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.

Stay away from our tourist spots, says Clwyd South MP

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes is encouraging visitors and tourists not to visit the beauty spots, scenic towns and villages in this area and elsewhere in North Wales in order to contain Coronavirus. 

Welsh Conservative MPs are in touch with the Home Secretary and No.10 Downing Street and were pleased to hear that the government is considering tougher measures to prevent people coming to visitor and tourist attractions in order to avoid COVID-19.

Mr Baynes said: “Tourism is normally a vital industry for Clwyd South but now we must ensure that visitors stay away from the beauty spots of Clwyd South as residents are very worried about the spread of Coronavirus from these visits.

"The government is rightly advising people to stay at home and avoiding unnecessary travel. It has closed pubs, restaurants, cafés and visitor attractions so people must stay away from Clwyd South and not put pressure on our shops, supermarkets and health services.

"This is the greatest national crisis since World War 2 and we must all pull together to protect each other, particularly the vulnerable in society and our brave health workers, and this way we will beat Coronavirus together.”

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

MP intervenes in debate over Llan visitors

UPDATES ...

THE MP for Clwyd West has called for a ban on visitors to caravan parks and holiday cottages in North Wales due to fears it could put further strain on the region's health care system, reports the Denbighshire Free Press.

David Jones MP called on the UK and Welsh Government to take "immediate action" as second home owners are attempting to leave urban areas during the coronavirus outbreak and could bring the infection to North Wales.

It comes amid concern that Wales has just five intensive care beds per 100,000 people and could be under greater pressure than health services in England.

Mr Jones said that while advice has been issued to limit non-essential travel, roads across North Wales "have been full" with visitors.

Other tourist hotspots including Pembrokeshire, Cornwall and North Yorkshire have also faced an influx of visitors over the last week.

“The Government has been very clear that people should not undertake non-essential travel, but should, so far as possible, stay at home," said Mr Jones. "Yet the roads of North Wales this weekend – the first weekend of Spring – have been full of people from outside the region making their way to holiday parks and cottages.

“These people may be touring from areas where coronavirus has already taken hold. Even if they are not themselves already displaying symptoms, they may already be infected and develop the infection or spread infection while in North Wales.

"Either way, they are liable to impose significant additional strain upon local health services, which are already overstretched. The North Wales Health Board has been in special measures for almost five years."

Mr Jones adds to the calls of Welsh MPs and assembly members including Ynys Mon AM Rhun ap Iorwerth and Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts, who wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock urging a "non-travel directive" as travel advice is being ignored.

Mr Jones added: "The problem of temporary residents and the strain they impose on local health services is not confined to North Wales. Pembrokeshire, Scotland, Cornwall and North Yorkshire are other areas of the UK that are extremely concerned about the same issue.

“At a time of a national public health emergency, the last thing we need is people moving about the country, when the best medical opinion is that they should stay at home.”

* The sign below has just appeared on the way up to Castell Dinas Bran ...

* The UK Government's message to stay at home to save lives.

The area’s MP (pictured) has intervened in the social media debate raging about visitors potentially spreading coronovirus by visiting Llangollen.

He agrees, stressing the government’s “stay at home” message.

The Denbighshire Free Press reports today that Snowdonia yesterday experienced its busiest day ever as droves of people descended on the beauty spot to escape the Covid-19 isolation measures introduced by the UK Government on Friday.

And Llangollen was also reportedly thronged with visitors on Saturday.

This has sparked a number of calls on Facebook for people from other areas to stay away from the town to cut down the risk of infection and for other reasons such as creating heavier demand on local supermarkets and NHS.

Examples of posts this morning (Sunday) are: “Dear visitors, as much as we love you visiting our town and supporting our local business. Can we politely ask you NOT to visit our small community during this period for obvious health reasons. Social isolation DOES not mean we travel on mass for lovely days out, thankyou.”

And: “Anyone wanting a day out in our lovely town today PLEASE DON’T, we love visitors but NOT IN VIRUS FORM. Help the NHS and then they are free to help you. LISTEN TO GUIDELINES AND STAY HOME!”

A local business became involved in the debate when Pro-Adventure posted: “Following the latest government advice we will not be opening today. Please do not travel to Llangollen.

“We will operate mail order as normal while we deem it safe and will take calls, and online chats in the afternoons Monday to Friday.”

Other posts have been less polite, suggesting stronger action against visitors including blocking off car parks and “not welcome” style signs.

Just after 9.30am Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes posted: “Hearing far too many reports of visitors and tourists in our beauty spots, scenic towns and villages in Clwyd South.

“Our local health service cannot cope with visitors’ illness as well as our own.

“Everyone needs to listen to the Government's advice, stay at home and protect our NHS because it saves lives.”

Sunday coronavirus update

* The poster which tops the busy Llangollen
Coronavirus Help Group page.

Through the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2605345223029039/ co-ordinator Cat Meade put out an urgent appeal for help yesterday (Saturday).

She said: “HELP REQUIRED - A volunteer has had a huge donation of ingrediants for batch soup making, needs cooking tomorrow.

“Foodshare have pans/containers and freezer to store for food parcels for those in need in Llangollen.

“We NEED a kitchen, preferably an establishment in town with staff in the know to cook it, to ensure all measures are taken we do not want volunteers gathering in an outside kitchen to cook, please contact me asap.”

Demonstrating the way the community is responding to the crisis, not long afterwards, she was back on the page to report: “HUGE thank you to Swan Inn, Pontfadog, Steve & Fiona have volunteered their services to batch cook all soup for those in need tomorrow in their 5* hygeine rated kitchen, they are also offering take away meals along with drinks, visit their page The Swan Inn, Pontfadog for more info.”

Cat added: “It's heartwarming and also heartbreaking for all our local pubs and restaurants at this time, we are proud of you guys for taking the responsible approach to shut down this beast from spreading, please contact me direct with your take out options, we will get the info out to Llan on here and via leaflets.

“I am currently working on the next leaflet drop, due to be out Tuesday next week, main aim for those not on social media and 2nd aim to give our local business the opportunity to offer take out, deliveries, services etc please inbox me your info by 5pm tomorrow or email catherine@wingetts.co.uk, this group is to help the TOWN and all that includes.

“Finally, a continued thank you to volunteers, another mass of calls, emails today with support.

“Tomorrow I will be taking some time out with my family, feel free to leave msgs. We all need time out so Go have a rest day, play with the kids, do some gardening, turn off the news/radio and turn up the tunes, make a big Sunday roast, bake some cookies, watch a film, have a wine/beer, whatever makes you feel good  (that's just my list) and a big Happy Mother’s Day to all you fab Mommas and Nannies, Dads playing both roles, appreciate your loved ones.”

Also yesterday, came word that the town’s Tourist Information Centre in Castle Street was closing due to the risk of infection.

Another message was posted by the Post Office team at Stan’s to say they were changing their opening hours in response to the coronovirus risk.

Llangollen Community Garden posted:

"All organised garden sessions cancelled until further notice. Garden available for individual/family visitors only. Please join/use our WhatsApp group to avoid visiting at the same time as anyone else. If you are at the garden and anyone else arrives please follow government advice and keep apart by at least 2 metres. Always wash your hands after gardening."

Wales-wide, MPs have written to the UK Health Secretary asking him to place travel restrictions on people fleeing the rest of the UK to self-isolate in rural Wales.

This came in the wake of huge numbers of people visiting Snowdonia and other beauty spots and tourist areas in Wales yesterday. Llangollen itself was reported to have been full of visitors.

The MPs are concerned that if the people fall ill, or bring the coronavirus with them, it will put further pressure on the already over-stretched Welsh NHS.

They point out that NHS Wales has a lower number of critical care beds for the size of the population than the rest of the UK. Wales also has a higher population of over 60-yearolds than the UK average.

“I am writing to express my concern about reports of a substantial increase in the population of rural areas as people seek to escape the coronavirus,” Dwyfor-Meirionydd MP Liz Saville Roberts writes in the letter.

“Such a population churn poses a risk in Wales, whose health services are under great pressure already. Wales has around five intensive care beds per 100,000 people, as opposed to the UK average of 6.6 beds per 100,000.”

The letter has also been signed by Ben Lake, MP of Ceredigion, Jonathan Edwards, MP of Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, and Hywel Williams, MP of Arfon.

Earlier this week Dr Eilir Hughes, a GP in north Wales, said he was “extremely concerned” that there had been a high influx of tourists and second home owners who had arrived in rural areas “with the intention of staying here for the time being.

“There is evidence that a significant amount of people who own holiday homes and static caravans have decided to travel down under the impression they’d be safe here,” he said.

This view was echoed in a Facebook post from a Llangollen resident yesterday, which said: “This is a post for all of the thoughtless tourists landing in Llangollen for a "day out". Please listen to the warnings. People who live here have no choice but to shop locally. Stop putting us at risk. This isn't a holiday!!!”

Another post, on the same theme, said: "Has anyone got any photographs of the influx of visitors and holidaymakers to Wales today that would be willing to send them to me via pm? 

"We’re trying to gather as many pics & videos as we can to be sent into the BBC and to MP’s to try and get it across that people need to stay in their own homes/areas so that Welsh hospitals aren’t put under anymore pressure."

National Trust sites totally closed due to virus threat

* The National Trust's Chirk Castle.

* ... and Erddig.

From midnight tonight (Saturday) the National Trust will close all of its gated gardens and parks to help restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

The Trust has two popular local properties - Chirk Castle and Erddig.

The closure move follows the closure of pubs, restaurants, cafes, gyms and leisure centres announced by the government on Friday, and tightening travel restrictions and public health advice.

At the start of this week the conservation charity announced that despite closing its houses, shops and cafes, it would work to keep gardens and parks open so people could access open space. 

However, the Trust warned that a fair weather forecast and Mothering Sunday could tempt people onto the roads over the weekend and National Trust sites would close if high demand meant social distancing could not be enforced. 

Director General Hilary McGrady said: “Despite our desire to keep our outdoor spaces open, the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors has to be our top priority. Having observed the numbers visiting our properties today I am no longer convinced we can maintain social distancing over Mother’s Day when numbers are likely to grow, and beyond.

“We have now sadly taken the decision to close all of our parks and gardens, in addition to our houses, shops and cafes, to avoid crowding that puts social distancing at risk. 

“We know that people are likely to need space and fresh air in the coming weeks and months and we will do all we can to provide access wherever possible

“Our countryside and coastal locations remain open with parking charges waived, but we encourage people to stay local and observe social distancing measures.

“Over the coming weeks our digital platforms - our website, social media feeds, podcasts and video - will become even more important, ensuring the places of nature, beauty and history that we care for on behalf of the nation can remain open for business virtually while we are temporarily closed.

“We will also be ramping up our efforts to help people connect with nature wherever they are and to find moments of joy in the world around them. We will be providing rich content and staying in touch with our members and followers throughout this time.”

* To find out more see www.nationaltrust.org.uk