to the pupils of Bryn Collen before they finish school for Easter. 

"As a group of businesses we care passionately about our local community and recognise that some of the youngest residents have had a difficult year away from school and their friends. We hope this small gesture will bring a smile to their faces.”

Purchased from Aldi Llangollen earlier in the week, the supermarket staff were kind enough to help Vicky carry and load the eggs before they were distributed at the school.

Headreacher Lisa Howden said: “The children were thrilled to each receive an Easter egg as part of this act of kindness by the team behind Three Eagles and Tyn Dwr Hall. 

"This is the third year the team have generously donated something at Easter time to the students and we are tremendously grateful.”

Reminder that hospital grounds are now smoke-free

Denbighshire County Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are working in partnership to remind residents that hospital grounds, as well as school grounds, public playgrounds, outdoor day care and child-minding settings, are now required to be smoke-free.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Planning and Public Protection, said: “We will be working with the health board to assist their approach of advice and guidance to those visiting hospital sites.

“Smoking is extremely harmful and damaging to health and remains one of the main causes of inequalities in health in Wales. These measures have been introduced by Welsh Government to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

“Smoking will no longer be tolerated on hospital grounds. Officers will only be called to take enforcement as a last resort when it is clear people are ignoring the legislation and where the health board has taken all reasonable measures. Our main focus will be on assisting the health board in providing advice and guidance. Our officers will be dealing sympathetically and compassionately with patients experiencing difficult circumstances in line with the guidance contained within the legislation.

“I would also like to thank the health board for their increased efforts around encouraging people to quit smoking in light of this new legislation.”

Teresa Owen, Executive Director of Public Health, said: "The new Welsh Government regulations will support our efforts to help people quit smoking.

"We welcome the assistance we're receiving from our Local Authority colleagues to help keep public areas smoke free."

Library and One Stop Shop open from next Monday

* Llangollen Library will re-open next Monday, March 29.

Libraries across Denbighshire will be re-opening their doors from Monday, March 29 for browsing for books, using a computer and printing, and accessing One Stop Shop services. 

To ensure a safe visit, customers will need to phone their local library to make an appointment to visit.

Libraries are a safe place to visit with plenty of room for social distancing, limited numbers of people in at any time, and hand and equipment sanitiser available. All returned books are quarantined for 72 hours before being touched.

Visits to browse and choose books are limited to 20 minutes, and computer sessions are currently limited to 45 minutes, and one per week. You will need your library card number to book a computer session.

If you require help at the One Stop Shop with a council query or to make a payment, please call the library and ensure you have all the relevant details, so that we can deal with your query, and arrange an appointment if you need to come in.

The popular Order and Collect service will continue if you would prefer for library staff to choose the books for you to collect or have delivered to you. 

The Home Library Service is making deliveries of books to anyone who is unable to visit their local library – please call the library or visit the website to find out more about this service.

So that the shelves can be stocked up, you are asked to please return any books you’ve had on loan by dropping them off at the library. All the books currently on loan are being automatically renewed and you won’t be fined even if you’ve had them for months.

You can join the library, order books and download e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines and newspapers free – visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries

Wales votes to protect its pets as new law passes Senedd

A vote has just passed in the Senedd introducing new regulations for pet sales. 

The regulations will also ban third party sales of puppies and kittens.

This means that from 10 September it will be an offence to sell a puppy or kitten which the seller has not bred themselves. 

Crucially the new regulations requires the seller to have bred the puppy or kitten “at the premises” – which puts a stop to lengthy and multiple transportations for the young animals, which can cause distress. 

This applies to travel in and around Wales, as well as banning puppies and kittens from being brought in to Wales, for sale.

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “Our much-loved pets fill us with joy, complete our families, and have helped us get through tough lockdowns during the pandemic.

“I want to thank all Senedd members for voting to ban the third party sales of puppies and kittens today. The people of Wales who responded to our consultation were overwhelmingly in favour of making this happen, and the charities, vets, volunteers and organisations that have worked tirelessly to help form the law into what has been passed today also deserve our thanks.

“We hope a ban will encourage respectful and responsible attitudes towards all animals, provide greater transparency for people who wish to welcome puppies or kittens into their homes as to how they have been bred, and empower Local Authorities to take action if they have concerns about how puppies and kittens are being bred and sold.”

Chief Veterinary Officer Christianne Glossop said: “The way we treat animals reflects the values of our society. That is why Welsh Government and the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group work in conjunction to promote high animal welfare standards and the responsible ownership of animals. This law will now close loopholes to protect the welfare and wellbeing of our puppies and kittens, while educating us all about what is right and fair for our pets.”

The Regulations will come fully into force on 10 September.  

During this time Statutory Guidance will be co-produced to support enforcement by Local Authorities and this timeline will also allow existing sellers affected to make changes and consider a different operating model to mitigate any potential impact.

MP calls for support for Corwen station project

* Simon Baynes MP asks a question in the Commons.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has highlighted in Parliament the potential benefits of the levelling-up fund for projects in North Wales, and in particular his constituency.

Mr Baynes asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Wales, David TC Davies MP, whether he would meet with him and visit projects in Clwyd South that fulfil the requirements of the fund, such as the reopening of Corwen station on the Llangollen steam railway and Wrexham's regeneration plans.

In response, the Minister said: “I assure my Hon. Friend that it is always a pleasure to meet him and hear about the enormous amount of hard work he is undertaking in his constituency. 

"Unfortunately, I have been advised that it would not be appropriate for me to visit any specific project site, but I of course look forward to supporting him and other Members of Parliament who continue the work of using the funds being made available by the UK Government to drive forward regeneration in their constituencies.”

Speaking later, Mr Baynes said: “These projects have real potential to bring funding and investment to Clwyd South which our communities vitally need following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"So I’m keen, whenever possible, to bang the drum and support these projects and am eager to work with the UK Government to boost our North Wales economy and encourage growth and the creation of new, well-paying jobs locally.”

St Collen's carefully plans its Easter service

Llangollen Group of Anglican Church has issued information about its forthcoming Easter service.

This says: "Our Easter Sunday celebration at 11am will be going ahead as planned and in accordance with the latest restrictions from the Welsh Government. 

"Under Alert Level 4 for Wales, churches are allowed to remain open for public worship. 

"We have reviewed our arrangements (including Risk Assessments) for this service so that everyone will be kept safe.

"St Collen's is a large building and we have worked out a maximum number for attendance so that everyone is kept at a safe distance. 

"All those planning to attend will need to REGISTER (their names and contact numbers) by email: stcollens@gmail.com, or by signing up after the 11am service this Sunday (28th March).

"The services are much shorter than they would usually be.

"There is a small choir (of physically distanced singers) leading the music in full compliance with the Welsh Government.

"Face coverings in church are mandatory.

"The church building is fully sanitised after each service and hand sanitiser is readily available for individuals around the church. 

"All up-to-date information can be accessed online by visiting the Welsh Government & Church in Wales websites."

Welsh Government's coronavirus update

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

•  First Minister Mark Drakeford has led tributes to all those who have died during the pandemic in Wales and the enormous contribution from people across the nation as Wales today marks the first anniversary of the pandemic.
• Statement in Plenary: https://record.assembly.wales/Plenary/11187#A65549
• National Commemorative Event: https://gov.wales/national-coronavirus-commemorative-event
• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has published an update about Wales’ Vaccination Strategy: https://gov.wales/written-statement-covid-19-vaccination-strategy-update-0
• Vaccination Equity Strategy: https://gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-equity-strategy
• Up to £30m to support Wales’ diverse culture sector through the ongoing pandemic has been announced by Welsh Government in a second round of the Cultural Recovery Fund.
• The fund will be delivered jointly by Welsh Government, the Arts Council of Wales and local authorities.
• https://gov.wales/cultural-recovery-fund-extended
• Update about field hospitals: https://gov.wales/written-statement-review-field-hospital-phase-2 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 127 newly-reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 208,119 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• There were no deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,488.
• 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 1,288,250 people have received their first dose.
• And 353,347 people have received two doses of the vaccine.
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving Covid-19 for the week ending 12 March 2021.
• The cumulative number of deaths involving Covid-19 occurring in Welsh residents up to 12 March 2021 was 7,731.
• Of these, there were provisionally 68 deaths involving Covid-19 registered in Welsh residents in the week ending 12 March. This was 35 fewer than the previous week. The number of registered deaths involving Covid has declined for eight successive weeks and is at its lowest level since late October.
• For the period 7 March 2020 to 12 March 2021, there were a total of 5,600 excess deaths (17%) above the five-year average.
• More deaths involving Covid were registered in the second wave of the pandemic than the first.
• The excess death rate for Wales for the pandemic period to date was lower in Wales than in England.
• For the latest week, both England and Wales saw deaths below the five-year average.
• The numbers reported by ONS are different from those from Public Health Wales because of different reporting methods and timing.
• 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
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You must have a test on day one and day eight if you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Wales Test Trace Protect.
• 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

• Wales is at alert level four. A stay local rule is in place. A summary of what to do is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4-summary
• More information about the national measures is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4 and the roadmap in and out of alert levels is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-alert-levels-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
• Want to join Wales’ vaccination team? https://gov.wales/join-covid-19-vaccination-team
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/