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* Staff members Rach and Tia at Cambrian House B&B, carry out a
precautionary temperature check on one another this morning. |
Llangollen Operatic
Society’s production of the musical Chicago is the latest casualty of growing local concern over the threat of coronavirus infection.
The lavish show was to
have been performed at the Town Hall from April 22-25 but the society has just announced on Facebook that it has been postponed until later in the year.
This comes on top of
Llangollen XX Club’s postponement of its planned production of the comedy ‘Allo
‘Allo, as reported by llanblogger the other day.
The Operatic's Chicago producer Helen
Belton said in her post: “We have taken the decision to
postpone in the light of the virus situation.
“Obviously we can’t know how the cast will feel to
keep rehearsing, can’t know what the Government will order and can’t estimate
ticket sales in April. So this is the best way forward for everyone’s
protection health-wise for you and your families.
“We are all devastated however and assure you that
we want to perform this wonderful show at some stage. I will suggest some dates
when I speak to the Town Hall.”
One Llangollen business owner has outlined the
strong measures she is taking to safeguard customers and staff.
Cath Miller, who owns the Cambrian House B&B on
Berwyn Street, told llanblogger: “We are disinfecting
the whole building and providing guests with sanitizer.
“Our staff are
temperature-checked on arrival.
“Basically, we
are doing everything possible to keep visitors safe as are other business and
attractions in town.
“I'm not a
media expert but would it be in the interest of the town to do some pro-active
marketing rather than to just sit back and wait for visitor numbers to dwindle.”
Giving an
appraisal of how the coronavirus scare is hitting the area’s business
community, the chair of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism, Claire Quant,
said Llangollen is open for business, despite some of them experiencing a
fall-off in trade.
She added: “Following
a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Chamber of Trade a decision was
taken to postpone a planned re-branded launch.
“ This is due
to the changing situation surrounding the coronavirus.
“Some
businesses in the town have reported a significant decrease in footfall this
week.
“Whilst we
advise people to adhere to the official guidance being given out it is
important that we keep a sense of perspective and normality.
“Llangollen is
open for business and as a group of business people we will be supporting each
other over the coming weeks, through these unprecedented times.
“If anyone has
a business in Llangollen and needs advice, guidance or support then please
message us via Facebook.
“We remain
committed to Destination Llangollen and continuing to build on the good work
that has been done in the town for the economic benefit of all those who want
to see Llangollen thrive in a modern, leisure/retail environment and enjoy the
knock on effects that will bring to residents, business owners and visitors alike.”
The owner of a
local care home has launched a new Facebook group to help vulnerable people at
risk in the area.
Bethan Mascarenhas, who runs
the Old Vicarage home, kicked off the group by describing it as “a group
for anyone who may need help or assistance getting shopping or items, or need
help picking up medication or other essentials.
“For those who may be isolated and in need of support or help.”
The page quickly attracted many offers of help and Bethan
posted subsequently: “We’re making a leaflet for those who may not have
Facebook, who might be older and vulnerable.
“We would need one or two people who would be willing to be a point of
contact to find someone on here to help them if they called. Would anyone be
happy to do this?”
Meanwhile, Pip
Gale, who runs Gales Wine Bar in the town posted yesterday: “At Gales we have
been watching the developments surrounding the COVID-19 Coronavirus very
closely.
“Over the last month we have been
increasing our high standards of cleaning particularly surrounding high-use
areas and taking every measure to help protect our staff and customers. “This
includes encouraging the use of contactless payment and providing digital
versions of our menus and wine lists to avoid any unnecessary contact.
“Whilst we understand the severity of this outbreak, having been in business in Llangollen since 1977, we
also deeply understand the need for community. As such we will not, at this
time, be cancelling any of our events going forward. We love this town and we
wish to continue being a hub for your social lives.”
And to help people keep up
their spirits – literally – during the crisis he added: “To those in
self-isolation, wine care-packages are available from our online shop and can
be delivered to your door free of charge in the local area.”
Interpol has warned people to be vigilant about
fraudsters who “exploiting the fear and uncertainty” around the coronavirus
outbreak to scam people out of their money.
The international law
enforcement agency has listed a number of scams that have been reported to it
by member countries in the wake of the COVID-19 emergency.
The scams include:
* Telephone fraud: victims receive calls from criminals
pretending to be medical officials, claiming a relative has fallen sick with
the virus and then requesting payment for their treatment
* Phishing: victims
receive emails from criminals pretending to be from health authorities, or
legitimate companies, using similar looking websites or email addresses.
People had been conned
into buying protective equipment such as face masks online, or had fallen prey
to successful phishing emails or fraudulent phone calls.
How to steer clear of online
scams
Don't
click on links or attachments in suspicious emails
Don't
reveal any personal or financial details during unsolicited messages or calls
Independently
verify the website or email address is legitimately from the organisation
claimed
Be
aware of bogus websites – criminals will often use a web address which looks
almost identical to the legitimate one, e.g. ‘abc.org’ instead of ‘abc.com’
Be
wary if asked to make a payment to a bank account located in a different
country than where the company is located
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, alert your bank
immediately so the payment can be stopped
Don't feel under pressure to reveal any information -
cybercriminals use emergencies such as coronavirus to scare people into making
rash decisions.
LATEST ...
An update from Llangollen walking Festival.
Here in Llangollen we are monitoring developments closely and noting updates and advice given by the UK Government / Public Health Wales and their experts.
The current advice is that events like ours should continue and go ahead. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will take the necessary steps if, and when needed.
Our decision making process will be based on instructions from the UK Government. The safety and wellbeing of our walking guests and walk leaders is of the highest importance and will be at the heart of any action we take.
Llangollen and the Dee Valley is a beautiful walking area and we look forward to sharing our favourite places with you. Should our walk / travel plans need to change we will adapt... and let you know.
We very much look forward to walking and talking with you and thank you for your patience and understanding.
In the meantime, please look after yourself and each other and follow, the Government Guidelines about reducing the spread of the virus
