Monday morning coronavirus update

* Bethan Mascarenhas, pictured last year with her brother Richard with whom she runs the Old Vicarage and Barclays business manager Philip Cawley, has a stark message for people visiting Llangollen. 

The latest report on Facebook by Cat Meade at the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group shows how strongly the efforts are going to assist those likely to be worst hit by the outbreak.

She says: “Volunteering by commercials at its best, donations from Frankie & Bennies, Horseshoe Pass holiday lets, cooked by Steve and team at The Swan Inn, Pontfadog, collected and back to foodshare by Llangollen Kebab Pizza Palace. 150 fresh soup going out to elderly, those in need.

“Steve has kindly offered to assist with any batch cooking in the coming weeks, if any restaurants/pubs that may have stock needing using please get in touch.”

In a separate post she adds: “Mon 23^rd, 11am-12 noon: The Food Share will be at Pengwern Community Centre giving out fresh soups, bread and milk to those that need it. Wash hands, stay apart & bring a bag please.

“If you are unable to attend due to self isolating please msg me before 9.30am and we will get it to you via our lovely volunteers.”

Blue Bay Launderette in Regent Street posted on Sunday: “During these unprecedented times we understand that the launderette is a vital community resource and we endeavour to remain open as much as possible. However, the harsh reality of the situation is making us have to change our approach to how we deal with things over the coming weeks in order to minimise the spread of the virus.

“Next week we will only be open Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

“Hopefully this will allow people to still get there laundry done but condense people’s movement within the community to 3 days rather than 6 days.”

Llangollen Barbershop posted: "With everything that is happening in the world at this moment in time we have come to the very hard decision to close the shop due to the very close contact we have with our customers and for the safety of our staff their familys and also our customers and loved ones we havnt been here long but have met a lot of very nice people and would like to welcome you all back when we all get through this sad time how ever long it is please keep an eye on our page and as soon as we are safely allowed to re-open we will let you know so from emma and lee please be safe and healthy and look forward to seeing you all soon."

The Three Eagles, meanwhile, posted yesterday that it was closing its kitchen due to the virus restrictions.

Yesterday, a row raged on social media about the number of visitors still coming to Llangollen and other tourist spots in North Wales despite government advice on the dangers of travelling.

Bethan Mascarenhas, owner of the Old Vicarage care home, had this stark message on Facebook: “Do they need it writing in crayons? STAY AT HOME, for the love of god and those who are at risk, it may be fatal.

“For those of us in the health and social care sector, we are taking GIGANTIC measures to safeguard those in our care.

“We are giving up ALL social activities to ensure those in our care have limited risk, people working frontline at hospitals are living in hotels so they have no contact and are completely isolated from everyone they love, just to look after the well-being and health of those they work with - what is the point, if other people aren’t doing the same? You’re posing a huge risk to our country and the ever rising death rates.

“Please, please just stay at home. The sooner this is done the sooner you can go to the beach, or hike up Snowdonia. Now is NOT the time to do it and it’s prolonging this distressing time.”

Cath and Simon at the Cambrian House B&B posted: “COVID-19 – INFORMATION FOR GUESTS.

“Following government advice that all hospitality venues are to temporarily close from 20th March until further notice. We have cancelled all bookings for the next month and will continue to do so until the government say it is safe to re-open. People's health is more important than profit and we all need to look after each other, stopping people travelling to the area.

“We would like to thank our guests and people in the community for all their support and hopefully we can get through this difficult time.

“Keep safe & think of others.”

A post yesterday by a popular provider of accommodation shows how hard the virus scare is hitting the  area’s vital tourist industry.

The Davies family, who run the Coed-y-Glyn Log Cabins at Glyndyfrdwy, posted on Facebook: “Due to the current outbreak of Covid-19 we have decided to close until May 1st. We will continue to review our position as the situation develops.

“It is with regret that we have had to take this action and it will, of course, have an impact on our partners and other local business. But as an independent family business we feel it’s the right thing to do and to help do our bit to bring this pandemic to end and help protect, not only our staff and guests but also our local community.

“If you were due to stay with us in this period you would have received an email detailing that you will be able to move your booking. There is no risk of any 2020 bookings with us not being issued a credit note to use on a future booking in the event of closure.

“At this difficult time we feel it is all of our responsibility to do what we can to minimise the spread of this terrible virus.”

First Minister launches "look after each other" campaign

A Welsh Government campaign on how to help people who are staying at home because of coronavirus has been launched, reports the BBC.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “I’ve seen so many good things happening, from online choir groups to grocery deliveries, as people across Wales go out of their way to help others with their everyday needs.

“Communities have pulled together to support neighbours in this time of need. Today, we’re asking others to follow the shining example by doing their bit if they’re able to.”

Earlier, First Minister Mark Drakeford said that letters are being sent to 70,000 of Wales' "most vulnerable people" advising them to stay indoors for 12 to 16 weeks.

In his press briefing Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that such "shielding" measures - which will apply to around 1.5 million vulnerable people in England - will do more than many other measures to reduce the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.

On social distancing, Mr Johnson said that, while he wants people to enjoy outdoor spaces, people must follow the advice.

"Don't think that fresh air in itself provides some sort of immunity," he says.

Sunday afternoon 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 Sunday 22 March

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

“71 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 347, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.  Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.

“12 people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have now died.

“Starting tomorrow, Welsh Government will be writing to all the GPs and vulnerable individuals in Wales with the details of the shielding guidance published.

“Members of the public should continue to follow the latest public health advice on social isolation if they have symptoms of the coronavirus infection, however mild, and the social distancing guidance to reduce the risk of transmission.”

The latest guidance is:

• People who live with others: 

o if you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for seven days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

o for anyone else in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for seven days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14 day isolation period.

• People who live alone:  if you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for seven days.

• Everyone, including children, 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: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response  

Dr Shankar said: “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Advice about the virus is available on the Public Health Wales website phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus.  

“Symptoms include: a high temperature, where you feel hot to touch on your chest or back; and a new, continuous cough. This means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.

“If you live with others and are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for seven days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

“For anyone else living in the same household and starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for seven days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14 day isolation period.

“If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, you must stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness 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.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on-hold to 111.  We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

“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.”

Cases by health board area of residence

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
To be confirmed	1	1
Resident outside Wales		3
Swansea Bay	7	47
Aneurin Bevan	42	185
Betsi Cadwaladr	0	8
Cardiff and Vale	14	64
Cwm Taf	4	13
Hywel Dda	2	16
Powys	1	10
Wales	71	347

Urgent message from Llangollen Practice

LLANGOLLEN PRACTICE – IMPORTANT PATIENT UPDATE

In order to prepare us for the next few months and to help us to continue to operate regardless of staffing levels, we have had to make some changes to the way we work which will take effect from Monday 23rd March 2020.

Patients will no longer be able to book a routine telephone consultation.

We ask that patients who have access to email and who have a non-urgent request or query contact us via Llangollen.Admin@wales.nhs.uk. This email account will be constantly monitored by our staff.

Patients who do not have email access or who need to speak to a doctor urgently are asked to ring us on 01978 860625. They will be added to a daily triage list, and contacted that day by a clinician. Unfortunately patients will not be able to request a specific clinician.

Once triaged by a clinician, if there is a clinical need to see a patient face to face, they will be seen.

Our Glyn Ceiriog surgery will close with immediate effect.

The routine telephone consultations that we have already booked with patients will be honoured. However, you may be contacted at a time that is different to your original appointment time and by a different clinician.

We would be grateful if you would help us spread the word to patients not on the internet or Facebook.

We would like to thank all our patients for their understanding and cooperation.

Saturday 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 Saturday 21 March 2020

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

“89 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 280, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.  Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.

“Three people in Wales who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have now died.

“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.”

The latest 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; Pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut to prevent infection spreading in closed spaces
• Everyone should work from home where they possibly can
• People over 70, and vulnerable groups of any age will be advised in the next few days to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

People who are staying at home for 14 days due to another case of illness in the household, who develop symptoms, should then self-isolate for seven days from the onset of the symptoms.

People who are self-isolating, or in a household with someone who is self-isolating, should read the full stay-at-home guidance: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/ 

For the guidance in full, visit the Department of Health and Social Care website: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response  

Dr Chris Williams said:  “People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Advice about the virus is available on the Public Health Wales website.  

“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.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on-hold to 111.  We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

“The public play a very important role in slowing the spread of infection. By following the latest advice, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Cases by health board area of residence

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
To be confirmed	0	1
Resident outside Wales	0	2
Swansea Bay	7	41
Aneurin Bevan	53	145
Betsi Cadwaladr	1	8
Cardiff and Vale	22	51
Cwm Taf	2	9
Hywel Dda	3	14
Powys	1	9
TOTAL	89	280

The latest information is available from GOV.UK:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response

County update on school transport for key workers' children

Denbighshire County Council has arranged for the vast majority of its contractors to operate as normal on Monday March 23rd,  to ensure that children of key workers can get to their primary and secondary schools. 

The council has instructed local bus services that normally divert to schools to continue to do so.

These arrangements will operate for one complete week, during which time the council says it will arrange for a more bespoke network of services on and from Monday March 30th.

Transport will be available on Monday for Denbighshire key workers’ children to those Flintshire primary and secondary schools that are open. 

Transport will be available on Tuesday March 24th for Denbighshire children travelling to Conwy primary and secondary schools and is likely to be available on Tuesday for those required to attend Wrexham’s primary and secondary schools.

At this stage, transport for key workers’ children to special schools and units will NOT operate on Monday 23rd but we will endeavour to re-start these as soon as possible after that.

If a contract is empty on Monday, it will also operate on Tuesday but will stand down thereafter.

Parents/ guardians need to be aware that this is a fluid situation. 

If a driver becomes ill or needs to self-isolate at the last minute and if therefore a contract cannot operate, parents/ guardians will need to ensure their children know what to do. This is very important if they are waiting for a school bus at a bus stop.

If a school has to close while transport is en route, contractors will be asked to divert to the nearest available primary or secondary school rather than to take children home, in case parents/ guardians have already left for work and there is no one to receive the children.

The  council says it would like to sincerely thank transport contractors who have done their utmost to ensure these arrangements go ahead as planned.

County confirms care arrangements for key staff’s children

Denbighshire County Council is finalising arrangements for the child care of identified key workers, in light of the on-going situation with Coronavirus.

On Wednesday, the Education Minister Kirsty Williams announced that all schools would close by the end of Friday, but care would be provided for children of key workers.  The Council has been working tirelessly to put plans in place to provide the necessary provision in  the county, with 1,900 key workers identified.

Virtually all schools in Denbighshire are making themselves available as centres as of Monday, 23 March (during normal school hours). The only exceptions to this will be Ysgol Trefnant, Ysgol Pendref (Denbigh), Ysgol Llanbedr and St Asaph VP.

For those children who normally go to a school which is not opening, the Council will inform those families and allocate them a place in the most appropriate school.  Those parents/ guardians are asked to drop-off their children at the school on Monday morning and information will be communicated to those parents.   Guest pupils will be accompanied by available staff from their home school.

Catering facilities will be available each day.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement said: “This kind of situation is completely unprecedented and we have been working very hard with our schools to make sense of what is happening and making sure that we are providing consistent and up to date advice in what is a fast moving situation. Things are changing on an hourly basis.

“We have pressed the Welsh Government for clarity and guidance, but that has not been forthcoming.  In the meantime, and with the clock ticking, we have decided to put in place plans for key staff we have identified or who have been in touch with us.  That has been done with national guidance in mind, to protect the health and well-being of our children and young people, to adhere to social distancing advice and to avoid mass gatherings.

“We are extremely grateful to schools for their support and we recognise that a lot of parents and guardians have been left in a position wanting answers.  We would like to reassure everyone that we have been pressing Welsh Government for answers on a wide range of issues and have decided to put these plans in place immediately.

“The situation is ever changing and we are making a commitment to communicating with school communities as much as possible.  Hopefully the arrangements being put in place will settle into a routine quickly and provide some peace of mind to parents/ guardians and for communities.

“The Council has also called for clarity on a number of other issues, including how free school meals delivery will work for those eligible, clarity around examinations and how long schools are expected to close.  We will provide information on this when it becomes available”.