Thursday update from Public Health Wales

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 12pm

Updated: 12:00 Thursday 19 March 2020

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“Twenty-four new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 170, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.

“As has been reported previously, two people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales, and this is reflected in the Welsh Government decision yesterday to close schools in Wales.

“We are working closely with health boards, NHS 111 and the Welsh Government to develop systems so that NHS Wales and members of the public have appropriate access to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.  Based on careful risk assessment, a phased rollout of testing will commence starting with health care workers involved in frontline patient facing clinical care. 

“Testing capacity is being expanded and is currently prioritised for patients, health care workers involved in frontline patient facing clinical care and others where recommended by health board medical directors.  As our testing capacity increases, further guidance will be issued on those who are eligible for testing.

“Members of the public should follow the latest public health advice, which was updated on Monday 16 March.”

“The updated guidance is:

• People who live with others should stay at home for 14 days if they, or anyone in their household, has either a high temperature or a new and continuous cough
• People who live alone should stay at home for seven days if they develop a high temperature or a new and continuous cough
• Everyone should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel
• Everyone being asked to work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues
• People over 70, and vulnerable groups of any age will be asked within days to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

For the guidance in full, visit the Department of Health and Social Care website: Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response

Dr Robin Howe said: “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“People with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with others. Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days. They should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

“They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“The public play an important role in the ‘delay’ phase. By following the latest advice, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable, and delay and flatten the peak, which will reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
Swansea Bay	1	33
Aneurin Bevan	13	76
Betsi Cadwaladr	0	7
Cardiff and Vale	8	28
Cwm Taf	1	6
Hywel Dda	1	12
Powys	0	8
Wales	24	170

The latest information is available from GOV.UK:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response

County bosses put out joint coronavirus message

* County Hall in Ruthin.

Llangollen update at foot of story

Denbighshire County Council’s leader, Cllr Hugh Evans, and its chief executive Judith Greenhalgh have made a joint statement about the current coronavirus outbreak.

In it they say: “The national situation with Coronavirus- COVID19 is unprecedented – and one which is posing significant challenges to us all as organisations, to communities and to our residents.

“We have known this is coming and have been putting plans in place to continue with business continuity as much as possible.

“However, over the last week the situation has escalated from one where the virus has been contained to a period of delay. 

“The national and Welsh Governments have issued health and well-being advice, as has Public Health Wales and we are doing our utmost to reiterate those messages to our communities in Denbighshire.

“We want to reassure our residents that we are working closely with our partners to respond to rapidly developing situations. 

“Discussions are going on at a national, regional and local level to put plans in place to try to mitigate the impacts, but also to protect the well-being and welfare of those who are vulnerable.

“We are playing our part in trying to reduce the spread of the virus by implementing our flexible working procedures. Many of our staff will be working from home and those that are deemed vulnerable are following national advice to stay at home.

“Currently, the majority of our buildings and facilities remain open, but may have limited staffing available. 

“This position is changing by the minute and we are making a firm commitment to providing the latest information and advice on our website, social media accounts and other channels.

“We have already taken some steps to protect our vulnerable in our care homes and day centres by restricting visits to close friends and family, health and care professionals and any contractors who need access for essential maintenance.

“We have appealed to residents to keep an eye out for each other, to be a kind neighbour and to check on the welfare of their families, relatives and neighbours.   By building resilient communities, we hope that people will be able to deal with any self-isolation by having regular contact with the outside world. The use of technology can play a big part.

“The first of our schools has now closed and we fully understand the rationale behind it. The well-being and welfare of our school communities is of paramount importance. Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams has announced that all schools across Wales will be closed by Friday.

“We are trying to reduce demand on services by encouraging people to access information and services online (www.denbighshire.gov.uk). 

“Inevitably, we have decided to cancel some functions and activities to the public and we expect more to be cancelled over the coming days.

“We have cancelled formal meetings until at least the end of April and the position will be reviewed at that point. 

“We will be putting in place arrangements to ensure open and transparent discussions take place, for the democratic process to continue. 

“This will allow us to carry on working to deal with the coronavirus situation.  This work is essential and key staff are working tirelessly to respond to the emerging situation,  carrying on with day to day activities for as long as possible and planning for what will be a lengthy recovery process for our residents.

“We fully understand that the public are concerned: so are we, but rest assured that everything is being done to minimise the impact on our services, our residents and our communities. We would encourage you to continue to listen to any advice or information from Public Health Wales or Welsh Government.  Their websites have a wealth of information that will be of use to you.

“It’s great that communities are pulling together, but we urge the public to be vigilant, only accept support from trustworthy sources and to beware of any scams operating.

“We will continue to provide services as best we can, but please bear with us. Some things may take longer than usual, some things may stop completely, but this will all be in the interests of our residents.

“But our final appeal to our residents is to listen to official advice and information and to take care of themselves and each other.”

Meanwhile, in Llangollen Philip Stroud, chair of the local Royal British Legion, has contacted llanblogger to say that the operations of the branch has been formally suspended for at least the next 12 weeks due to the outbreak.

He said: “Regrettably, this means the cancellation of the ceremony, together with service at the war memorials and march through the town, to mark the 75^th anniversary of VE Day planned for May 8.

“Depending on whether the coronavirus situation has improved by then we intend to hold a joint commemoration of VE Day and VJ (Victory over Japan) Day in August.”

On its new Facebook page, South Wrexham Cluster of GP Practices https://www.facebook.com/South-Wrexham-Cluster-of-GP-Practices-100434138268393/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARD28Vz09Ts1V7Qq20G7ql2o3rJ3BTaJ5vJ3x2Q-nj1yL6poRaycAbaX0AUtqnntGuVttzYnNOmqC8VR, Llangollen Health Centre says in a message to patients: “In order to relieve the pressure on our phones, if you have non-urgent queries you can email these to us at the following address: Llangollen.Admin@wales.nhs.uk”

In its latest Facebook message Llangollen’s Courtyard Cafe says: “It's been a hard decision but we will be closed Monday to Thursday until further notice.

“However, we will be open FRIDAY to SUNDAY offering takeaway food and drinks. Also we'll have a stall selling cakes and pastries. The cafe will be open with seating as usual if you wish to eat in. We have tables inside and sheltered undercover and outside seating.

“Our customers have asked us to provide this service, we will monitor the situation.”

A Llangollen police officer has taken to Facebook to put out a warning to local people.

She says: “I am aware that a lovely group of people are offering to help with shopping etc for the elderly and those isolated but please be careful with giving out bank cards and pin numbers to those you don’t know.”

Race night raises £1,121 for Nightingale House

* Nightingale House Hospice's Llangollen Support Group line up at Saturday's event. 

Llangollen support group has said a big thank you following the success of their Race Night and Hot Pot supper in aid of Nightingale House Hospice at the RAFA Club on Saturday evening.

The evening raised a total of £1,121.

Chair of the group Carole Dolamore said: “We were over the moon with the evening. It was the first time we have organised such an event and we are grateful to Chris Burgoyne for all his help in making this happen and to the catering team at Caffi Cwtch who provided a tasty, hot pot supper for us all. 

"Everyone was in great humour throughout thanks to our excellent host David Lloyd who enabled the races to run smoothly with real humour and enthusiasm."

Message about school closure from Ysgol Dinas Bran head

Following this afternoon's announcements of school closures across Wales due to the coronavirus outbreak, Mark Hatch, headteacher of Ysgol Dinas Bran, has sent out a special message to parents and guardians:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We fully embrace the Prime Minister’s statement this evening and see our school as essential to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults within our community. I am very pleased that the mental wellbeing of the students has been considered and exams have been cancelled. This was a huge concern, causing lots of anxiety for students and staff. We will continue to work with the LA, WJEC and the Welsh Government to ensure that the students gain the results they deserve.

The ability to remain open has been challenging throughout the week due to diminishing staff levels. Consequently, as of 08:45 Thursday 19^thMarch, 2020 we will be closed to the majority of students until further notice. However, we remain open to the children of key workers and the most vulnerable students.

On Thursday, we will also remain open for those students for whom childcare cannot be found at short notice. 

Using the prime minister’s statement this evening, examples of key workers follow. Please be aware that this is not a definitive list.

·        NHS workers / Medical staff

·        Teachers/Nursery staff

·        Emergency services

·        Social services

·        Delivery drivers of essential services

·        Supermarket workers

School transport will be running as normal on Thursday and we will keep you informed of any changes.

Please can all students go directly to the school hall to meet staff.

19^th and 20^thMarch will be reading days and we will update the school website over the next two days with information regarding work for the students.

I hope we can all fully comply with the Government advice and contribute to keeping everyone safe.

Kind regards,

Mr Hatch

Pennaeth 

Coronavirus advice from county council

Denbighshire County Council has issued an updated list of facilities and activities postponed as a result of Coronavirus.

Rhyl Pavilion Theatre:  Following discussing with promoters of upcoming shows and in light of Government advice to reduce unnecessary social contact, Denbighshire Leisure have taken the decision to postpone all shows at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre until 6^th April 2020.    People who have bought tickets for any of the affected shows please contact the Box Office at the Rhyl Pavilion for advice on 01745 330000 or alternatively email:  box.office@denbighshire.gov.uk. The Box Office will remain open Monday –Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.

The 1891 restaurant at the Theatre is planning to open as normal on Thursday. 

Leisure Centres, Nova, SC2 and Ninja TAG Rhyl: All of these facilities are open as normal.

Schools: Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin is closed. The nursery class at Ysgol Pen Barras, Ruthin will be closed from Thursday, 19 March due to staffing issues. The position will be reviewed and parents/ guardians notified.

Waste:  The mobile household waste and recycling collection service in Corwen/ Llangollen on Saturday mornings are being stopped.   All other waste and recycling services are operating as normal.

Public conveniences: Public toilets in Ruthin (Cae Ddol and Market Street)  and Denbigh (Factory Ward) are to close until Monday, 6^th April.  The public toilets at Rhyl Town Hall will remain open but hours reduced to 10am until 4pm. 

The following public toilets will be operating on reduced hours 10am to 4pm until further notice

Rhyl Town Hall

Old Golf Road Rhyl

Barkby Beach Prestatyn

Nova Prestayn

Princes Road Rhuddlan

High Street St Asaph

Archives:  The public searchroom at Denbighshire Archives in Ruthin will close from Thursday, 19^th March.  Staff will be working away from the building but will answer e-mails whenever possible.  However, access to information and documents will be limited.

Exercise Referral Scheme:  This programme is being suspended until further notice. If you have any concerns or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact your local NERS Co-ordinator on 01824 712324.

Face to face service at Rhyl Job Centre:  This is being replaced by staff working from other buildings.

The following information has been previously reported:

Libraries:  All group activities in libraries have been cancelled from tomorrow Wednesday 18^th until further notice. This includes Bookstart rhymetimes, reading groups, and all games and craft groups. Talking Points and Citizens Advice sessions in libraries have also been cancelled. Libraries and One Stop Shops remain open as usual at the moment.

Countryside:  Due to the current situation with Coronavirus – Covid 19, all our publicised events will be postponed until further notice. These events include: Nature for Health sessions, Volunteer Events, public events and talks.

Applications for blue badges:   The Blue Badge supported application service will continue as a telephone appointment service as of today. If you need help to apply for or renew your Blue Badge online, please call one of the following locations to arrange a telephone appointment when a member of staff will go through the application with you over the phone. You will still need to supply your supporting documents – either by scanning or photographing them at home and emailing them in to blue.badge@denbighshire.gov.uk or bringing them in to one of these locations:

Rhyl Library 01745, 353814

Prestatyn Library 01745 854841

Denbigh Library 01745 816313

Llangollen Library 01978 869600

Ruthin One Stop Shop (County Hall) 01824 706000

Police boss warns over coronavirus scams

A police boss is warning people in North Wales to beware of heartless scammers using the coronavirus pandemic to prey on the vulnerable.

Already over £800,000 has been stolen across the UK by fraudsters cashing in on fear generated by the unprecedented outbreak but North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones (pictured) is determined to clamp down on the cheats.

He said: “These are heartless criminals seeking to make money out of what is a worldwide crisis by preying on people’s fear and concern.

“We have seen from public order incidents in supermarkets just how desperate people can become and these criminals are trying to cash in.

“People are panicking when they see a deal on the internet and they go for it without checking it out.”

The National Fraud and Intelligence Bureau has identified 21 reports of fraud linked to the coronavirus outbreak since February, ten of them from people who tried to buy protective face masks from fake sellers including one victim who lost £15,000.

Another common tactic used by the fraudsters is to contact victims by email purporting to be from research organisations affiliated with the centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The fraudsters claim to be able to provide the recipient with a list of people infected with the disease. In order to access this information, the victim needs to click on a link which leads to a malicious website, or is asked to make a payment in Bitcoin.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, is setting up a new Economic Crime Unit to crack down on fraudsters and has provided funding to pay for a dedicated officer to support fraud victims.

He said: “Fraud is a particularly heartless and unpleasant crime which so often preys upon the vulnerable and the isolated in our society and can have a traumatic impact on its victims.

“Using those people’s understandable concerns when the country is in the throes of an unprecedented epidemic is particularly cruel and it leaves many people too embarrassed and ashamed to admit what has happened.

“What’s worse is that once someone has been defrauded, especially if they’re vulnerable, they are often victimised again as if they are on some fraudsters’ database.”

“We are seeing an increase in the number of fraud cases, not just in North Wales but across the UK.

“The victims, are often elderly and as we know the virus is especially deadly among the over 70 population and they are being targeted specifically, essentially groomed over a series of telephone calls, and having money taken from them and loans taken out in their names.

“It’s the worst kind of crime because the victims have worked hard all their lives and saved all their money only to see it disappear after sometimes a couple of phone calls.

“If it sounds too good to be true it probably is and that’s the message that needs to go out.”

A spokesperson for Action Fraud, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, said: “We have also received multiple reports of Coronavirus-themed phishing emails attempting to trick people into opening malicious attachments or revealing sensitive personal and financial information.”

Action Fraud has provided a list of helpful tips to beat the scammers, including watching out for any messages likely to be a con.

The spokesperson added: “Don’t click on the links and attachments in any suspicious emails and never respond to any unsolicited messages and calls that ask for personal and financial details.

“When shopping online carry out some research first or ask for advice before making a purchase from a company or person you don't know or trust. Use a credit card if possible, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases.”

* If you have been the victim of a fraud you can report it to Action Fraud via the website, www.actionfraud.police.uk or by ringing them on 0300 123 2040

What happens to keep pregnant women safe, asks AM

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood, who has three daughters who are currently pregnant, yesterday questioned the First Minister over what provision is being made to ensure that all pregnant women are safe when they go into hospital to give birth amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The First Minister was answering on the Health Minister’s behalf.

Mr Isherwood raised this and a series of other health concerns, including those from parents with children with underlying health conditions, when responding to the Health Minister’s Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Speaking in the Welsh Parliament, he said: “Firstly, on behalf of some parents who are self-isolating because their children have underlying conditions, they've said, 'Although we've been told by the Chief Medical Officer that children are relatively spared, what advice would you give to parents of children with underlying health conditions under the current circumstances?

“The second issue, on behalf of pregnant women - clearly, they've been told to stay at home. That includes my daughters, three of them, currently pregnant. What provision is being made for the moment that the birth starts happening? We've got one due in 10 days. What assurances do my daughters and the thousands of other women in the same position have that, when they go into labour, they're going to be safe when they go into hospital?”

He added: “I was contacted by constituents in Flintshire, 70-plus-year-olds, 'My wife and I can't register with the Pharmacy to have our repeat prescriptions delivered seamlessly from GP to pharmacy like they can in England under the Electronic Prescription Service, because it's not available in Wales. Something needs to be done about this quickly’, as people who are over 70 are presumably going to be required to self-isolate.

“In terms of prescriptions overseas, another one of my daughters has an underlying condition. She is currently on lockdown in Spain, but she is one of thousands of others. What provision is being made to ensure that those people, like her, who need repeat prescriptions can access them?

“A couple more questions put to me by constituents today: 'How is the Welsh Government prioritising testing for NHS staff, not just symptomatic healthcare workers in isolation, so that they can know whether they can go to work with a clear conscience?' That was the parent of two healthcare workers who've got coughs and are at home, but don't know if they're actually able to go in and help at work.

“A local Councillor who contacted me today said they were reliably informed that Emergency Staff were not getting the right Personal Protection Equipment to deal with the virus. Again, I wonder if you provide a response for that local Councillor?”

Answering on the Health Minister’s behalf, First Minister, Mark Drakeford AM, said: “ y understanding is that the advice for pupils who have underlying health conditions is quite clear: they should stay at home.

“Services for women in pregnancy: as I understand it, the advice to them is that they should self-isolate, but when they have appointments with the health service, they should keep them. They shouldn't not carry on with the care that they would normally expect to have during pregnancy. They should attend those appointments, they should make sure that they are as well prepared for those events as they can be, but outside that they should have as much social distancing as they can manage. 

“On pharmacies, I don't, I'm afraid, have answers on either of those points, but I will try and get an answer, particularly on the overseas issue.

“The testing issue, the information I have is that, while there are some inevitable local glitches in the distribution of personal protective equipment, the system is working, it is happening, and where there are some difficulties, they are genuinely local in character."