Latest Covid-19 update from the Welsh Government

Latest update on Covid-19 from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, is:

·         All health boards in Wales have confirmed today that they have offered a booster vaccination appointment to all eligible adults: https://gov.wales/all-eligible-adults-offered-booster-covid-19-vaccination-wales

·         Changes to self-isolation: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-changes

o   Self-isolation – what you should do: https://gov.wales/self-isolation

o   What to do if you have tested positive for Covid-19: https://gov.wales/contact-tracing-if-you-have-tested-positive

o   What to do if you are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive: https://gov.wales/contact-tracing-if-you-have-tested-positive

 

·         Wales is at alert level two: https://gov.wales/alert-level-2-summary

o   Frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/alert-level-2-frequently-asked-questions

o   Guidance for the public: https://gov.wales/alert-level-2-guidance-public

o   Guidance for employers, businesses and organisations: https://gov.wales/alert-level-2-guidance-employers-businesses-and-organisations

·         Watch our short film: Reducing your risk of catching Covid – the Swiss Cheese Approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgQj2jAsVFE

 

·         Advice for schools and settings to support children and young people with higher clinical risk and clinically extremely vulnerable adults: https://gov.wales/children-and-young-people-higher-clinical-risk-and-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-adults-guidance

 

·         Testing of healthcare workers: https://gov.wales/covid-19-testing-healthcare-workers

Coronavirus in numbers

·         The latest figures published by Public Health Wales show there were 10,393 newly-reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 632,125 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

o   There were 11 deaths reported by Public Health Wales. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 6,567.

o   These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection/viz/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary   

·         The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is published every weekday by Public Health Wales.

o   The latest figures show 2,490,223 people have received their first dose.

o   2,302,282 people have had two doses of the vaccine.

o   To date, 1,626,146 people have had their booster dose of the vaccine.

o   https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection/viz/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

o   For more information about getting your Covid-19 vaccine: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination

o   Can you support the vaccination programme? More information for NHS staff and volunteers at: https://heiw.nhs.wales/jobs/nhs-wales-covid-19-vaccination-team-returning-healthcare-professionals/

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 up to 10 days from when your symptoms started.

·         Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation

o   You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test

o   You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result. 

Where to find the latest information

·         Wales is at alert level two. More information is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-2

·         Our latest Coronavirus Control Plan, setting out the longer-term plan for Wales is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-autumn-and-winter-2021-update  

·         Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws

·         For more information about getting your Covid-19 vaccine: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination

·         Can you support the vaccination programme? More information for NHS staff and volunteers at: https://heiw.nhs.wales/jobs/nhs-wales-covid-19-vaccination-team-returning-healthcare-professionals/

Happy New Year/Blwyddyn Newydd Dda from llanblogger!

llanblogger wishes readers a Happy New Year/Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

Royal Mint unveils five new coins for 2022

* The five new 2022 coins from the Royal Mint.

The Royal Mint has just revealed five new coin designs for 2022 including a 50p and a £5 crown in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  

The release is the first chance for collectors to own a keepsake from the Platinum Jubilee collection, including the first 50p coin to celebrate a royal event. 

The commemorative £5 crown follows the tradition of marking previous jubilees on crown pieces, while a special edition platinum set has been added to the range, representing a fitting celebration of a momentous 70 years on the throne. 

The Royal Mint’s Annual Sets celebrate key events and anniversaries throughout the year, bringing milestones to life on a £5, £2 or 50 pence. Each of the coins features a new and unique design by a commissioned artist and the obverse portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, designed by Jody Clark.

The 2022 Annual Set will commemorate:

• The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen on a 50p
• The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen on a £5
• The Life and Legacy of Dame Vera Lynn on a £2
• The Life and Legacy of Alexander Graham Bell on a £2
• The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on a 50p

Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of the Consumer Division at The Royal Mint said: “Each year The Royal Mint unveils a series of commemorative coins to celebrate key milestones that helped shape Britain and this year’s Annual Set is particularly special with a new 50 pence, £5 crown and special platinum set in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“As the Original Maker of UK coins, The Royal Mint has been trusted to strike coins for Her Majesty throughout an historic 70 years on the throne and celebrated royal milestones such as previous Jubilees on commemorative crown pieces. The Platinum Jubilee celebration is a spectacular first for the British monarchy and for UK coin, and it is fitting that this historic anniversary has been celebrated on 50 pence – which is Britain’s most loved collectable coin.”

About the 2022 designs:

The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen 50p

Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated with a UK 50p coin – which is the first UK 50p to mark a royal event. Designed by Osborne Ross, the coin features a clean reverse design that comprises the number 70, The Queen’s cypher and the years that span her reign thus far.

The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen £5

Her Majesty the Queen’s remarkable 70-year reign will be commemorated on a £5 crown, designed by John Bergdahl. The coin features a fittingly regal design centralised by the quartered shield of the Royal Arms. The precious metals versions also include the edge inscription ‘SERVE YOU ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE’ in reference to Her Majesty’s unparalleled longevity as monarch.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dame Vera Lynn

Dame Vera Lynn’s iconic renditions of classic songs such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ earned her eternal residency within the hearts of many.  The reverse design of this UK £2 coin features a beautifully detailed portrait of Dame Vera as she appeared during the height of her fame.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell revolutionised the world of communication through the development of his magnum opus, the telephone, This UK £2 coin celebrates this brilliant inventor in the centenary year of his passing. Featuring a design by Henry Gray, the reverse of the coin shows the dial of a push-button phone, along with the words ‘PIONEER OF THE TELEPHONE’ cleverly inscribed on the buttons.

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

The summer of 2022 sees the Commonwealth Games return to the UK, promising a spectacular occasion for British sport. The reverse of this UK 50p features a design by The Royal Mint’s own Natasha Preece, who has captured the essence of Birmingham 2022 through a striking geometric design.

The 2022 commemorative sets will be available in a range of precious metal and base proof finishes, from 4 January at The Royal Mint website, with prices starting from £30. Each of the coins will be available individually in 2022, starting with the Platinum Jubilee coins which will launch on 6 January featuring a special commemorative obverse design to celebrate the momentous royal occasion.

Warning over scam email aimed at stealing your money

The North Wales Police Community Alerts network has just issued a warning about a fake supermarket chain email now doing the rounds.

It says: "Unfortunately scam messages are on the increase. 

"The latest one to come to our attention is a fake e-mail purporting to be from Asda claiming that you will get a £90 promo reward if you complete a survey. 

"The link leads to a website that is designed to steal your personal information and possibly your money.

"Please make sure that your friends, family and neighbours are aware that this is a scam.

"Also remember if you receive a suspicious email to forward it to the National Cyber Secirity Centre: report@phishing.gov.uk

"As of the 30th November 2021 the number of reports to them stood at more than 8,700,000 which has resulted in the removal of more than 68,000 scams across 127,000 websites."

Wales slashes Covid-19 self-isolation period

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting this afternoon (Thursday) that the Welsh Government has announced that people who have tested positive for coronavirus will only have to self-isolate for seven days.

The self-isolation period will be reduced from 10 to seven days, on the basis of two negative lateral flow tests taken on days six and seven, from tomorrow (Friday, December 31).

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the coronavirus situation has deteriorated in the last week as the omicron wave has arrived.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19816289.coronavirus-self-isolation-period-reduced-seven-days-wales/

Sharper Suzuki S-Class comes out from the shadows

Suzuki S-Cross first drive by Steve Rogers

Living in the shadow of a sibling isn’t easy so spare a thought for the Suzuki S-Cross.

It burst on to the scene when the Japanese company had a model shake up in 2014 and was meant to take over from Vitara as top dog.

Trouble was it didn’t bark loud enough and was the sort of car you walked past to get to the Vitara. It was not an ugly car, not even a bad car, it just lacked pulling power.

Seven long years later Suzuki has put it right with a new model that will put a smile on faces. Let’s not get carried away, S-Cross does not have the catwalk appeal of a Peugeot 3008 or a Hyundai Tucson but bolder, sharper lines and bang up to date LED headlight design means it is worthy of a kerbside glance.

It has been a tough old year for Suzuki, not that they are alone, with a dip in market share, some of it down to something as small as a semi conductor chip. There weren’t enough to go round and cars will not go anywhere without them.

That has been resolved and there will be plenty of S-Cross models in the showrooms when they go on sale next week.

Can S-Cross do better this time round? Sharper styling will make a difference but the biggest selling point is value for money. Suzuki has made S-Cross difficult to ignore by packing the Motion model with more kit than its key rivals. Auto dipping LED headlamps, keyless entry, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, smartphone connectivity and a heap of safety technology are the stand out trimmings.

Move up to Ultra and you gain all wheel drive, panoramic sunroof, nine inch touchscreen with navigation, 360 degree view camera and leather seats.

S-Cross is no bigger than before but Suzuki say better packing has freed up more cabin space and while it is no class leader legroom is ample with a full complement of adults.

Engine choice is limited to the 1.4 litre Boosterjet which is Suzuki’s description for a turbo charger, but don’t be put off because it loves big revs and has plenty of punch helped by a 48V mild hybrid unit that masks turbo lag, improves economy and lowers emissions.

Economy is another big plus for the lightweight S-Cross with monthly fuel bill savings for the front wheel drive manual ranging from £12 to £33 against nine competitors according to Suzuki stats. It also wins on lowest engine emissions.

There has to be a disappointment and with S-Cross it is the cabin trim. There is too much hard plastic which brings down the tone but realistically costs have to be cut somewhere and may be this is the least offensive area. Better that than giving up heated seats?

Suzuki is on a mission with S-Cross and has been boosted at being named top car brand for trust by the Institute of Customer Services. The company was third out of 260 organisations with Dacia the next closest car manufacturer at 28.

It helps the cause but it will be no easy ride given the level of competition. This is a fresh start for S-Cross and with ruthless pricing is tremendous value for money. The new Nissan Qashqai, featured earlier this month, is a nicer car to drive and to be in, but it cost a whopping £38 grand and you would not get anywhere near the same level of kit in a Qashqai costing the same as the 25k S-Cross Motion.

My choice on S-Cross would be the Motion because it has just about all that is needed although I could be tempted by the excellent 360 degree camera in the Ultra. Tough decisions all round.

Fast facts

S-Cross Ultra All Grip

6-speed auto

£31,149 (£29,999 manual)

0-62mph 10.2secs; 121mph

46.3mpg combined

139g/km. 1^st VED £210

Insurance group 22

Boot 430 litres

More help available to protect vulnerable women

* North Wales Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Wayne Jones at the North Wales Women’s Centre in Rhyl with, from left, Abby Lewis, office co-ordinator; Gemma Fox, Managing Director; and Yvonne Wild, Project Manager. Picture by Mandy Jones Photography.

A vital service protecting vulnerable women across North Wales is opening two new contact centres in Wrexham and Bangor to reach out to those in need..

The North Wales Women’s Centre, in Rhyl, was forced to close its doors during lockdown, preventing women using its drop-in service.

Now the centre has re-opened and is launching its new Pathfinder offices in Wrexham and Bangor.

The Pathfinder programme, which aims to help women at risk of offending, has been commissioned and paid for by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin.

It provides early intervention and support to vulnerable women, often with issues such as alcohol and substance misuse, mental health problems and family relationships, to reduce the number in the criminal justice system while helping them live safer, healthier lives.

Centre managing director Gemma Fox said: “These are places which are welcoming, warm, friendly places where women who have been through trauma can be reassured and have confidential conversations in a safe environment.

“We know these centres can encourage women to rebuild their lives and without the help of the Commissioner we just wouldn’t have been able to go ahead with the plans

“The return to face to face work will encourage women to seek out support again as during the pandemic that personal contact couldn’t be there.

“We are beginning to see an increase in demand and are expecting this to grow with the developing economic fallout of the pandemic and drops in benefits.”

North Wales Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Wayne Jones said: “We are very keen to support the ongoing work of the Centre to divert women out of the criminal justice system whenever possible.

“We know the impact a sentence can have on a family and that’s why we want to continue our support and we welcome the fact that the Centre is opening new bases in Wrexham and Bangor to make its services more accessible to women across North Wales.

“I know from my own experience how very, very helpful these services are to women at risk including those who come to the Centre and want to change their lives.

“They have an excellent record of supporting women who are in difficult situations and in diverting them away from prison.

“Covid has brought extra challenges with the reduction in face to face meetings but they have continued to do excellent work and it’s great that they can now develop services across North Wales.”

Yvonne Wild, Project Manager at the Centre, said: “Women come to us through different routes, not just referrals from police or those who have committed offences, but those also at risk of offending.

“They’re often those who are homeless or with alcohol or drug problems, victims of domestic abuse and those in financial difficulty, particularly with the reduction in Universal Credit.

“There are also people who have lost jobs, especially in an area like Rhyl which is one of the most deprived in Wales, but also in Bangor and in Wrexham where we get the most referrals.

“There has been an increase in the numbers seeking support with domestic abuse and housing problems that we are dealing with and it hasn’t helped that women have not been able to call in during lockdown.

“However we were delighted to restart our Wednesday drop in service in Rhyl in September where women can call by without an appointment.”

* To contact the North Wales Women’s Centre and for support go to https://northwaleswomenscentre.com/ or call 01745-339331.