To the residents of °¬²æAƬ,
Next Monday will be the end of the 17-day ‘firebreak’ period in Wales, which was introduced to try and regain control of Coronavirus during this second wave and to help drive down cases to prevent our NHS from becoming overwhelmed. It is too early to tell yet if this has made the difference that was intended, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in °¬²æAƬ for once again playing their part in doing what’s needed and helping to keep everyone safe.
We are still recording a high number of cases in the borough and so it’s extremely important that we don’t take our foot off the gas now, and that we continue to be vigilant and follow the rules for the remainder of the ‘firebreak’ this weekend, and over the next few weeks. The relaxation of measures next week is not an opportunity for us all to just go back to normal, we are still in a very serious position here in °¬²æAƬ with the number of cases, and I urge everyone to think seriously and carefully about their actions over the next few weeks so that we do not undo any of the good work and find ourselves facing tougher measures yet again.
Our Contact Tracing Team, part of the Gwent Test, Trace Protect Service, continues to be extremely busy due to the number of cases coming forward in the region. This service continues to be a vital way of tracking and slowing the virus, so thank you to everyone carrying out this essential work.
As I said we continue to have a high number of cases in °¬²æAƬ, and currently some significant clusters in parts of Tredegar. To help with this, a new temporary mobile testing unit has opened today in Tredegar. I would urge anyone with recognised symptoms to please arrange a test immediately. Remember, these symptoms can be mild. For more information about this please go to – /en/story/news/new-temporary-covid-19-testing-unit-opens-in-tredegar/
The First Minister of Wales has announced a new set of national measures which will come into force on Monday, 9th November. These include:
• Restaurants, cafes, pubs and gyms will be able to re-open with safety measures in place.
• People should visit restaurants, pubs and cafes in as small a group as possible and the regulations will allow groups of up to 4 individuals to meet in such a regulated setting. The 10pm end on alcohol sales remains in place.
• 2 metre social distancing and the wearing of face masks in enclosed public places, including on public transport and taxis, must continue
• People should continue to work from home where possible
• Two households only can form an extended ‘bubble’. If one person from either household develops symptoms, everyone should immediately self-isolate
• Up to 15 people can take part in an organised indoors activity and up to 30 in an organised activity outdoors, providing all social distancing, hand hygiene and other Covid safety measures are followed. These activities will not be able to involve the sale or consumption of alcohol. There will be a separate exception for up to 15 people to attend a reception for a wedding or civil partnership or a funeral wake, but these should involve a sit down meal.
• People should continue to avoid non-essential travel as much as possible. There will be no legal restrictions on travel within Wales for residents, but international travel should be for essential reasons only.
• While the England lockdown is in place, travel to and from England will be prohibited by English regulations unless it is for an essential reason such as work, or education.
• Churches and places of worship will resume services
• Community centres will be available for small groups to meet safely indoors
You can find out more information about the new measures here - https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance
These measures do of course still place some limitations on our daily lives, but are not as strict as pervious measures and ensure that, if we are all sensible, that we can do the things we need for our mental health and well-being.
Schools, colleges and childcare settings will remain open as normal and I know staff continue to work hard to make these safe environments for our children and young people. I would please urge all parents and carers to exercise the same caution and listen to your school’s advice in relation to attending school to drop off and pick up children. Remember – keep your distance!
The hospitality sector and non-essential shops will re-open with strict guidelines, and I know our officers will be working with businesses to offer support and guidance, and to call for improvements where necessary. This is good news for local businesses, the majority of which I know have responded well to what they have to do in order to keep their staff and customers safe at this time. The measures do allow for people to meet up in licensed premises but in a controlled and safe manner.
I know that there are still concerns about uncontrolled larger household gatherings, as we know that the virus thrives in this environment and that it is the ideal scenario for it to spread. Please be mindful of this and think about how your behaviour may impact on others.
In terms of Council services, you’ll be able to find the latest information here - /en/resident/emergencies-crime-prevention/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information/
We are also in the process of finalising the application process for the £500 Self-Isolation payment, and will be letting you know soon how to apply. This payment will help those on low incomes to self-isolate without the added financial worry, those who may otherwise attend work as they are concerned about not getting paid, or being paid very little.
I think the most important message at this time is for us to think about how we can all help to control this virus and to ask ourselves if what we are doing day to day is putting anyone at risk, and is it necessary.
Again, if you are struggling at this time and have no support, or you are concerned about someone in your community, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 01495 311556.
As a Council, we will continue to work with the Welsh Government; Public Health and Local Government colleagues across Wales to put the safety and wellbeing of our communities first.
Please remember that until next Monday the ‘firebreak’ measures remain in place.
Please let’s continue to work together to #KeepWalesSafe
Thank you,
Councillor Nigel Daniels
Leader °¬²æAƬ County Borough Council
• The NHS COVID-19 app is used alongside traditional contact tracing to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for coronavirus. You can download the NHS COVID-19 app from the App Store or Google Play Store. For more information on the NHS COVID-19 app visit www.covid19.nhs.uk
• For the latest information on council services go to - /en/resident/emergencies-crime-prevention/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information/
• Please follow us on:
Facebook – @blaenaugwentcbc
Twitter - @BlaenauGwentCBC
• The latest advice & guidance can be found here:
https://phw.nhs.wales/
https://gov.wales/
https://www.gov.uk/