Local coronavirus update - Monday

* Father Lee leads Palm Sunday morning worship
which was streamed live from the church.

Llangollen vicar Father Lee Taylor streamed his Palm Sunday service from St Collen’s yesterday morning live on Facebook from the church.

He offered prayers for those suffering from coronavirus as well as for those in self-isolation and for the doctors and nurses involved in the battle against the virus for their skill and dedication.

Later in the day Father Lee took to Facebook again to live stream his regular Self-Isolation Songs of Praise for which people can sponsor a hymn in aid of church funds.

With worship suspended churches struggle to make ends meet and Father Lee explained that it costs around £1,000 to maintain just St Collen’s, which is just one of four churches in the local Anglican group.   

Seated at the piano in the vicarage, he sang a series of hymns including The Church is One Foundation, Jesu, Lover of My Soul, Abide With Me, At the Name of Jesus.

Donations can be made online at: https://paypal.me/llangolenchurches…

* Father Lee streams his Songs of Praise
from the piano in the vicarage.

Cat Meade, co-ordinator of Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group posted more information about the group’s raffles yesterday.

She said: “Llangollen Raffles is running alongside Llangollen COVID 19 Support Group.

“Raffles will be purchased from Local Shops, cafes, pubs, businesses. To support our local stores while closed or open, there will also be some online stores added at times.

“Once a raffle is loaded, you just need to comment which number you require, once all numbers are taken, payment will then be requested and once all in, the raffle will be drawn using Number Generator and filmed while doing so. Payments via paypal to: https://www.paypal.me/catmeade, please using Friends & Family.

“Any money made from each raffle will go to bigger raffles and Llangollen GOFUND COVID19 SUPPORT GROUP.”

* One of the raffle prizes.

Yesterday, the help group also posted its latest supplier leaflet showing the local businesses still supplying goods to the public. See below.

* These can be downloaded via: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2605345223029039/permalink/2624955931067968/

Betsi Cadwaladr health board posted yesterday: “We need our dedicated blood donors to continue to support us by coming out to donate if you are fit and well.

 

“We may be asking you to travel further than normal to donate, but travel to a clinic is classed as essential. We would not be able to continue to save and improve lives without you. Click here to book to donate at Wrexham Pembroke House April 6,7 or 8th: https://wbs.wales/Wrexham23

Councillor Mark Young, (pictured) Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, went onto Facebook late yesterday with this worrying post: “This is Crazy and sad I’ve had to deal with seeveral businesses still allowing people to visit & stay in our area the police have visited and guests have now left!!

“Please, please stop this and respect & keep safe our community. I have meetings tomorrow to look at taking action on this! NB These were holiday & not key worker bookings!! #StayHome #BeSafe”

Public Health Wales Sunday update

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Sunday 5 April

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

“355 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,197*, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“12 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 166.

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

“Public Health Wales has conducted more than 14,000 tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on nearly 12,000 individuals since the start of this outbreak. 

 “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.

“We know that staying at home can be hard especially when the weather is nice and we want everyone to follow the rules. We want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.

“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	65	1020*
Betsi Cadwaladr	11	189
Cardiff and Vale	92	815*
Cwm Taf Morgannwg	94	479*
Hywel Dda	19	189
Powys	2	48
Swansea Bay	66	378*
Resident outside Wales	1	27
To be confirmed	5	54
Wales Total	354	3196
Total	355	3197

Local coronavirus update - Sunday

 * Lucky number 9 was the winner of the first help group raffle yesterday.

The Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group yesterday used its new Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/groups/223545835554870/  to announce the winner of the first of its raffles aimed at helping to pay for its vital work helping vulnerable people cope during the lockdown.

Co-ordinator Cat Meade Cat gave out the news that the first lucky winner – holder of ticket number nine - had landed a meal put up by a local Indian restaurant.

And she explained: "The money raised pays for the item, it is a way to support local businesses, so we paid the Indian £70 and rest goes to support group."

Meanwhile, the Daily Post carried a worrying story from a tourism group chair and owner of guest houses and a restaurant shut due to coronavirus who saids his business and hundreds of others were running out of cash as they wait for funding to arrive.

Chris Frost, chairman of North Wales Tourism, who runs Manorhaus Ruthin and Llangollen with partner Gavin Harris, has been badly hit by the outbreak. They closed down the business nearly two weeks ago - just as the 2020 tourism season was getting underway.

* For the full story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/we-need-cash-now-says-18029887 

* One of the messages from a resident at Llangollen Fechan.

Roberts HomesCare has taken to its Facebook page to send a series of poignant messages from residents at Llangollen Fechan care home to their families who are unable to visit the due to the lockdown.

* Old Vicarage residents screen-shotted during their karaoke session.

Residents at The Old Vicarage care home in Llangollen were treated to an online karaoke session yesterday.

Phil Robinson took a break from running llanblogger to beam a selection of well-known songs via video conferencing from his home to a big screen in their lounge set up by owner Bethan Mascarenhas.

He crooned out numbers from crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Mat Monro and residents responded by singing some of their own songs.  

Help group volunteer Paula Lingard used Facebook to send out the message: "Please be vigilant. Do you know if your neighbours have everything they need? Pop your gloves on, knock on their window/door and stand 2 metres away. (DON'T ALL DO THIS AT THE SAME TIME). Wait for them to respond and check that they're okay.

"They might just need to be reassured that there are people out there who care. Check if they have received the leaflets with help numbers and shop delivery details on?

"If anyone would like to volunteer, please contact me directly with an email address and I will email you a volunteer form."

Lloyds Coaches (pictured above) posted on Facebook yesterday: "Service X5, T3. are still operating for Essential Journeys and key workers but at a reduced timetable in line with government advice.

"Following the government guidelines and advice to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, we're asking all passengers to sit 2 meters apart whilst travelling on board our services.

"Please also be aware that all of our buses will now only allow 50% of their passenger capacity on board, until further notice.

"We are happy to say all NHS staff can travel for free on all of our services!

😊

"All we ask is that you show the driver your NHS Photo badge when boarding the bus. Please also make sure you let the driver know where you are travelling to."

Betsi Cadwaladr health board shared a post which said: " URGENT APPEAL: Please share this post with friends, family and anyone who can help.

"We are urgently appealing to businesses that can change their production lines where possible to make personal protective equipment (PPE). Our brave and committed frontline staff must feel and remain as safe as possible and examples of the #PPE they need include visors, masks, aprons and gloves.

"A very big thank you to the organisations and individuals who have already been in-touch to offer their support and generosity so far.

"Think you can help?

"Please email: nwssp.nwales.procurement@wales.nhs.uk

For further information, visit:
https://awyrlas.org.uk/covid19/
and
https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/…/health-board-echoes-government-c…/

#COVID-19

Cyngor Gwynedd Council, Denbighshire County Council, Conwy County Borough Council, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service / Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub Gogledd Cymru

* Pictures posted by North Wales Police from across the region yesterday.

Given widespread concern about non-essential journeys, North Wales Police posted: "We've been out across North Wales today, carrying out patrols on foot in our communities as well as patrolling the road networks ensuring essential travel only.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you for complying with Government advice by staying at home. You really are playing your part in helping to save lives.

 💙

"The vast majority of those that we stopped today were local and were carrying out essential travel (food shopping, travel to and from work etc). We'd like to say how grateful we are to people for being so understanding and for the kind comments we have received.

"Colleagues from Traffic Wales have seen a 63% reduction in traffic volume on the A55 and our officers out and about have reported seeing empty streets and car parks. People who were seen out and about have been spoken to and given suitable advice.

"Patrols will continue this evening, tonight and all day tomorrow (Sunday).

"The sooner we can beat #COVID19 the sooner we can all go back to enjoying the great outdoors."

Public Health Wales - Saturday update

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Saturday 4 April

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

“387 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2,853, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“13 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 154.

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

“Public Health Wales has conducted more than 13,000 tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on more than 11,000 individuals since the start of this outbreak. 

“Following publication of a new Chinese study which shows smokers with COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease, we encourage all smokers that want to stop to use NHS Wales’ free Help Me Quit stop smoking advice and phone support service. Search ‘Help Me Quit’ or call 0800 085 2219 to get started.

“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.

“We know that staying at home can be hard, and we want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.

“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	87	956
Betsi Cadwaladr	45	178
Cardiff and Vale	116	729
Cwm Taf Morgannwg	58	387
Hywel Dda	26	170
Powys	5	46
Swansea Bay	39	312
Resident outside Wales	5	26
To be confirmed	6	49
Wales Total	382	2827
Total	387	2853