Health centre says it is working under "extreme pressure"

* Llangollen Health Centre.

Llangollen Health Centre has highlighted the seriousness of the coronavirus situation locally and explained what its team are doing about it.

On Facebook it says: "We are seeing a distinct rise in the number of Covid-19 positive cases in our practice area.

"As a result, we are currently working under extreme pressure and we are also striving to ensure that we keep everyone – both patients and staff - safe.

"Before you pick up the phone please consider whether you really need to phone us or whether you can get advice from an alternative source such as a community pharmacy.

"Our website also offers a host of advice on various ailments under the 'I want health and wellbeing advice' section and the Appointments section gives guidance on whether you need to see a doctor or whether your condition can be managed at home with help from a pharmacist.

"Please visit www.llangollenhealth.com

"Please be assured that we are still here and we are still working but we do need to make sure that access to our doctors is available for those that really need it. 

"If you do need to phone us and you are put on triage please be aware that we may not always be able to get back to you the same day."

Welsh Government's latest coronavirus update

The latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, is:

• The FAQs for the new national measures which will come into effect on November 9 are available at https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance and https://llyw.cymru/rheoliadau-coronafeirws-canllawiau
• Germany and Sweden will be removed from the list of exempt countries and territories so travellers from those countries will need to isolate on arrival in Wales.
• The new quarantine regulations will come into force at 04:00 on Saturday 7 November.
• https://gov.wales/written-statement-health-protection-coronavirus-international-travel-wales-amendments-10 

• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has published a written statement about new testing technology https://gov.wales/written-statement-covid-19-new-testing-technology-developments

 

• Economy Minister Ken Skates has provided an updated about phase three of the Economic Resilience Fund: https://gov.wales/written-statement-economic-resilience-fund-phase-3-0

 

• Anglesey manufacturing firm Joloda Hydraroll is investing in its premises in Gaerwen, creating new jobs and safeguarding others thanks to support from the Welsh Government: https://gov.wales/welsh-government-helps-secure-future-anglesey-firm

 

• Mental Health Minister Eluned Morgan has provided an update about dementia care during the pandemic: https://gov.wales/written-statement-update-dementia-care-wales-0

 

Firebreak information

• A firebreak to break the cycle of infections and bring coronavirus under control began on Friday October 23 and ends on Monday November 9

• Frequently asked questions https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions
• Overview of the rules to follow (multiple languages) https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-guidance-summary
• Closure of businesses summary: https://gov.wales/closure-businesses-and-premises-coronavirus-covid-19
• Taxi and private hire vehicles guidance: https://gov.wales/taxi-and-private-hire-vehicle-guidance
• Further education and apprenticeships: https://gov.wales/further-education-and-apprenticeships-coronavirus-firebreak-guidance
• Childcare and play guidance: https://gov.wales/childcare-and-play-coronavirus-firebreak-guidance
• Exams and assessments: https://gov.wales/examinations-and-assessments-coronavirus
• Schools guidance: https://gov.wales/schools-coronavirus-firebreak-guidance
• Support for businesses: https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/covid-19-support-business

 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 1,272 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 56,927 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Very sadly, there were 30 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 1,969.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 
• Public Health Wales has added a map to its surveillance dashboard showing the number of Covid-19 cases in small local areas. The map shows cases on a rolling seven-day or 21-day basis, or all cases since the start of the pandemic. It shows the number of cases and the rate per 100,000 people: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

Where to find the latest information

• A firebreak to break the cycle of infections and bring coronavirus under control began on Friday October 23 and ends on Monday November 9. More information: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions 

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL translator. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Economy Minister Ken Skates held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1324324349822689280

 

MP welcomes latest Covid-19 measures from Chancellor

Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes (pictured), has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement yesterday that workers across the UK will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now run until the end of March with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked.

Support for millions more workers through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be increased, with the third grant covering November to January calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500.

The Chancellor also announced today an increase in the upfront guarantee of funding for the devolved administrations from £14 billion to £16 billion. This uplift will continue to support workers, business and individuals in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In making his announcements he said: "It’s clear the economic effects are much longer lasting for businesses than the duration of any restrictions, which is why we have decided to go further with our support.

“Extending furlough and increasing our support for the self-employed will protect millions of jobs and give people and businesses the certainty they need over what will be a difficult winter.”

Simon Baynes said: “This decision taken by the Chancellor is good news for jobs and businesses in Clwyd South where this support will help workers impacted by Covid-19 and provide further reassurance for those that might be worried about the winter months ahead.”

  

Bonfire Night safety message from ambulance service

 

The Welsh Ambulance Service is reaching out to young people and families across the country to ‘respect and protect’ each other and remain safe from injury and infection this Bonfire Night.

With November 05 falling during the all-Wales Coronavirus firebreak period, the usual organised bonfires and firework displays will not take place as Welsh Government guidelines currently ban mixing with people from outside your household.

Director of Operations for Welsh Ambulance Service, Lee Brooks said: “Bonfire Night often sees an increased number of calls to all emergency services.

“In areas of communal living such a halls of residence or blocks of flats, the temptation to meet others and celebrate may be strong, but we appeal to everybody not to take part in any activities that pose an increased risk of avoidable injury or viral transmission, and of course only consuming alcohol in moderation.

“This year especially we would ask the public, young people in particular, to help us keep our resources free for the most life-threatening injuries and illnesses by avoiding un-regulated bonfires or firework displays, respecting and protecting themselves, their families and neighbours.”

As well as the risk of burns injuries, smoke from fires and fireworks can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma, and people with asthma are at a higher risk of getting very sick from Coronavirus which highlights the double medical risk at present from meeting with others not in your household to celebrate.

The Operation BANG campaign from ambulance partners in North Wales Police and South Wales Fire Service offers an excellent resource of tips to keep you and yours safe this Guy Fawkes night.

Should you require non-urgent medical advice the NHS Wales 111 phone service is available 24/7 and also online at https://111.wales.nhs.uk/.

Latest coronavirus update from Welsh Government

 

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, is:

• An extra £3m will support some of the most vulnerable mental health service users in Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mental Health Minister Eluned Morgan has today announced
• Watch Eluned Morgan’s press conference: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1323962244862930944
• More information: https://gov.wales/mental-health-minister-pledges-ps3million-helping-hand-most-vulnerable-pandemic

 

• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has published a written statement about arrangements for the routine testing of staff working in care homes: https://gov.wales/written-statement-covid-19-asymptomatic-testing-programme-care-homes
• Care home testing guidance: https://gov.wales/care-home-testing-guidance
• Care home testing process: https://gov.wales/testing-process-care-homes-covid-19
• The Welsh Government is making funding available to support businesses with innovative products and services that will help communities and the public sector adapt to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
• The Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which can offer up to £50,000 to promising projects able to start in January 2021 and complete by the end of March, will also be important for schemes that can support the public sector after the EU Transition period.
• More information: https://gov.wales/welsh-government-challenge-innovative-ideas-response-coronavirus-pandemic

 

• A new agreement between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Welsh Government has been launched, cementing Wales’s commitment to working more closely with the international organisation to tackle health equity and ensuring prosperity for all: https://gov.wales/world-health-organization-and-welsh-government-commit-achieve-better-health-all
• Updated: Vitamin D advice for everyone: https://gov.wales/vitamin-d-advice-everyone-coronavirus

 

Firebreak information

• A firebreak to break the cycle of infections and bring coronavirus under control began on Friday October 23 and ends on Monday November 9

• Frequently asked questions https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions
• Overview of the rules to follow (multiple languages) https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-guidance-summary
• Closure of businesses summary: https://gov.wales/closure-businesses-and-premises-coronavirus-covid-19
• Taxi and private hire vehicles guidance: https://gov.wales/taxi-and-private-hire-vehicle-guidance
• Further education and apprenticeships: https://gov.wales/further-education-and-apprenticeships-coronavirus-firebreak-guidance
• Childcare and play guidance: https://gov.wales/childcare-and-play-coronavirus-firebreak-guidance
• Exams and assessments: https://gov.wales/examinations-and-assessments-coronavirus
• Schools guidance: https://gov.wales/schools-coronavirus-firebreak-guidance
• Support for businesses: https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/covid-19-support-business

 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 1,202 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 55,658 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Very sadly, there were 44 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 1,939.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 
• Public Health Wales has added a map to its surveillance dashboard showing the number of Covid-19 cases in small local areas. The map shows cases on a rolling seven-day or 21-day basis, or all cases since the start of the pandemic. It shows the number of cases and the rate per 100,000 people: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

Where to find the latest information

• A firebreak to break the cycle of infections and bring coronavirus under control began on Friday October 23 and ends on Monday November 9. More information: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions 

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL translator. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Mental Health Minister Eluned Morgan held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1323962244862930944

 

£3million boost for most vulnerable mental health service users

* Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Eluned Morgan.

Additional funding of nearly £3million will support some of the most vulnerable mental health service users in Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Welsh Government has announced.  

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Eluned Morgan has vowed to provide a ‘helping hand’ to those looking for work, permanent accommodation, who may be struggling with mental health or substance misuse problems in the midst of this pandemic.

The additional funding will provide early, targeted support, for the most vulnerable individuals in a preventative capacity to reduce the escalation of often complex needs.

The funding is split into seven distinct areas and will see the Welsh Government work in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities, the police and Area Planning Boards, as well as supporting health boards to provide voluntary sector led mental health support in their areas.

Funding includes:

• £1.4million towards third sector led schemes designed to address low level mental health and wellbeing need
• £75,000 will fund the ‘I Can Work’ programme supporting people with mild to moderate mental health problems into paid work
• £25,000 to support development for the substance misuse workforce to ensure they are adequately skilled and supported to provide essential services
• £750,000 to provide residential rehabilitation accommodation for those with complex needs to successfully transition to living independently in permanent accommodation
• £500,000 to provide PPE to substance misuse services providing a range of support for some of the most vulnerable people in society
• £150,000 Digital Inclusion Fund for the enhancement of digital services for service users who are currently excluded
• £50,000 to support work with police forces across Wales piloting nasal naloxone kits as part of the drive to reduce drug related deaths

Eluned Morgan said: "We know that early intervention is vital for better outcomes. We’ve seen the devastating effect this pandemic has had on the most vulnerable members of our society and we must provide an extra helping hand when they need it.

"This funding is a key part of our recovery plan, where we have committed to protecting and improving individuals’ well-being, supporting the homeless, and reducing unemployment to give people the best chance in life.

"These are tough times for us all to live through, but if we look out for each other and support the vulnerable, we will get through it. Anyone concerned about their mental health or that of a relative or friend can access the C.A.L.L. Helpline on 0800 137 737 or can text ‘help’ to 81066."

Calls for government statement on care home visits

 

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called for an urgent Welsh Government statement on Covid-19 Restrictions on visits to care homes in Wales after being contacted by families who said they are "desperate" to visit their loved ones.

Raising the matter in the Senedd he said his constituents are concerned that the restrictions are having a detrimental impact on their elderly relatives.

And he quoted from the letter from one who wrote: “Our mother has only resided at the nursing home since February.

“Visits stopped completely during the first wave of the pandemic and resumed with outdoor visits in mid-August. However all visits stopped again on 1st October.

“The restrictions on visiting at this moment are detrimental to Mum's health and well-being and an infringement of her civil liberties and rights.

“I hope that you will urge the Welsh Government to advise that where visits to residents in care homes can be made safely, they should be re-instated as soon as possible.”

Mr Isherwood said: “I call for an urgent statement accordingly.”

The Trefnydd Rebecca Evans said she would speak to the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, adding: "In order to “provide an update on the latest work that is going on to ensure that we're best able to support people who are in care homes, but also recognising that the needs are not just around protecting people from COVID-19, but also about promoting their mental health and well-being and ensuring that they keep those family ties alive.”