The county council services due to re-open on Monday

* Llangollen Library is amongst the services to re-open on Monday.

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents about services which will restart at the end of the firebreak lockdown.

The lockdown in Wales comes to an end on Monday, November 9 and a number of services which have been closed in recent weeks, will re-open.

They include waste and recycling centres and libraries while years 9 and above will return to school. 

• Waste and Recycling – household waste recycling centres will re-open on Monday, November 9 and bookings are now open for the three fixed sites at Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin. Bookings for the Llangollen pop-up site will reopen from 8.30am on November 9 for the service on the morning of Saturday, November 14. You will be able to book a slot for the Corwen pop-up recycling event on the morning of Saturday, November 21, from 8.30am on Monday, November 16. Residents are reminded that on Welsh Government guidance, visits to household waste recycling centres should only be made if the journey is essential. You can make bookings for the household waste recycling centres and pop-up sites by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling 

• Libraries – Denbighshire’s eight libraries will re-open on Monday, November 9. Customers can access their local library for browsing and collecting books as well as using the available computer and One Stop Shop services by appointment by phoning their local library. The home library service will also re-start while a wide range of digital books, magazines and newspapers remain available through Denbighshire’s online library service. For more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries 

• Schools - From Monday, November 9, schools will be open to all pupils. Any pupils who have been contacted by the school or the Test, Trace and Protect team, and told to self-isolate must continue to do so. Those advised to self-isolate should book a coronavirus test if they develop any of these symptoms, even if they are mild. A test can be booked by phoning 119 or online: www.gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

Parents/guardians have been advised to remain alert for the main symptoms of coronavirus are :

A new or continuous cough

A high temperature

A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

Advice requires those self-isolating to stay at home, not to go outdoors to exercise, to visit shops, family or friends, or to other public spaces. Please do not invite people to your house. Further formation on Test, Trace, and Protect can be found here https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus 

• North East Wales Archives - The Ruthin branch of the North East Wales Archives will reopen on Thursday, 12 November. The branch will be open Thursdays and Fridays by appointment only. For more information or to book, visit www.newa.wales/visit-us/planning-your-visit-2/what-to-expect-at-ruthin-branch/

Electric waste collection vehicle trialled in Denbighshire

* The electric vehicle which has been trialled in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Ruthin with staff from the Waste and Recycling team and Cllr Brian Jones.

Residents in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Ruthin have had their bins emptied by an electric waste collection vehicle for the first time.

Denbighshire County Council’s Waste and Recycling team has been trialling a new waste collection vehicle which runs solely on electric.

The trial of the Dennis Eagle e-Collect, on loan through Dennis Eagle, a well-established supplier of waste collection vehicles, is part of the Council’s work to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. 

Cllr Brian Jones, Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “The council is serious about tackling the climate and ecological change emergency.

“As part of that work we are asking residents to recycle as much of their waste as possible and we must also reduce the carbon emissions generated through collecting our waste, and keep pace with the new developments in technology. 

“The waste collection crews involved in the trial have been very positive about the electric vehicle and are confident it is up to the job.

“The trial has shown plenty of battery capacity left at the end of shifts and without exhaust fumes and a reduction in noise, the vehicle is safer and more comfortable to operate for staff.”

The council will use evidence from the trial to determine how many electric vehicles it could introduce to its fleet in the next two years, as its existing fleet comes up for replacement.

The council will assess which areas of the county can be serviced by this particular model of vehicle as a range of sizes of refuse collection vehicles are currently used across the county.

The council’s new waste depot development in Denbigh, due to be completed in 2022, is being designed to accommodate electric vehicles, as well as other ultra-low emission vehicles.

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."

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/.

£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."

Coronavirus update from Welsh Government

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

·         First Minister Mark Drakeford (pictured) has set out the further details about the new national measures which will be introduced when the firebreak ends on November 9.

o   In a statement to the Senedd, he confirmed a group of four people would be able to meet in indoor public spaces, such as pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes.

o   The hospitality sector will also introduce pre-booking, time slots and collect contact details to support the Test Trace Protect system.

o   The 10pm curfew on alcohol sales will remain in place in Wales.

o   The system will be reviewed after two weeks.

o   The First Minister’s statement is available at: https://record.assembly.wales/Plenary/6616#A61801  

 

·         The Covid-19 risk assessment tool is available to download for a variety of workplace settings, including the NHS and education

o   The self-assessment tool was developed by the Covid-19 BAME advisory group

o   More information: https://gov.wales/covid-19-workforce-risk-assessment-tool

 

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 1,119 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 54,456 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

o   Sadly, another four deaths were reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 1,895.

o   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

·         The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving COVID-19, for the week ending 23 October.

o   The cumulative number of deaths involving Covid-19 in Welsh residents up to 23 October was 2,806.

o   Of the deaths registered in the week ending 23 October, there were provisionally 65 deaths involving Covid-19 in Welsh residents. This was 10% of all deaths and 18 more than the previous week. The number of weekly registered deaths involving Covid peaked in April.

o   This is the sixth successive week the number of deaths have increased and they are at the highest level since mid-June.

o   For the period 29 February to 23 October, there were a total of 2,418 excess deaths (12%) above the five-year average. The excess death rate for Wales for this period was lower than in England.

o   https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/latest

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   Dr Andrew Goodall, chief executive of NHS Wales held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1323599344717606913