Coronavirus update from the Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is: 

• More people will now be eligible to apply for the £500 Self-Isolation Support Payment, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James has announced.
• The scheme, which has been extended until June 2021, will now be open to applications from people with a personal income of less than £500 per week and those on Basic Statutory Sick Pay who have been asked to self-isolate by Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) service, the NHS Covid-19 App or by their child’s education setting.
• These changes, will make approximately 170,000 additional people now eligible for the payment, if they are asked to self-isolate and would lose income as a result.
• https://gov.wales/eligibility-criteria-self-isolation-support-payment-widened
• How to apply for self-isolation payment: https://gov.wales/find-your-local-authority-apply-self-isolation-payment         

• The Welsh Government has today, announced £1.3m to support the Urdd’s recovery and rebuilding following the coronavirus pandemic.
• The Urdd is one of Wales’ largest third sector employers, providing a wide range of  Welsh-medium  experiences and activities for young people aged 8 to 25, helping deliver the aims our Cymraeg 2050 strategy and supporting community, youth and apprenticeship programmes.
• https://gov.wales/funding-to-help-the-urdd-recover-and-rebuild
• Watch today’s press conference with Eluned Morgan, Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1362013064384548866 

• On Random Acts of Kindness Day, the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, sent a message of thanks to the thousands of volunteers and community helpers in Wales who have shown kindness to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic https://gov.wales/minister-thanks-waless-kind-communities-random-acts-kindness-day

 

• The Welsh Government’s third supplementary Budget has been published: https://gov.wales/written-statement-supplementary-budget-2020-21-1

 

• Latest Covid-19 Infection Survey results: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-infection-survey

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 374 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 200,166 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 5,175.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 807,351 people have received their first dose
• And 12,988 people have received two doses of the vaccine
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed

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 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus once you are self-isolating. 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 

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4 and the roadmap in and out of alert levels is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-alert-levels-wales

• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ and https://gov.wales/vaccine-coronavirus
• Want to join Wales’ vaccination team? https://gov.wales/join-covid-19-vaccination-team
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• 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, broadcast on BBC One Wales and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Eluned Morgan, Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language, held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1362013064384548866 

Statement on council's fresh backing for social distancing measures

* The social distancing measures on Castle Street.

Llangollen's mayor, Austin Cheminais, has issued a personal statement about the unanimous decision by the council at its meeting last night (Tuesday) to reaffirm its support for the temporary measures put in place in the town centre last November to aid social distancing.

This statement, which is the text of what he said during the meeting, says: "Way back in March 2020 Covid had only just arrived. 

"In an article in the Wrexham Leader an ex-County Councillor and Mayor of Llangollen alerted us to the dangers. 

"He described the potential risks posed by the large number of visitors we get in Llangollen, the risks to the vulnerable, the ill and the elderly, the need for everyone to follow the rules and the importance of us socially distancing and lockdown. 

"When reflecting on Government advice he stated that 'To not take note of what people are telling you is just stupidity'. He even went as far as to state, 'If I do catch it I will die.'

"Since March 2020 nothing has changed! We are all still just as vulnerable. The virus has mutated, and newer strains are easier to catch. Social distancing when we are out and about is as important as ever.

"We need to resist becoming complacent or dropping our guard. It’s serious! I have lost friends to Covid and have relatives working in Intensive Care Units, they put themselves at risk and every day they are watching people die!

"In July the Town Council considered the measures that Denbighshire County Council planned to take in response to Covid. 

"Denbighshire developed the plan for reasons of public safety following the pandemic and in accordance with Welsh Government regulations.

"The only part of the document we disagreed with was the use of Centenary Square and the area adjacent to the Town Hall where they wanted place tables and chairs.

"The plan contained a few measures but the temporary widening of the pavements to help with Social Distancing proved to be the most controversial.

"The plan was delayed and delayed because of objections and reviews!

"Throughout the Summer Llangollen residents asked me and other Councillors when something was going to be done to help them socially distance. 

"With the influx of visitors when lockdown was eased some residents told some of us that they didn’t feel safe and were afraid to go out! 

"Many residents complained about there being so many visitors in Town and the lack of any action to address the risks associated with Covid. The mantra being 'when is somebody going to do something?'

"The modifications including bolt-down kerbing weren’t completed till November 2^nd, whilst we were in lockdown.

"Apart from some brief respite we have been in Lockdown ever since. During the brief periods when we have been allowed out the response from the Llangollen residents I have spoken to has been largely positive with people feeling more secure and more able to safely socially distance if they wish.

"Unfortunately, the 'bollards' continue to be controversial. As Councillors we have recently received communications from those that want the barriers to be removed and others that want the barriers to stay.

"There have been at least 2 surveys that came up with different results. Both sides have argued the legitimacy of their particular point of view. We have even received emails from people who live in other parts of the UK who have a view on the bollards.

"All the discussion that has taken place recently has been within the bubble of Social Media.  

"I believe that to only rely upon Facebook and other Social Media platforms to seek the view of those who live in the Town disenfranchises the majority of Llangollen residents who don’t use the internet to communicate. 

"Unfortunately, because of current restrictions they don’t have a voice other than us and when we have had the opportunity to talk to them I believe they have overwhelmingly been in support of the measures taken.

"The barriers are not permanent, they are a temporary measure to help residents and visitors to Socially Distance.

"My reason for bringing this to the council tonight is that shortly restrictions will be lifted and we will again welcome hundreds and on some days thousands of visitors into our small town with its narrow pavements. 

"We have duty of care to keep residents and visitors safe and although not ideal the Denbighshire plan is trying to do that!

"I believe that it is an appropriate time, in light of the potential lifting of restrictions, for us to let Denbighshire County Council know that we still support the temporary measures put in place to make Llangollen more Covid Secure and I hope that Councillors support me in my Proposal.

"I propose that Llangollen Town Council reaffirms its support for the temporary widening of the pavements and other measures undertaken under the Local Sustainable response to Covid-19 and that the Clerk notify Denbighshire County Council and our County Councillors accordingly."

Cllr Cheminais explained that, according to the Town Clerk's reports, when the social distancing plan as proposed by Denbighshire County Council, came before the town council last July it was "proposed, seconded and resolved to agree to these proposals and that the Town Clerk be instructed to advise the County Council accordingly. Agreed with one abstention.”

* Cllr Cheminais has asked llanblogger to point out that this statement is issued on behalf of himself and not the town council.

Council gives guidance on disposing of your PPE

Denbighshire residents are being asked to dispose of single-use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings, in their non-recyclable waste container.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in the volume of single-use face coverings and other PPE, which cannot be recycled.

All single-use PPE, such as face masks or disposable gloves, should be treated like other products likely to have come into contact with the human body, such as tissues or baby wipes, and placed in the black bin or pink sack for disposal.

All Denbighshire’s non-recyclable rubbish is safely incinerated at a purpose-built facility in Deeside.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Thanks to the tremendous effort of our residents, almost two-thirds of the rubbish we produce in Denbighshire is recycled.

“In December, we had a record-breaking month delivering 1,214 tonnes of recycling from blue bins. For most of our rubbish, recycling is the best possible option and contributes hugely to the protection of our environment, which is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan. None of our black bin waste is sent to landfill, instead it is being used as a fuel to generate electricity.

“However, paper-based face coverings or masks cannot be recycled, even if the packaging suggests they can. It is vital all materials with which we have personal contact are placed in the black bins so they can be safely disposed of without further human contact. This is always the case, but it is especially important during this pandemic.”

If you are self-isolating, or there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, at home then the council says it will continue to collect your rubbish as normal. However, please ensure that any personal waste is double-bagged and allowed to stand for 72 hours before putting it out for collection in your black bin or pink sack.

The council also advises everyone wipes down the handles and lid of their collection bin before and after every collection and to thoroughly wash hands after dealing with any rubbish.

It adds that personal products that should be put in the black bin or pink sack include, but are not limited to, disposable masks, gloves, other PPE, tissues, paper hand towels, disposable wipes, cotton wool, cotton buds, disposable nappies, incontinence products, feminine hygiene waste, plasters, dressings, toothbrushes, combs or any item that has been in close proximity to any person in your household.

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government

 

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is:

• The Welsh Government will invest a further £15 million in educational technology for schools in the next financial year.
• The investment is the continuation of the Hwb EdTech programme, which has already seen an investment of more than £92m by the Welsh Government over the last two years, and will further support the transformation of digital infrastructure of all maintained schools in Wales.
• https://gov.wales/15-million-education-technology-schools-next-year
• Vaccination in Wales – weekly update: https://gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-programme-weekly-update-16-february-2021
• Coronavirus and Rural Payments Wales: https://gov.wales/rural-payments-wales-rpw-coronavirus-covid-19

 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 275 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 199,793 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Sadly, there were eight deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,145.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 795,927 people have received their first dose
• And 7,251 people have received two doses of the vaccine
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• The Office for National Statistics has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving Covid-19, for the week ending 5 February.
• The cumulative number of deaths involving Covid-19 in Welsh residents up to 5 February was 7,089.
• Of the deaths registered in the week ending 5 February, there were provisionally 314 deaths involving Covid-19. This was 47 fewer than the previous week. The number of registered deaths involving Covid has declined for three successive weeks.
• The number of deaths involving Covid decreased in all English regions and Wales for the most recent week.
• For the period 29 February 2020 to 5 February 2021, there were a total of 5,445 excess deaths (18%) above the five-year average.
• The excess death rate for Wales for this period was lower than in England.
• The numbers reported by ONS are different from those from Public Health Wales because of different reporting methods and timing.
• https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/latest

 

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 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus once you are self-isolating. 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
   

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4 and the roadmap in and out of alert levels is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-alert-levels-wales

• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ and https://gov.wales/vaccine-coronavirus
• Want to join Wales’ vaccination team? https://gov.wales/join-covid-19-vaccination-team
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• 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, broadcast on BBC One Wales and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

 

 

MP welcomes £650m support from UK Government for Wales

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has welcomed the announcement that the UK Government has provided the Welsh Government with an additional £650 million to support people, businesses and public services affected by Coronavirus.

He says the funding brings the total allocated to the Welsh Government since the start of the pandemic to £5.85 billion. 

That, he says, is on top of all of the other UK Government support packages including the furlough scheme, the Eat Out to Help Scheme and the different business loans.

In recognition of the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic and in response to calls for flexibility, the Welsh Government will also be able to carry over any of the £650 million not spent this year into the 2021/22 financial year on top of their existing tools to transfer funding between years.

However, Mr Baynes has called on the Welsh Government to now re-examine its proposed Local Government Funding Settlement for 2021-22, in which he says Wrexham Council is set to receive the second lowest funding increase in Wales of 2.3%.

Mr Baynes commented: “I’m very pleased that the UK Government continues to support Wales through the pandemic. This additional funding boost highlights the value of our United Kingdom. 

"It’s important now that this funding gets to businesses and individuals in Clwyd South and across Wales as we look to rebuild the UK economy.

“I would urge the Welsh Labour Government to spend some of this money on a more generous support grant for Wrexham Council which currently has the second lowest settlement in Wales despite having to deal the Covid crisis. The proposed increase of 2.3% for Wrexham compares to an average increase in South Wales of 4.17%, thereby reinforcing the unfairness of the North-South divide.

“This means that, with the heavy burdens of Covid-19, flooding, snow, increased social care and many other factors, Wrexham County Borough Council will be forced to increase Council Tax on residents by 6.95%, despite being a well-run Council. I therefore hope that the Labour Government in Cardiff will look again at the funding settlements for Wrexham Council.”

Latest Covid vaccination update from Llan Health Centre

Llangollen Health Centre have this evening put out a further Covid vaccination update on social media.

Their post on Facebook says: "We have now moved onto the next priority group which is patients aged 65 to 69 years old and yesterday held our first Covid vaccine clinic in Glyn Ceiriog.

"We have a very limited supply of vaccines over the next couple of weeks and so it may well be early March before we can complete vaccinating this group. Please bear with us – we will arrange clinics as soon as we are in receipt of sufficient vaccine.

"Also, we are being inundated with enquiries from patients who want to know if they fall into group 6 which is patients aged 16 – 64 with under underlying health conditions.

"Again, please be patient, we do not yet have a contract from the Health Board to vaccinate this cohort. When the contract comes it is likely to contain further guidance on who is included in this cohort."

Senedd Member praises NHS's 'monumental' Covid jab efforts

* Ken Skates MS with Thomas Halpin, project lead for the vaccination programme (East) and Karen Evans, Assistant Area Director and vaccination programme lead (East). 

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates praised the “monumental” efforts of NHS staff after a visit to Wrexham’s vaccination centre. 

The MS for Clwyd South was invited to join Mark Polin, Chairman of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, at the Catrin Finch Centre at Glyndwr University on Monday (February 15). 

The facility opened on January 26 as one of the health board’s Local Vaccination Centres and has already seen thousands of priority patients given their jabs. 

Mr Skates said: “The team are doing an incredible job and I’m really grateful to the health board for inviting me to go and see how things are going first-hand. I’ve had a lot of feedback recently from constituents saying how impressed they’ve been with the organisation and efficiency at the Mass Vaccination Centre in Deeside and here in Wrexham, and it’s clear to see why.” 

The centre has been open six days a week as the roll-out programme across North Wales continues to accelerate, and Plas Madoc Leisure Centre has also been lined up as a second LVC in Wrexham.

Mr Skates’ visit followed the news that Wales had become the first UK nation to reach the milestone of offering jabs to everyone in the first four priority groups. 

He said: “It really has been a monumental effort by everyone involved and it’s something we can all be immensely proud of. Betsi Cadwaladr was the first health board in Wales to hit 100,000 and it’s fantastic to see the roll-out up here going from strength to strength. They deserve huge credit.” 

Mr Skates added: “We hit our first milestone ahead of schedule, but no one is resting on their laurels. The next phase is already under way and the health board has begun offering appointments to people in priority groups five and six as well as arranging second dose appointments to all those in the first four groups.” 

The next phase of the roll-out will see vaccinations offered to people aged 65-69; people aged 16 to 64 with an underlying health condition; younger adults in residential care settings and unpaid carers who are looking after vulnerable people. 

Mr Skates added: “Arrangements are in place to make sure no one is left behind. If someone missed an appointment because they were ill, or they changed their mind about having the vaccine, a new appointment will be made for them."