Call for relatives to be allowed to visit care homes by Christmas

With family members in England allowed to visit relatives in care homes if they test negative, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood (pictured) has called for the same programme to be rolled out in Wales in time for Christmas.

Mr Isherwood raised the matter in the Welsh Parliament after being contacted by families who are desperate to see loved ones in care homes over the festive period.

He said: “On 23 November, the Welsh Government announced a pilot programme for supporting visitors to care homes in Wales, and I call for a Welsh Government statement on provision for families to visit loved ones in care homes this Christmas.

“The Welsh Government statement then said you were offering testing to care home visitors across a small number of care homes, intended to pave the way for a wider roll-out to more Welsh care homes starting on 14 December. 

"Last week, the UK Government announced that care home residents in England will receive indoor visits from family and friends this Christmas if they test negative for COVID-19, unless there is an outbreak in the care home, with over one million rapid Lateral Flow Tests sent to homes as the first phase of an English national roll-out to enable visiting by Christmas. 

“As a constituent then e-mailed, and I'll quote them: 'Testing of relatives in England, and more and more people going into the care homes and holding their loved ones is beautiful, but what about Wales? Why are we always last in the queue? For God's sake, just roll it out and let the Welsh residents be granted the same lifeline as England’.

“I call for a statement and update accordingly.”

In her response, the Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans MS, said they are working to strike the balance of keeping residents in care homes safe from Covid, but also recognising that they have important well-being and mental health needs as well.

Mr Isherwood added: “As my constituent also stated, ‘We are once again let down by the Welsh Government, it's no good saying they are starting pilot testing. I am heartbroken that we are getting  nowhere, please speak for us in Wales , this situation  is disgusting and so, so unfair’.”

County's reminder of Covid guidance for seasonal events

Organisers of Christmas events are being reminded by the county council to take extra precautions due to coronavirus restrictions.

Under Welsh Government guidance, Christmas activities such as winter wonderlands, light shows, reindeer trails and other similar activities are highly likely to constitute an event under coronavirus restrictions.

Following restrictions brought in on December 4, the sale and consumption of alcohol is restricted, and organised activities should not include alcohol.

For an event wholly or mainly indoors, no person may be involved in organising an event at which more than 15 people are in attendance, excluding those under the age of 11 or those working or providing voluntary services at the event.

For outdoor events, no more than 30 people may be in attendance excluding those under 11 or those working or providing voluntary services at the event.

However, exceptions include the showing of a film, a market including Christmas markets, a religious service and a sporting event at which only elite athletes are competing.

Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “Following a difficult year many people are looking forward to the festive period. To ensure the safety of our communities and to stop the spread of coronavirus it is important that those organising or attending events this Christmas are aware of the guidance.

“Anyone planning to organise an event will need to consider and plan very carefully especially in relation to how numbers will be managed to ensure that they do not exceed the maximum number of attendees at any time.

“It is important to remind organisers that it is your responsibility to ensure that your event is safe and within current covid-19 guidelines.

“We want residents in Denbighshire to enjoy Christmas this year but it is vital they do so in a safe and responsible way by following the guidance, practicing good hygiene and following social distancing rules.”

Anyone organising an event will be required to undertake a risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus, including taking all reasonable measures to ensure a 2m distance is kept between persons not of the same household and not to sell or supply alcohol at the event.

Christmas markets are not treated as events for the purposes of the regulations, but those organising a Christmas market must take all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

If a Santa’s grotto is part of a number of separate attractions, it is highly likely the rules on events will apply.

Anyone attending or organising an event this festive period is asked to visit the Welsh Government guidance at https://gov.wales/guidance-for-tourism-and-hospitality-businesses-coronavirus-html#section-56295

Denbighshire County Council’s notification process is designed to make it easier for you to contact officers directly when organising an event.

In the current circumstances, please ensure that you have read Welsh Government guidance before making an event submission via http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/forms/events-notification-form.aspx

All captive birds to be kept indoors, advises county council

According to Denbighshire County Council, following incidents of avian flu in wild birds in Wales, anyone who keeps poultry or other captive birds must house them indoors from Monday, December 14 and keep a close watch on them for any signs of disease.

This follows the introduction of an All Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in November and is in line with action to prevent the further spread of the disease across the UK.

This requirement to house birds indoors applies to birds kept as pets as well as those for commercial use.

Housing birds indoors will not reduce the risk of disease if it is not combined with the most stringent biosecurity practices. 

As such, all keepers are advised to conduct a self-assessment of their biosecurity measures. 

This will provide keepers with the evidence needed to ensure they have done all they can to meet the Prevention Zone requirements.

* You can find out about the biosecurity measures you should be taking here https://gov.wales/avian-influenza

If you have any concerns about your birds please contact your vet for advice.

Covid-19 vaccine to be rolled out across Wales from today

The first COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled-out across Wales from today (Tuesday), the Welsh Government has confirmed.

Wales was the first country in the world to receive supplies of the vaccine last week, and has today become one of the first to begin protecting people against coronavirus.

The Welsh Government and NHS have been preparing for today since June.

The start of the vaccination programme comes just days after the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the first Covid-19 vaccine for use in the UK, confirming its safety and effectiveness for mass vaccination centre use, based on a detailed independent expert review of the results of largescale clinical trials.

Some 40 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be available across the UK, with Wales getting its allocation based on its population. In the first wave of vaccine deliveries, Wales will receive almost 40,000 doses, enough for nearly 20,000 people.

All health boards will start administering vaccines to care home staff, those over 80 years and frontline health and social care workers most at risk – over 6000 doses will be given by the end of this week.

Despite the specific storage and preparation challenges posed by the vaccine, work continues to ensure a safe deployment of effective vaccine to care home residents.

First Minister Mark Drakeford, said: “Last week, Wales was the first country in the world to receive supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine. Today, I’m very proud Wales has become one of the first countries in the world to begin the roll-out of the vaccine to its population.

“2020 has been a very difficult year for all of us. This vaccine is a small glimmer of light at the end of what has been a long and dark tunnel.

“But the fact we have a vaccine does not mean we can stop doing those things that keep us safe. We must all continue to do our bit to prevent the spread of coronavirus: regular hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a face covering where required to protect yourself and others.”

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Vaccines can take many years, even decades, to develop. The fact that a safe and effective vaccine has been developed in less than year is a remarkable tribute to all scientists and researchers around the world who have worked so hard to find a vaccine for COVID-19.

“We have been working really hard to plan for its arrival. Today, the first people in Wales will receive the vaccine. This is the positive news we have all been waiting for.

“We will now do everything we can to ensure we successfully deliver the COVID-19 vaccine across Wales in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

SM impressed by progress of new Corwen station

* Mark Isherwood SM, left, with project leader Richard Dixon-Gough at the new Corwen station.

The Covid-19 pandemic has not prevented progress on an "exciting" Denbighshire rail project which is on track to be completed next year, according to North Wales Senedd Member Mark Isherwood.

Mr Isherwood has supported Llangollen Railway’s Corwen Station Project from the start and followed progress with regular visits.

On Friday he made his latest visit and was impressed by all that has been achieved since he was last there in February.

He said: “I always enjoy my visits to Llangollen Railway’s Corwen Station Project and each time I am amazed and impressed by the extent of the development of the platform and facilities, and this time was no different.

“I was last there at the beginning of the year, and what has been achieved since then, in the midst of a pandemic, is incredible. 

"The island platform is essentially now complete with its block paving surface, and the historic columns and steel work for the waiting room are all in place, along with heritage items with the name board and lamp posts. There is further work to complete in the new year, but they are on course with everything.

“All the volunteers, staff and supporters involved deserve huge praise for what has been achieved, particularly in these challenging times. I am now looking forward to prospects for the station opening in 2021 and revisiting to see the finished article.”

Richard Dixon-Gough, Corwen Project leader, said: "We are pleased that Mark was able to find the time to visit the station site for a catch-up with the work completed during 2020, despite the limitations imposed by Covid-19, and his appreciation of the work undertaken by our volunteers and the financial help from our many supporters."

During Mr Isherwood’s visit, the railway's financial position and the need for support was also discussed.

He said: “Although Covid-19 coronavirus restrictions are preventing Llangollen Railway from receiving any income, it is still having to find £40,000 every month to pay for its ongoing overheads.

“It has been an extremely challenging year for them and I therefore encourage people to support them. Donations to safeguard and support this wonderful heritage railway can be made to the Llangollen Railway Trust and shares in the Railway can also be acquired.”

* The online appeal can be accessed by visiting: https://llangollenrailway.enthuse.com/cf/covid-19-appeal

Latest pandemic updates from Welsh Government

 

Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government are:

• Guidance on Christmas bubbles: https://gov.wales/making-christmas-bubble-friends-and-family
• The Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund is providing essential support to theatres, music venues, heritage sites, libraries, museums, galleries, archive services and independent cinemas, right across Wales: https://gov.wales/cultural-recovery-fund-essential-support-making-difference
• The Welsh Government has announced plans for the safe return of students to Welsh universities after the Christmas break.
• Students will be invited to return to campus over a four week period, starting from 11 January, with a phased return to in-person teaching. Universities will prioritise students who most need to return early, such as those studying in healthcare professions, those on placements or who need access to campus facilities. 
• https://gov.wales/plans-safe-return-students-welsh-universities-new-year
• Guidance: https://gov.wales/managed-movement-students-person-teaching-and-learning-january
• A Technical Advisory Group report about the pre-Christmas non-pharmaceutical interventions, which includes a section about hospitality, is published today: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-group-statement-regarding-non-pharmaceutical-interventions-pre-christmas-period  

 

• Technical Advisory Group report Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Saunas and Steam Rooms and Risks from Covid-19: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-group-swimming-pools-hot-tubs-saunas-and-steam-rooms-and-risk-covid-19 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 2,021 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 91,013 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Sadly, there were two further deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 2,711.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 
• Public Health Wales is publishing the bi-weekly local authority review of coronavirus cases, which includes details of infection rates in people under 25 and over 60 – the report is available under the local authority tab on the surveillance dashboard: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 14 days from when your symptoms started.
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus. You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus#section-38136 

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance  

• 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 interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Health Minister Vaughan Gething held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1335920979847987201

o   Slides from the press conference are available at: https://gov.wales/slides-and-datasets-minister-health-and-social-services-coronavirus-briefing-7-december-2020

 

Railway's bridge appeal hits its £15,000 target

 

* Thanks to a successful appeal Dee Bridge can now be repaired.

The appeal to raise enough cash to repair a Victorian bridge vital to the running Llangollen Railway has reached its target.

As llanblogger revealed in October, the railway put out an urgent call to its supporters for £15,000 to revive Dee Bridge, built in 1865 and now in desperate need of new timbers if it is to continue to carry services over it next year.

In a Facebook post fundraising officer Paul Bailey said at the time: "If we are to run trains over the Dee Bridge next year we first have to renew the timbers on the bridge.

"This work, including purchasing the timbers, is costing £15,000 - monies the railway currently has not got.

"We have therefore launched an appeal to raise these monies without which we will not be able to carry out the necessary repairs to run train services in 2021."

Now a railway spokesperson says Mr Bailey has announced the total was reached last Friday and already been used to pay for 18 new lengths of profiled timbers for the bridge repairs.

The spokesperson added: “This past week has seen a volunteer workforce lift the track from the three-span bridge and remove the old timbers ready for a reassembly exercise in the new year.”