Message from Denbighshire Leisure

Facebook page message from Denbighshire Leisure Ltd at around 7pm Thursday ...

Update 19-03-2020

Due to the escalating situation with Covid-19 and after discussions with Denbighshire County Council and our stakeholders, we have made the difficult decision to close all of our sites until further notice. In the current circumstances we are confident this is the best decision to ensure the safety of our staff and customers and hope you will support us in this uncertain time.

Closures with effect from 4.00pm, Friday 20th March, include SC2 & Ninja TAG, Rhyl Pavilion and 1891 Restaurant and Bar, NOVA Prestatyn and all of our leisure centres, North Wales Bowls Centre, Ruthin Craft Centre and Café R, Rhyl Town Hall and Llangollen Pavilion.

We will be using this time out to plan our future events and packages for our attractions, leisure centres and eateries and ensure we come back with even more exciting news, events and activities across all Denbighshire Leisure sites. We will be sharing future offers and events through our social media, websites and e-newsletters and we look forward to engaging you with you all online.

We will be freezing all Direct Debit payments for fitness memberships and swimming lessons, effective immediately. We will not be making any more collections on your direct debits until further notice. You don't need to do anything - we will do this on your behalf and let you know in advance when they will be restarting, once the Covid-19 situation becomes clearer.

We will be updating our websites and social media channels throughout the closure period, so please look out for those. You can also email or message us through our normal channels and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.

We would like to thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding. Please stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you back to all of Denbighshire Leisure attractions, leisure centres and eateries in the near future.

75 Berwyn Prison officers affected by virus

The BBC is reporting this evening that

about 75 officers at HM Prison Berwyn are either off work sick or self-isolating due to coronavirus, and 22 prisoners showing symptoms have been isolated.

For the full story, see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51966387

£1.4 billion to help businesses in Wales

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans and the Minister for Economy, Ken Skates (pictured) have announced a new £1.4bn business support package to help businesses across Wales.

This support – extending the package announced yesterday – matches the measures in England providing a much‑needed boost for small businesses struggling to cope with the impact of the Coronavirus crisis.

The new package provides retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Wales with a year long business rates holiday.  A grant of £25,000 will also be offered for businesses in the same sector with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000.

Fpr the full story, see: https://businessnewswales.com/new-1-4bn-business-support-package-for-welsh-businesses/?fbclid=IwAR0qYe5eFJln13kRAqOe19IOY71fqXAb1BqlbbAQcoqA3HsQGwd6nCLGMP0

Situation report from the county council

Denbighshire County Council has issued an update on the current position in Denbighshire on Thursday, 19 March.

Below is the latest list of school closures:

Note: Parents/guardians will be notified by the schools directly.

* Awaiting Bryn Collen answer

Schools closing on Friday afternoon:

* Ysgol y Gwernant – 3pm Friday

Ysgol y Castell, Rhuddlan; Ysgol Bryn Hedydd, Rhyl ; Christchurch CP, Rhyl;Ysgol Emmanuel, Rhyl; Ysgol Llywelyn, Rhyl; Ysgol Bodnant, Prestatyn; Ysgol Henllan; Ysgol Pant Pastynog, Prion; Ysgol Tremeirchion; Ysgol Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh; Ysgol y Llys, Prestatyn; Ysgol Glan Clwyd for Years 10,11, 12 and 13); Denbigh High School (for Years 11, 12 and 13); Ysgol Betws GG; Ysgol Bro Elwern, Gwyddelwern; Ysgol Pentrecelyn; Ysgol Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd; Ysgol Carreg Emlyn, Clocaenog; Ysgol Gellifor; Ysgol Bryn Clwyd, Llandyrnog.

Schools closing on Thursday afternoon:

Ysgol Clawdd Offa, Prestatyn; Ysgol Melyd, Meliden; Ysgol Hiraddug, Dyserth; Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn, Denbigh; Ysgol Dewi Sant, Rhyl; Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh; Ysgol Penbarras, Ruthin; Rhos Street School, Ruthin; Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch, Llanrhaeadr; Ysgol Borthyn, Ruthin; Ysgol Dyffryn Ial; Ysgol Bro Famau; Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd.

Schools closed on Wednesday afternoon:

Ysgol Penmorfa, Prestatyn; Rhyl High School; Denbigh High (Years 7,8,9 and 10); Ysgol Glan Clwyd closed on Wednesday for Years 7,8 and 9; Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Countryside and Heritage:   Given the current situation and advice on public gatherings, Denbighshire Countryside and Heritage Service will be implementing the following:

• The Old Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre Heritage attractions in Ruthin will not be opening this weekend and will remain closed to the public until further notice.
• Plas Newydd and the onsite café in Llangollen will not be opening until further notice, but the grounds will be open.
• Loggerheads Country Park will remain open but the visitor centre will be closed. The café remains open at this time.
• Moel Famau Country Park will also remain open.

Libraries:

Due to low staffing levels, Ruthin Library will be closed Saturday morning March 21. The Library will open as usual on Monday.

St Asaph Library will be closed on Friday afternoon at 12pm and will re-open on Saturday morning.

Advice to businesses:  The Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/business has the latest information and advice to businesses regarding coronavirus, as well as links to Business Wales and Welsh Government websites.

The Council is also encouraging people to visit the Council’s website (www.denbighshire.gov.uk)  for information and access to online services.  This is due to a shortage of staff available to take calls.

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."