Glyndwr offers free online uni prep course during lockdown

A free online course aimed at students whose preparations for university have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic is set to begin teaching its first students next week – with many more set to join up.

The Confident Learner course will see its first cohort of students begin their virtual studies next Monday (April 13) with lecturers from Wrexham Glyndwr University – and is being offered to learners across the region throughout this spring and summer.

It is being provided entirely online by the university’s academics in a series of eight-week blocks from April.

Usually delivered face-to-face for potential students during the summer months at Glyndwr, the Confident Learner course been specially adapted for

its new delivery method as the university works to prepare potential learners during the coronavirus crisis.

Dr Sue Horder, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in Glyndwr’s Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, said: “At Wrexham Glyndwr University, we understand how difficult the past few weeks, and the coming months have been and will be for students, staff and families right across North Wales’ school system.

“With students sent home, studies disrupted, and exams called off due to the coronavirus crisis, the challenge being faced is vast - particularly by those students in sixth form or further education who are hoping to go to university this Autumn.

“So we have been thinking about how we can help students across North Wales - and beyond – face that challenge. We’ve adapted our Confident Learner course – which has already seen a great deal of success delivered face-to-face – so that it can be delivered fully online instead.

“Focusing on the academic skills needed to prepare for study in higher education, over eight weeks course participants will be given the guidance they need on essay-writing, study planning, well-being as a student and much, much more.

“When students complete this course, they will not only have a far better grip on the skills they need for university life, but also receive a certificate for 20 Higher Education credits at Level Four.

“Working with our staff and lecturers, we’ve developed enough capacity to deliver this module to all students in sixth form or further education across North Wales, wherever they are planning to study in the future.

“This course has one simple aim during the current crisis – to provide students across our region with the support they need.”

Wrexham Glyndwr University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, has already written to key education providers across North Wales to offer the course to their sixth–form students. Each has been asked to register their interest in their students participating, with the first cohort of students set to begin their studies online next week.

Further sessions – including Welsh language provision from May  – are set to be taught later this year. Any student wishing to register their interest can also find out more about the course – and book online – at: https://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/ShortCourses/Confidentlearner/

Plea for public to stop calling 999 for Covid-19 tests and check-ups

The Welsh Ambulance Service is appealing to the public not to call 999 for a Coronavirus test.

Some patients have been demanding that paramedics perform an on-the-spot test to rule out the virus, according to feedback from crews.

Ambulance crews do not, and never have, carried tests for Coronavirus.

The Trust also reports that people have been calling 999 under an emergency pretext but on arrival crews are being asked to give a ‘check-up.’

In a video appeal shared on social media, Lee Brooks, the Trust’s Director of Operations, said: “Our people are working incredibly hard to provide you with the best possible care in these exceptionally challenging circumstances.

“Our crews cannot perform swabbing or testing for Coronavirus, so please don’t call us for this reason.

“Please also don’t call us for a ‘check-up’ if you have symptoms of Coronavirus.

“Our emergency ambulance service exists to help people whose lives are in immediate danger, and not to give precautionary check-ups.

“If you are self-isolating at home then you do not need to be tested, and you do not need to call 111 to tell us you’re self-isolating.

“You should only call 111 if your symptoms worsen considerably or you cannot manage your symptoms at home.”

“We do understand that you’re concerned and frightened, but using us unnecessarily is taking our precious resources away from patients who really need our help.”

The official advice from Public Health Wales says that testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.

Only those in hospital are being routinely tested for Coronavirus.

Testing is also accessible to healthcare workers to allow them to return to work on the frontline quicker if it is a negative result.

The Trust’s plea is on the back of a similar appeal last week, which was for the public’s honesty when calling 111 or 999 for help after it become apparent that some people were withholding information about their illness for fear of not being sent an ambulance.

It means crews have been attending some incidents without the necessary protective equipment, exposing them to potential harm.

If you have symptoms of Covid-19 – that is a new, continuous cough or a high temperature – you can take the Covid-19 symptom checker at www.111.wales.nhs.uk/covid19 

You can also use this resource to access a self-isolation note for your employer.

Llan woman tells of being stranded in New Zealand by pandemic

* Margaret Richardson enjoying Hamilton Gardens before the
pandemic struck.

A well-known Llangollen resident has contacted llanblogger to detail her experience of being left stranded on the other side of the world by the coronavirus pandemic.

Margaret Richardson, 76, helps run the Plas Hafod B&B in Abbey Road and journeyed out to New Zealand in February to stay with her family who live in Cambridge, North Island.

She says she was having a great time until the Covid-19 panic began and has since been unable to get an affordable flight home after being told a one-way ticket could cost her as much as 13,000 dollars – equivalent to over £6,000.

No repatriation flights from New Zealand to the UK have yet been arranged.     

Margaret joined in the live Facebook streaming of the vicar of Llangollen’s favourite hymns session on Sunday evening, messaging brief details of her predicament.

So llanblogger asked her via Facebook messaging to give more details.

She responded: “On the 5th February I set out on my journey to NZ (New Zealand) to stay with my youngest daughter Hazel, Wayne and family for two months.

“Little did I know what would happen in the next seven weeks.

“On reaching NZ I was welcomed with open arms and had a great time, going to the beach at Mount Maunganui, Hamilton Gardens and attending an open music festival evening in the gardens.

“The weather had been great in the high 70’s (it sounds warmer in Fahrenheit) and was getting a nice tan.

“Then tragedy struck as Covid-19 reared its ugly head. Lockdown was declared, more stringent here than in the UK.

“All international flights cancelled, restaurants, take-aways, DIY and clothing stores were closed.

“It was very difficult to get in touch with my insurance company and airline because of the time difference. We have had two time changes, one in the UK and one in NZ. We are now one hour behind the UK but at the other end of the day.

“Some airlines are still flying but the cost of getting one - they are all returning to London - is prohibitive.

“I am flying with Emirates who say they will honour my return ticket, at no extra cost, but when they will start to resume International flights is anyone’s guess.

“There are no repatriation flights at the moment from NZ but even if they resume I need a flight to Manchester.

“There is no way I can negotiate London with a large suitcase at my age from Heathrow.

“I believe the trains are not running properly and the thought of trying to get home by public transport terrifies me.

“I am in touch with the British Consulate and get a newsletter each evening, with a few airlines and dates still flying but all to London. No way.

“Qatar airlines wanted 13,000 dollars for a one way ticket, even the British Consulate said it was prohibitive.

“So until Emirates or repatriation flights start flying here I stay or until Hazel throws me out!

“I have heard that the NZ Government will extend visas if necessary which is very good of them.

“NZ also has reciprocal health agreements with the UK. Doctors you pay for but I’m not complaining, though. Hospitals are free.

“I have had to get more medication which I have had to pay for. The doctor cost 95 dollars, medication 91 dollars. So don’t knock the National Health Service.

“Of course, the insurance company won’t pay - surprise surprise. I’m not covered for Covid-19 as I didn’t take out disruption policy which apparently was an add-on.

“I hope to be back soon but don’t hold your breath.

“Keep safe and follow the rules and we will come through it.

“Just had an update from the British Consulate no repatriation flights yet. The insurance companies have today agreed a 60- day medical extension but don’t think it covers coved-19. At least the government has got something for us.”

Local coronavirus update - Wednesday

Cat Meade, co-ordinator of the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group was back on Facebook last night to give an update on progress.

She said: “I have not been doing daily updates as trying to delegate (Its harder than you think) as there are many things I am trying to juggle.

“I have some great people helping and lots of volunteers as I need to ensure you guys are kept up to date with information etc.

“Paula Lingard has been an Admin for some time keeping this page secure and updated with documents, she is also assisting with volunteers info, Mike Connolly has also joined Admin to assist with updates as well as continuing with the out of hrs line, and not to forget @llangollenblogger is keeping the feed full of useful info. Thank you to you all.

“PRESCRIPTIONS - There will be one prescription collection daily, request by 3.30pm each day Mon to Fri and 11am Sat please. The Rotary Club of Llangollen will be collecting.  Please call or text Sheena on 0759 2018533 with your name, address and number.

“SHOPPING - All shopping info is in an earlier post from Mike to advise on various options.

“I am working behind the scenes co-ordinating volunteers, deliveries, linking in with local police and social services for the vulnerable in town, as well as fundraising ideas.

“Llangollen Raffles is a new page set up to raffle goods from local shops, we purchase the items/vouchers to assist open or closed to support our #shoplocal everyone is enjoying the thrill and prizes Llangollen Raffles.

“#llangollenfamily (t-shirts) - Sales are coming in by the hour, thank you for your support, please send me a pic for the board in your t-shirt.

“Thank you all for your continued support which enables this group to help anyone that needs it.”

* A demonstration of one of the light sabres on offer.

Cat later posted: “LIGHT UP FOR NHS - We have teamed up with the newsagents in Castle Street to bring you these amazing rainbow light sabres #LIGHTUP #NHS #LLANGOLLENFAMILY

“To order call Craig Gittins or Sam on 01978 862708. £4 each. With every one sold £1 will be donated to Llangollen Support Group, delivered to your door free of charge, let’s support the NHS, while supporting local, order now ready for 8pm Thursday, Lets Light Up LLANGOLLEN’”

Even later she shared a post from Zero Food Waste and Food Share Llangollen, which came with a picture showing a car-load of supplies ready to go out to the community.

 

The post said: “Evening food share deliveries of food, 2 of which will will support people who have lost their livelihoods due to what has happened and another for a young family. #llangollenfamily

Early yesterday Mike Connolly of the help group shared a post which said: “We also have local 'Buddies' if you'd like to receive a daily call. Please phone 'Chem' on 0781 376 1766 if you'd like to arrange this.

Later he was back on Facebook to say: “Thanks to Craig Gittins and friends at Castle Street Newsagents for their super-human efforts to keep us supplied. The shop is open 06:30 - 12:30 for milk, papers, magazines, toys, Lottery and so much more. And, you can call on 01978 862708 to place orders for daily delivery of newspapers which will commence on the following Monday. They also take payment by card at the shop side window or on the phone. They have a Facebook page 'Castle Street Newsagents' and you can message them from there too.”

Roberts HomesCare, which runs Llangollen Fechan, posted: “We would like to thank all of our incredible staff for every you do to make sure our residents are safe, well looked after and respected! To our amazing NHS workers and all the carers across the World....THANK YOU!”

Yesterday evening, North Wales Police posted on Facebook: “SCAM: Beware of fake websites selling items such as hand sanitizer and masks but when ordered, these items never arrive.

“Only purchase goods from legitimate retailers. Take your time before making a transaction or giving your personal information over online. #COVID19”

Public Health Wales update - Tuesday

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

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Tuesday 7 April

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

“291 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,790, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“19 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 212.

“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 15,000 tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on more than 13,000 individuals since the start of this outbreak.

“All available data relating to Coronavirus in Wales is now available on a new user-friendly data dashboard, which is available on the Public Health Wales website.

“As part of our efforts to continually expand testing, there is now a Deloitte testing facility operational at Cardiff City Stadium. This is part of the UK-wide plan to test key workers. In Wales has been led by Public Health Wales, Welsh Government, the Local Resilience Forum, and Deloitte. Please note that the facility is for key workers and you should only attend if invited.

“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 want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus. 

“We know that staying at home can be hard especially when the weather is nice, but 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	57	1160
Betsi Cadwaladr	18	244
Cardiff and Vale	55	943
Cwm Taf	44	578
Hywel Dda	31	244
Powys	3	58
Swansea Bay	78	490
Resident outside Wales	2	29
To be confirmed	3	44
Wales Total	289	3761
Total	291	379

Latest timetable for bus service number 64

Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms has passed on the latest bus timetable for service number 64, effective from this Thursday, April 9:

Help is on the way for virus-hit businesses, says county

llanblogger exclusive

* A picture from our files of a deserted Castle Street.

Denbighshire County Council is aiming to make payments to most businesses that have applied for help with the enforced coronavirus shutdown in the next two weeks.

That is the message from the local authority after llanblogger passed on a complaint that no local businesses have yet received any payouts.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Welsh and UK Governments recently announced a range of measures to support businesses, including grants.

The person who got in touch with llanblogger said in a message: “The problem is that they are still being processed manually by DCC.

“Obviously, this is going to take quite some time but whilst businesses are still having to fork out for staff wages mild panic is starting to set in.”

In response, the county council said yesterday afternoon: “A payment run of £1m was processed on Friday, another payment run of about £2.6m will be processed today.

“BACS payments take three working days to clear usually. 

“Two payments runs a week will be processed from now on.

“It is hoped most payments will be made to those that have applied over the coming two weeks.

“We are administering this grant on behalf of Welsh Government and we are prioritising this work, however the number of payments that need to be assessed and process is very large.”

The Welsh Government initially earmarked £1.4 billion to support businesses dealing with the coronavirus impact, which includes rate relief schemes and business grants.

It later announced a further £500 aimed at supporting those firms who would not qualify from previously announced support packages.

The new £100m Development Bank of Wales fund will be available for companies who are experiencing cash flow problems as a result of the pandemic and will provide loans of between £5,000 and £250,000 at favourable interest rates.

Businesses will also be able to benefit from a £400m emergency pot providing:

• Grants of £10,000 for micro-businesses employing up to nine people.
• Grants of up to £100,000 for small and medium sized firms with between 10 and 249 employees.
• Support for larger Welsh companies, which are of critical social or economic importance to Wales.

The £500 million Economic Resilience Fund will support businesses forced to temporarily cease trading – to go into “hibernation” – or which need cash-flow support to adapt to a remote way of working.