Community safety message from North Wales Police

North Wales Police have out out this community safety message to guide people through the current coronavirus situation:

North Wales Police Community Safety would like to thank the kind-hearted members of our communities who are looking out for their neighbours amid the ongoing Corona Virus outbreak. These are unprecedented times and we want to help you keep safe and look after each other.

We have been made aware of social media trends which encourage people to identify their households as ‘Vulnerable or Self- Isolating’. Please take care in following these trends as you may inadvertently advertise households to criminals looking to exploit vulnerable people.

Remember that while most people are supporting one another, there is still a small minority who will look to criminally exploit situations like this. Consider – Am I putting myself at risk of crime? Am I putting my neighbours at risk of crime?

Please take a considered and measured approach to identifying yourself or others as vulnerable. Below is our advice to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of scams or fraud:

• Do NOT hang anything on the front of your property which indicates you are vulnerable or in self isolation.
• Do NOT give out your banking details to anyone attending your address.
• Do NOT leave doors unlocked/open to allow easy access for carers as this could be used by criminals. Consider getting more keys cut or using a key safe.
• DO set up community or street WhatsApp groups so that residents in your area can communicate and ask for assistance without increasing the risk of crime.
• DO post a note through neighbour’s door if you think they are vulnerable or may need assistance.
• DO consider how best to exchange cash / goods. Always be aware of scammers who may try to sell items at an increased price in order to profit from Corona Virus
• DO continue to support your community as best as you can.

With more people self-isolating or working  at home, it is expected that you will receive more scam phone calls than usual. Please remember our advice:

Don't reveal personal details. Never give out personal or financial information (such as your bank account details or your PIN) over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from your bank.

Hang up. If you feel harassed or intimidated, or if the caller talks over you without giving you a chance to speak, end the call. It may feel rude to hang up on someone, but you have the right not to be pressurised into anything.

Don't be rushed. Scammers will try to rush you into providing your personal details. They may say they have time-limited offer or claim your bank account is at risk if you don't give them the information they need right away.

Please continue to check our website and social media pages for regular updates. If you are a member of a community group or know of neighbours who are not online, please share this information.

Follow trusted social media pages for updates about the ongoing situation. We will always share up to date crime prevention advice on out Twitter and Facebook - @NWPComSafCent

Strict new curbs on UK life announced by Prime Minister

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) has just announced strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

The BBC reports that from this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work.

Shops selling non-essential goods will also be shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together prohibited.

The UK death toll has reached 335.

If people do not follow the rules police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings, Boris Johnson said in a televised statement from Downing Street.

Other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship must also close immediately.

Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.

Welsh Government to close caravan parks, campsites and some landmarks

Breaking News ... Update at foot of story ... First Minister Mark Drakeford (pictured) today announced tough new measures to slow the spread of coronavirus in Wales and save lives. Caravan parks, campsites, tourist hotspots and popular beauty spots will be closed to visitors from today.

Local authorities are also enforcing the closure of pubs throughout Wales following reports some are flouting the shutdown introduced on Saturday.  Licensed premises, which continue to trade will risk losing their licence. First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Wales is a beautiful country and attracts millions of visitors every year – but now is not the time for unnecessary journeys.  We want people to come to Wales when the threat of coronavirus has passed. “Today, we are taking action to close caravan parks, campsites and some of our most recognisable visitor sites to keep people safe and to reduce the pressure on our NHS. “My message is simple. Please stay at home and save lives.” The tougher measures come amid mounting concern many people are not following government guidance about reducing contact with other people – large crowds were gathered at some of Wales’ busiest outdoor and tourist spots over the weekend. People camping or staying in caravans on holiday will be asked to begin returning to their homes from today as camps and holiday parks close, unless there are exceptional reasons for them remaining. These new measures will not affect those people who live permanently in park homes. Emyr Williams, lead officer for the National Parks Wales, said: “We welcome this move. At this time is essential that people do not travel unnecessarily and overwhelm our rural areas.  “Following this announcement we will be closing access to key hotspots such as Snowdon, and I know my colleagues in the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks are taking similar action, for example closing routes to both Sugar Loaf and Pen-y-Fan.” Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton said: “It’s important people continue to stay active but please do this close to home. “We need to do everything we can to prevent the spread of this virus – that means not traveling unless absolutely necessary and avoiding close contact with other people by staying two metres away. “Everyone should also continue to wash their hands regularly with soap and hot water.” Emergency regulations shutting bars, pubs and restaurants came into force in Wales on Saturday to slow the spread of coronavirus. But there have been reports of some pubs continuing to open as usual despite the country-wide restrictions. Local authorities will enforce the regulations and licensees could lose their licence if caught flouting the ban. Councillor Andrew Morgan leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, said: “We are in the grips of an unprecedented public health pandemic, with the number of fatalities tragically growing by the day. “Although the vast majority of businesses have been complying with government measures, we are very disappointingly having to investigate an irresponsible minority of pubs and restaurants who have chosen to flout expert public health advice and legal orders. “The spread of the coronavirus is a severe threat to all of us. My fellow council leaders and I are absolutely clear – our utmost priority is to protect our residents, especially in the face of this deadly virus. “Wherever we find premises flouting government measures, we are prepared to use all enforcement powers available to us to shield the public from harm.” Assembly Member Ken Skates welcomed the Welsh Government's intervention and said: "I implore everyone in Llangollen and Clwyd South to follow the latest advice from Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government to help slow the spread of this virus. We can beat this together, but we all need to do our bit. Wherever possible, stay home, protect our NHS and help save lives." With effect from 24th March 2020, Loggerheads and Moel Famau Country Parks will be closed to the public. Denbighshire County Council has taken this decision in line with Welsh Government advice to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. This is in line with other Local Authorities and National Parks move to close public parks and beauty spots following concerns for public health with large numbers of people visiting . Please help by following government guidance to stay at home, avoid unnecessary travel and practice social distancing.

News from Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council

In a climate where fear is spreading fast, we want to spread a message of kindness, hope and community spirit. We are heartened by the voluntary action and community spirit through Denbighshire and elsewhere that we are already seeing. Thank you for stepping up as #DenbighshireVolunteers! Following the statement made by the government on Monday, all DVSC events will be cancelled with immediate effect and for the foreseeable future. This includes our Spring Funding Fair scheduled for March 25 and the #DenbighshireVolunteers Third Sector Network meeting planned for April 1st.  All our resource is focused on mobilising the #COVID19 Volunteer Community Response.

Our next round of community grants will be brought forward and launch on April 1 so that individuals, community groups and organisations can get funding for initiatives to help residents most affected. Grant criteria will be relaxed to enable individuals running small businesses to apply with activities that support their community. Follow us on social media for the latest updates and to find out about other emergency funding initiatives.

UPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS #COVID19

Phase 1 of our #COVID19  Volunteer Community Response is in place! #DenbighshireVolunteers, we need you! Are you healthy and fit? Do you want to step up? Do you want to play a part to protect and help the vulnerable and isolated? Sign up today:   bit.ly/Covid-19VolunteerRole We are working with our local statutory partners, Third Sector Support Wales partners, Welsh Government and the voluntary and community sector in Denbighshire to place volunteers where they are most needed. We would be grateful if you share the plans or information that you are aware of with us, so we can act as the coordinating hub and guide people to resources and networks close to them. To ensure we collate all necessary information, can you please fill out the form on our website. Download and share our posters throughout Denbighshire (click on the picture)! CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Free travel to NHS offered in Wales

NHS staff in Wales are being offered free travel on Transport for Wales rail services with immediate effect, the company has announced, the BBC is reporting.

NHS workers will just need to show their work ID to access services to get themselves back and forth to work until 30 April.

The BBC is also reporting that the first minister has "every intention" of using powers to force caravan parks to close, a cabinet colleague has said.

Mark Drakeford said on Sunday he was awaiting advice as to whether he was able to force closures.

Monday position statement 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 Monday 23 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 418, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.  Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.

“Four further deaths of individuals who have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported to us, taking the number of deaths in Wales to 16. 

“We offer our condolences to the family and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

“Starting today, the Welsh Government will be writing to all 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 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, however mild, and the social distancing guidance to reduce the risk of transmission.”

The latest guidance is:

• People who live with others: 
• 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.
• 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, however mild, stay at home for seven days.
• Everyone, including children, should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel
• Everyone is 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 are now asked to be shielded from social contact for several weeks

People who are self-isolating, or in a household with someone who is self-isolating, should read the full stay-at-home guidance.

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.

“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 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	Cumulative cases
To be confirmed	1
Resident outside Wales	3
Swansea Bay	47
Aneurin Bevan	220
Betsi Cadwaladr	15
Cardiff and Vale	84
Cwm Taf	21
Hywel Dda	16
Powys	11
Wales	418

County council's Monday virus update

Denbighshire County Council has announced its latest position, in light of the Coronavirus situation.

The main appeal is for people to visit the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk as their first port of call for information and online services. This is to reduce the number of calls coming into the Council and to allow staff to deal with urgent requests.

The Council is asking people to follow health advice issued through Public Health Wales: www.phw.nhs.uk and guidance issued by Welsh Government: gov.wales.  There is information on there about social distancing and self-isolation and adhering to this is vital in the efforts to try and reduce the risk of the virus from spreading.

Below is some information about the latest council services affected:

Libraries: From Monday March 23, our Library and One Stop Shop buildings will not be open to the public. We will be changing over to an appointment only service. Further details will follow next week.  People are reminded that they can access a wealth of information and resources on the library section of the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries

Child care for vital workers:  All schools in Denbighshire (apart from Ysgol Pendref, St Asaph VP, Ysgol Llanbedr and Ysgol Trefnant) have opened their doors today  to  provide child care for children of vital workers. School transport has been arranged. 

Free school meals:  Those children attending the vital workers child care in schools will continue to receive free school meals if they’re eligible. Any children not attending these sessions but are entitled to free school meals can call at these schools for a packed lunch.

Reception at Russell House, Rhyl: This reception has been closed until further notice. If you have any concerns about the welfare of a resident, please contact the Single Point of Access (SPOA) on 0300 456 1000.  For Out of Hours emergencies, please call 0345 053 3116 for Social Services, or 0300 123 3068 for all other services.  

Single Point of Access:  This phone system is being changed to help signpost people to the right source of information, advice and assistance.   Callers will use the existing number 0300 456 1000 but following the option to select Welsh or English but will have different options to usual.

The following information was reported last week:

Update  from Denbighshire Leisure Ltd:  Denbighshire Leisure Ltd has decided to close all of its sites until further notice.  Closures include SC2 & Ninja TAG, Rhyl Pavilion and 1891 Restaurant and Bar, NOVA Prestatyn,  all leisure centres, North Wales Bowls Centre, Ruthin Craft Centre and Café R, Rhyl Town Hall and Llangollen Pavilion.   

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

Food Safety:  If you are a new or existing food premises offering food delivery or take away/delivery service for the first time, due to the current covid-19 situation, the Council would like to hear from you.   It is essential that you assess the risk associated with this type of food service, to ensure you keep your customers safe in relation to allergens, food safety and social distancing.  We can advise you on these matters.  Please contact the Food Team on 01824 706405 food.safety@denbighshire.gov.uk

Community Support Services:

·        Cefndy Enterprises has stopped      taking new orders and will close today (Friday). Some staff will be in      work next week to dispatch any current orders.  

·        Day & Work Opportunities      closing today (Friday) enabling staff to be redeployed as required. 

·        Dolwen Day Care closing today      (Friday) enabling staff to be redeployed as required. 

·        Additional drivers being      drafted in for the Integrated Community Equipment Services to support      hospital discharge

Housing maintenance:  As a precaution, only emergency and/or urgent repairs will be attended as a result from the 23 March 2020. Please could you only contact us during office hours on 01824 706000 or on 0300 123 30 68 out of hours if it is an emergency. To report a general repair, visit https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/housing/council-housing/request-a-council-housing-repair.aspx and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as we can.

Bulky waste collection: The Council has taken the decision to suspend all new bookings for the Bulky Waste Collection Service from Monday, 23 March, to ensure front line workers and fleet are reserved for the collection of other waste streams.  If it is possible to retain your items at home until the service resumes, please do so. Whilst our Household Waste Recycling Centres  remain open at this time, we are advising people to only use this service if it is unavoidable, due to the social distancing measures we have put in place.  The employees at the 3 Household Waste Cs are not able to assist visitors to remove their waste from their cars.

Garden Waste: The Council has taken the decision to suspend all kerbside garden waste Collection Services until further notice, to ensure front line workers and fleet are reserved for the collection of other waste streams, such as food waste and black bin/pink sack service).  The Council will extend all household subscriptions for the same number of weeks the service will be suspended.  We will be unable to process refunds for any households who have had a collection of garden waste within their collection years.   If it is possible to retain your garden waste at home outside in  your garden until the service resumes, please do so. Further guidance on “how to compost at home” will be provided on the Council website in the next few days (www.denbighshire.gov.uk)

Public Conveniences:  All public conveniences in Denbighshire will close from 5pm today until further notice.

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.
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• 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: http://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.

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.

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.