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Friday, March 27, 2020
Open letter from the First Minister of Wales
Latest virus update from Public Health Wales
Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This statement will be updated daily at 2pm
Updated: 2:00pm Friday 27 March
Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:
“180 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 921, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher.
“Six further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of deaths in Wales to 34.
“We offer our condolences to families and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.
“We realise how important it is to keep people updated, and we can confirm that around 5,000 Coronavirus tests have so far been carried out in Wales.
“We are looking at ways of providing information for the public and media in a routine or automated way, and we ask that the public and media bear with us while these systems are put in place.
“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales. The single most important action we can all take in fighting Coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS, and save lives.
“Members of the public must adhere to social distancing rules about staying at home, and away from others, introduced by the UK and Welsh Government. These rules are available on the Public Health Wales website.
“People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Information about the symptoms to look out for is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.
“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 strictly following the latest measures, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”
Numbers of confirmed cases by local health board
Health board
|
New cases
|
Cumulative cases
|
Aneurin Bevan
|
74
|
432
|
Betsi Cadwaladr
|
20
|
45
|
Cardiff and Vale
|
38
|
194
|
Cwm Taf Morgannwg
|
14
|
68
|
Hywel Dda
|
7
|
52
|
Powys
|
2
|
18
|
Swansea Bay
|
18
|
93
|
Resident outside Wales
|
1
|
6
|
To be confirmed
|
6
|
13
|
Wales Total
|
179
|
915
|
Total
|
180
|
921
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North Wales Police turns back cars trying to enter the country without a good reason
* North Wales Police officers on border patrol this morning.
North Wales Police have been patrolling the Wales/England borders this morning and turning back motorists who don't have a good enough reason for trying to enter the country.
On a Facebook post the force says: "Officers from HGC Tim Rhwystro / NWP Intercept Team and HGC Uned Plismona'r Ffyrdd / NWP Roads Policing Unit are currently carrying out a joint operation on the borders, stopping and speaking to drivers coming into North Wales.
"Sadly, some are continuing to ignore the #StayHomeSaveLives message as several have been stopped and turned around due to them just coming here for their 'holiday'.
This is unacceptable.
North Wales is currently closed. PLEASE STAY HOME.
Please share
County creates online workouts for the lockdown
Denbighshire Leisure have created a series of free
online videos and useful fitness tips to ensure their customers stay active
during Covid-19.
The leisure company hopes that these fitness
videos, digital work-outs and daily fitness tips will give people an
opportunity to keep moving and healthy at home, with exercises for all ages and
abilities.
Over 14 videos have been filmed and edited,
including HIIT workouts, strength training, stretching, low and high intensity
sessions and also the important warm ups and cool downs. The exercises range
from low to high impact, including shorter work outs for those who have limited
time or space at home.
While you cannot beat the experience of working out
in a gym or attending a fitness class, these videos will show people how to
make the most of the space you have at home, as well as using items within the home
to help with your work out, including bottles of water or cans of beans instead
of dumbbells.
Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire
Leisure Ltd, said: “We are committed to providing a service to our members and
our residents during this difficult time. Following Government advice, people
are not able to come to the gym or take a fitness class, so we have brought
their fitness classes and gym sessions for them.
“We hope these videos will keep our members active,
focussed and healthy until we’re able to open again in the future. Our
dedicated staff have put together a number of dynamic fitness videos for
everyone of all abilities to try at home, we hope this virtual replacement will
be enough to keep people engaged and raise their spirits during this difficult
time. We hope everyone stays safe and well and look forward to seeing them
again when we reopen.”
Councillor Bobby Feeley, cabinet member for
well-being and independence at Denbighshire County Council, said: “There is a
real link between leisure and people’s health and well-being and there is
clearly a demand in our communities for classes and leisure activities, so it
is fantastic that Denbighshire Leisure are bringing people’s workouts to their
homes through social media. It’s a great initiative from the Denbighshire
Leisure staff and I know this will be appreciated by the community as well as
people who are working from home.”
These workouts are free to everyone and can be
accessed through the Denbighshire Leisure website or Denbighshire Leisure
Facebook page.
All fitness membership direct debits have now been
frozen until further notice. Further to this, Denbighshire Leisure is working
with TechnoGym to provide Denbighshire Leisure members with exclusive access to
digital MyWellness workouts, This service is free of charge and offered to
current members through their MyWellness app.
* Video links can be accessed here.
Llangollen Eisteddfod postponed until 2021 due to virus threat
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has been postponed until next year due to the coronavirus crisis.
A statement from the eisteddfod issued this morning says: "Following the latest government advice about the Coronavirus
pandemic, we have made the decision to postpone the 74th Llangollen
International Musical Eisteddfod in July 2020.
We are now working hard with our partners and artists to reschedule for
Llangollen 2021.
"LIME’s founding mission was to bring diverse people together
through shared music and dance experiences; it’s disheartening to put on hold
what we do best. We would like to apologise to those who have been affected by
our postponement and thank audiences for their understanding. As ever, we are
grateful for your support.
"In the end, the decision was easy to make because it was,
and is, all about the people who are at the heart of our International
Eisteddfod. Our amazing audiences, loyal and supportive, who come every year to
our small town nestled within the Dee Valley. Our ‘Parade of Nations’ - our
international participants, who range from Loughgiel Folk Dancers in Northern
Ireland to Mother Touch Dance Group in Zimbabwe: East Tennessee State University
Youth Choir to Johns’ Boys in Rhosllanerchrugog.
"Our concert artists, stage performers and
traders, who have shown grace and understanding during an incredibly hard time
across their sectors. Our local groups, schools and community, who each year
work together with us to ensure access and enjoyment of our Eisteddfod for all.
And last, but not least, our small dedicated staff team and almost 800
volunteers, who work tirelessly each year to achieve the great feat of putting
on this International Eisteddfod. These
people are why we must postpone, to protect and to keep safe.
"We enter a period of unprecedented uncertainty. The one
thing this year has taught us is just how destabilising uncertainty can be,
uncertainty about our safety, our health and our financial security. Over the next few weeks and months, we will
do everything we can to support our artists, staff and community.
"Over the coming month, we will be are contacting affected
customers by email or phone to advise on the next steps, refunds and
rescheduling options. Due to the high volume of enquiries, and enforced home
working, we urge customers not to contact us but we will be in touch as soon as
possible and will endeavour to provide the most efficient customer service we
can.
We will also post updates to our website and social media
channels."
Bookstart sessions in Denbighshire continue online
Hundreds of
Denbighshire families have taken part in a livestream story and singing session
for babies and toddlers.
Denbighshire
County Council’s library service streamed a Bookstart Rhymetime session for
parents and children on Facebook on March 24 with 200 watching live and more
than 4,000 views in the following days.
The library
service’s Donna Hughes-Jones shared stories, songs and rhymes and gave happy
birthday greetings to some of the children who usually attend the sessions in
the county’s libraries.
Cllr Huw
Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s lead member for Education, Children's Services
and Public Engagement, said: “I’m pleased the livestream rhymetime session was
such a success.
“This is a
great example of the council continuing to provide services at this time and
I’d like to thank staff in the library service for ensuring these sessions are
continuing to take place.
“These
sessions give families with young children a chance to recreate the popular
library Bookstart sessions in their own homes, sharing songs rhymes and stories
to help very young children develop their early language and speech in both
Welsh and English.
“The children
see a familiar face sharing familiar songs – and the sessions are great fun for
the whole family at home. The response from families has been very positive.
“I’d encourage
parents to keep checking our social media channels to find out about future
sessions.”
The team have
also recorded new song and story videos which will be added to the Denbighshire
Bookstart YouTube channel over the next weeks.
* You can
re-watch the session on Facebook by searching for Dechrau Da Sir Ddinbych /
Denbighshire Bookstart.
Coronavirus crisis - Friday update
The emergency online appeal
set up by the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group so it can continue providing a
lifeline to vulnerable people during the crisis raised almost £1,000 within
just 24 hours.
Launched late on
Wednesday by co-ordinator Cat Meade on the Gofundme charity site with a target
of £2,000, the appeal currently stands at over £1,100 and is still rising.
A delighted Cat said: “Let’s
get another £1,000 to keep the support going.
“Money is supporting food packages, supplies, PPE equipment for volunteers - vital items to run the service etc.”
She added: “We’re also
very pleased to see Home Bargains in the town limiting the number of customers and we would like to see all local shops follow their lead.”
* You can make a donation
at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/llangollen-covid-19-support-group?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0YENQ0t613PD60Z-zaJgDm4smL4MYntALgiX40fAtbCQHPTs-x4pJHEQE
“A HUGE WELL DONE LLANGOLLEN.”
Earlier yesterday, Cat posted on Facebook: “The
updated Support Group letter along with a information leaflet will be distributed
by our fantastic posties on Friday. Thank you to Charlie at the Town Council
for printing all 6,000 pages.
“PRESCRIPTIONS - Please ensure you have checked with the
pharmacy that your medication is ready for collection, prior to making a
request for delivery.
“NEWSPAPERS - Newsagents have put a temporary hold on any
further requests, we will update on this next week.
“VOLUNTEERS - Huge thank you to all those helping daily,
lots of jobs to delegate in 24hrs, they all jump to the task and do so kindly.
“DONATIONS - Co-op Llangollen have donated a huge amount
of bread. Thank you.
“Local resident has kindly donated 100 pouches of Felix
sensations cat food pouches, if your cat could benefit please contact our
volunteer Pip Waller on here or call 07973 480097 to arrange (max 5 per cat).
“Dee Valley Fruit & Veg have had another busy day
delivering to residents, volunteers are now on board to assist with demand. NOTE
- orders after Thursday will be out for delivery Mon/Tues next week, the team
are working 12hr days to keep up with demand.
“FOOD BANK - 07710
789854. Open 2-2.30pm Mon, Weds, Fri & Sun. Please DO NOT go without food.
“REMINDER - please only take assistance from a volunteer
registered with the support group, if you are unsure call the support line on
01978 861366.
“Great sign on the bridge.”
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* The message now being displayed on the electronic board by the bridge. Picture by Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group. |
On a jarring note, help group volunteer Paula Lingard put
out the following message yesterday: “We have some lovely youngsters in
Llangollen and surrounding areas who have been extremely helpful to the old and
vulnerable and we applaud you.
“BUT please be aware that it has been known that
there are a group of youngsters offering their help and pocketing the money.
"BE VIGILANT. ONLY ACCEPT HELP FROM SOMEONE YOU KNOW AND TRUST OR FROM OUR HELPLINE SUPPORT NUMBERS OR EMAIL.”
Volunteers at Zero Food Waste and Food Share Llangollen put
out their own message on Facebook: “We are now OPEN 2pm - 2.30pm at Pengwern
Community Centre every Monday, Wednesday,
Friday and Sunday.
“We are here to help everyone who is struggling and we
understand that the current crisis has put many more people in financial
difficulty.
“We have enough supplies to support everyone in need. Please
point people in our direction if they are struggling, including over 70s,
people in isolation and anyone who is vulnerable, or contact us on their
behalf.
“You can message us using the message button on our
Facebook page or phone us on 07710 789
854. We will respond as soon as we
can. Please be patient, we are run
entirely by unpaid volunteers.
“However, we ask that you only use our services if you
need to: if you can afford to buy food but can't get to the shops there are
delivery services and volunteers available to support you: visit the Llangollen
Coronavirus Help Page and see the Coronavirus Newsletter for phone numbers.
“Please message or phone us in advance before 2pm on our
opening days if you would like to collect a food parcel during our opening
times for yourself or someone in need.
Let us know how many adults and children it is for, and how long it
needs to last.
“Social distancing applies when collecting from Pengwern
Community Centre.
“If you are unable to collect, and no-one can collect for
you, volunteers can deliver to your home.
Please phone or message us before 2pm on our opening days for delivery
that day.
"Calls and messages after that will not be delivered until our next
opening day. Delivery volunteers will
drop your parcel outside your door, knock or ring the bell, and step away a few
metres.
“Please help us to support you safely and effectively by
following the above guidance. Best wishes to our phenomenal Llangollen Family,
we are proud to support you through these tough times.”
Dee
Valley Produce said in a Facebook message yesterday: “Had a
very busy day we are all still here prepping orders for tomorrow, so we won’t
be responding to anymore messages on Facebook until tomorrow evening sorry.
“Orders placed after today will likely not go out until
Monday/Tuesday.
“I want to thank all the volunteers for helping us get
orders together and sent out but I’d like to thank Rhian the most who has come
in and worked 12 hours plus with me most of last week and this week including
coming in on her day off! Not all super heroes wear cloaks. #employeeofthecentury.”
Denbighshire
County Council has put out an urgent call for people
wishing to offer their time to volunteer during the current pandemic to get in
touch.
The council says it has been heartened by the voluntary
action and community spirit being shown throughout the county, and is already
seeing online groups forming on Facebook in addition to existing local
volunteer groups and third sector organisations.
Now the council is working with Denbighshire Voluntary
Services Council to co-ordinate requests.
People who are fit and healthy and wish to volunteer are
encouraged to register at www.dvsc.co.uk, via e-mail: covid19@dvsc.co.uk,
or call Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council direct on 01824 702441.
Third Sector and voluntary organisations are also encouraged
to register at www.dvsc.co.uk,
email covid19@dvsc.co.uk
through the same contact details. DVSC can link you with volunteers to
help deliver the support you’re offering.
Visiting
at all North Wales hospitals has been suspended to help
prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Visiting patients who are not infected with COVID-19 will
only be permitted in the following circumstances:
• One parent or guardian for paediatric (Children’s Ward)
inpatients and neonatal wards;
• One visitor at a time for an agreed amount of time to
patients receiving end of life care. Permission from the ward sister or charge
nurse must be obtained in advance
• One birthing partner from the same household to support
a woman in labour will be permitted
See full restrictions here: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/news/health-board-news/visiting-suspended-across-all-north-wales-hospitals/
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board sentout a
message to potential volunteers, which says: “If you are interested in
volunteering with us, please email to BCUHB.PublicVolunteers@wales.nhs.uk.
“Please include your full name, telephone number, e-mail
address and the nearest hospital to you along with a brief description of
skills and experience.”
The Canal and River Trust posted about
the use of the Llangollen Canal and other inland waterways during the coronavirus
crisis. This says:
Llangollen
Practice said yesterday on its Facebook page: “We are getting
lots of queries from patients regarding whether they will be receiving a ‘shielding’
letter as announced by the government. These letters are coming direct from NHS
Wales and not from the practice and are being sent to patients who fall into
very specific categories. You can find out more information by following this
link: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/how-to-protect-extremely-vulnerable-people-shielding/
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