News http://www.wlga.wales/news http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification mojoPortal Blog Module en-GB 120 no Further lockdown easing announced, as local government welcomes clarity for retail and tourism businesses Councils in Wales have welcomed clarity for shops and tourism businesses as outlined by the First Minister in his latest announcements of changes to restrictions.

Leaders have been in discussion with tourism bodies in recent weeks and met with Ministers earlier this week to discuss how we can unlock the visitor economy as safely and as soon as possible.

Non-essential retail shops will be enabled to reopen from Monday, provided they can take all reasonable measures to comply with the physical distancing legal duty.

 

Councillor Rob Stewart (Swansea), WLGA Spokesperson for the Economy said:

“It is thanks to all our collective efforts that we’ve managed to contain the spread of coronavirus and achieve this headway which will enable hard hit retail businesses to reopen, whilst observing the physical distancing legal duty to protect customers and staff alike.

“However, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the virus has not gone away and continues to be a potent threat to all of us. It is crucial that we all continue to comply with the Welsh Government’s rules in order to continue to halt the spread of this deadly virus.”

 

The Welsh Government has decided to lift the requirement to stay local on 6 July, if conditions allow, which will enable people to travel to tourist attractions across Wales. The First Minister alerted businesses to start preparations over the next three weeks to reopen, provided the virus continues to come under control.

Discussions will also be held with the hospitality sector about the potential phased reopening of pubs, cafes and restaurants while maintaining strict social distancing.

 

Councillor Huw Thomas (Cardiff), WLGA Spokesperson for Sports, Major Events and Tourism said:

“I welcome the announcement by the First Minister, which shows support to the hard-hit tourism sector while retaining a strong focus on safety. As we learn to live with the virus, we cannot afford to lose businesses and attractions which have helped to firmly establish Wales as a world-class visitor destination, and which contribute so much to local economies.

“The next few weeks will be important for businesses and local communities to work together constructively to ensure necessary arrangements are in place.”

 

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn (Gwynedd), Joint Chair of WLGA Rural Forum said:

“Tourism is one of the most important sectors in our rural communities, and we know that seasonal businesses who rely on visitors have been severely impacted by the uncertainty due to the crisis. The steps announced by the First Minister gives those businesses some clarity about the way ahead in the next few weeks. We will need to work together to ensure that our communities can gradually and extremely carefully start to welcome visitors whilst strictly observing Welsh Government guidance and rules.”

-ENDS-

 

NOTES TO EDITORS: Please click on the link for further details about the measures announced by the First Minister on Friday 19 June: https://gov.wales/first-minister-announces-further-steps-to-unlock-wales

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http://www.wlga.wales/further-lockdown-easing-announced http://www.wlga.wales/further-lockdown-easing-announced http://www.wlga.wales/further-lockdown-easing-announced Sat, 20 Jun 2020 12:12:00 GMT
COVID response “a marathon not a sprint” Council leaders have today welcomed the First Minister’s cautious approach in taking modest steps to gradually ease the lockdown in Wales.

From Monday, individuals from separate households within the same locality will be able to meet outside whilst maintaining the 2-metre social distancing rule.

All residents in Wales will be required to observe the new guidance set out by Welsh Government.

 

Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Leader said:

“I welcome the cautious approach set out by the First Minister in outlining the next steps in unlocking society. We know that many will have been concerned about not seeing family and friends over the last few months. The slight adjustment from Monday will enable people to have more interaction, but we must all continue to act responsibly and to adhere to the guidelines set out by Welsh Government.

“As we move into the next phase of the response, our nascent work to test, trace and protect will become critical to eventually overcoming the disease.”

“People across Wales have been brilliant in heeding the rules set out by the Welsh Government over the past few months, which has enabled us to flatten the curve. But the fight against coronavirus is a marathon not a sprint, and it still represents a threat to all of us. The R rate in some parts of Wales is till understood to be close to 1, which is why we still need to exercise caution.”

“The steps outlined by Welsh Government today offers limited permission for us to interact responsibly, rather than being an open invitation to behave recklessly. The choices we make now will have a great influence on our success in halting the spread of the disease. Don’t be the person who, in years to come, wishes they had done things differently. We must all act sensibly and responsibly to keep Wales safe.”

 

Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Education Spokesperson said:

“We know many parents and guardians will be worried about schools, which is why local authorities continue to work closely with the Welsh Government, Teaching Unions and other stakeholders. The safety of children, teachers and staff remains our top priority, and the Education Minister has consistently made clear that any decision taken will be guided by the latest scientific evidence.”

-ENDS-

 

Notes for Editors: Please follow the link for more information about the changes announced today by Welsh Government: https://gov.wales/stay-local-to-keep-wales-safe

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http://www.wlga.wales/covid-response-a-marathon-not-a-sprint http://www.wlga.wales/covid-response-a-marathon-not-a-sprint http://www.wlga.wales/covid-response-a-marathon-not-a-sprint Fri, 29 May 2020 12:17:00 GMT
“Ambitious” Welsh Government test, trace and protect plan vital to living with Coronavirus Responding to the Welsh Government’s plan to test, trace and protect, Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf) WLGA Leader said:

“Our lives have been profoundly impacted by COVID-19, and while we’re still learning about the behaviour of the disease, it is likely that we’ll have to learn to live it with it for a considerable time. Tracking and tracing the spread of the infection will be vital to enable us to do that, and to manage the current crisis.”

“The multi-agency plan set out by Welsh Government is ambitious and will require significant additional resources for it to be successfully delivered. Alongside specially trained council public protection officers, and partners in health, other non-clinical staff will need to be either recruited or redeployed to support the mammoth work to manage the disease in local communities. Welsh Government has recognised that this work will come at a cost, and councils will continue to work with Ministers to explore the implications and the funding required.”

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“Coronavirus is the biggest public health crisis we have faced in generations, and councils have well and truly stepped up to the plate to do all they can to help ease pressure on the health service and to care for the most vulnerable in our communities. Local authorities are eager to continue to support the national strategy by making use of local knowledge. Council public protection officers have a wealth of experience and know-how that they can share with colleagues at a national level to scale up contacting tracing efforts at pace. Councils will continue to work closely with Public Health Wales, Welsh Government and partners in health as we embark into the next phase of this emergency.”

“Although we are starting to see the fruits of all our efforts and personal sacrifices to minimise the spread of the disease, we are not in any way even close to being out of the woods. The threat posed by coronavirus has not diminished and we all need to continue to observe the guidelines by Welsh Government.”

-ENDS-

 

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http://www.wlga.wales/ambitious-welsh-government-test-trace-and-protect-plan-vital-to-living-with-coronavirus http://www.wlga.wales/ambitious-welsh-government-test-trace-and-protect-plan-vital-to-living-with-coronavirus http://www.wlga.wales/ambitious-welsh-government-test-trace-and-protect-plan-vital-to-living-with-coronavirus Fri, 15 May 2020 14:58:00 GMT
“Beware of Coronavirus fraudsters” Councils in Wales are urging residents to be vigilant amidst a reported rise in COVID-19 related scams.

Self-isolating elderly and vulnerable people in particular are at risk of being exploited by con artists claiming to offer help or support. Some residents have been targeted on the doorstep by bogus offers to help with grocery shopping, while other more elaborate schemes have been reported, including:

  • Companies offering fake holiday refunds for individuals who have been forced to cancel their trips.
  • Email scams that trick people into opening malicious attachments, which put people at risk of identity theft with personal information, passwords, contacts and bank details at risk.
  • Counterfeit sanitisers, face masks and COVID-19 swabbing kits, which are often dangerous and unsafe, sold online and door-to-door.

There have also been reports of cold calling scams and loan sharks preying on the increase in financial insecurity.

 

Councillor Matthew Dorrance (Powys), WLGA Spokesperson for Community Safety said:

“At a time when so many of our residents are already alone, anxious and afraid, it is sickening to see unscrupulous individuals preying on the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“Plans are in place by councils and partners to help those in need of additional support in this difficult period. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, and to speak to trusted friends or family before responding. We would encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to their local authority, the Police, or Action Fraud.”

 

Councillor Dafydd Meurig (Gwynedd), WLGA Spokesperson for Regulatory Services said:

“Keeping people safe and well is our absolute priority, and Trading Standards teams and the Police are working closely in partnership to protect the public from being exposed to such unscrupulous behaviour.

“Councils are fully committed to do everything they can, and use all powers available to them, to ensure that the criminals responsible face the toughest possible penalties.”

For more information and advice, please visit your local council website.”

 

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:

Members of the public who have been targeted by a scam can report this to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For advice and information on how to check if something might be a scam, people can contact Citizens Advice online: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/.

 

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http://www.wlga.wales/beware-of-coronavirus-fraudsters http://www.wlga.wales/beware-of-coronavirus-fraudsters http://www.wlga.wales/beware-of-coronavirus-fraudsters Sat, 18 Apr 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Further action to protect people at highest risk from coronavirus The Welsh Government is contacting people in Wales who have been identified as being at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

Each person will be given specific advice about how they can protect themselves, based on their individual medical history and health needs.

The letters, which are currently being sent out, will include clear advice to stay at home for 12 weeks, and will list the medical, practical and emotional support available.

Wales’ 22 local authorities and the Welsh Government have been working closely with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) to ensure everyone who receives the letter and needs support will be able to access it in their local community.

The letter will reassure people their ongoing medical needs will continue to be met. It also contains information about how people can manage their existing health condition while staying at home and avoiding close contact with other people. It includes advice about getting prescriptions delivered and accessing support for daily living.

People in Wales who live with certain, long-term health conditions are at a much greater risk of developing serious complications if they are exposed to coronavirus. This includes, for example, those who have received organ transplants, and those who are living with cystic fibrosis and some types of cancers of the blood or bone marrow.

Some people – but not all – who are receiving certain types of drug treatments, including those which suppress the immune system, are also in this group of very vulnerable people.

 

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said:

This is very worrying time for people with existing health issues.

We are directly contacting everyone in Wales who is at risk of developing a serious illness from coronavirus to provide clear and tailored advice about how you can best protect yourselves.

We are doing everything possible to keep you safe during this outbreak. But we need your help.

If you receive a letter, it is really important you follow the guidance to stay safe and well. Don’t leave your home, or invite anyone into your home, unless it is absolutely vital. 

The public’s support in this effort is crucial. It’s really important everyone follows the guidance about staying at home and social distancing, even if they are normally fit and well and don’t feel at risk. Thousands of people in Wales have serious health issues which makes coronavirus particularly risky for them – everyone can do their bit to reduce the spread of the virus.

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

We know many people will be worried at this time of enormous uncertainty. We are determined to ensure that those who are more vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus are given all the protection and support that they need. Local authorities, the voluntary sector and other partners are working closely together to make sure that a comprehensive support package is in place for these people during this time. However, in order for us to do that, it’s important that anyone who receives the letter takes the advice seriously.

Every single one of us have our part to play. By following social distance guidelines, and obeying the measures set out by the Prime Minister and First Minister last night, we give ourselves and everyone else the best protection possible against the virus. It really is as simple as this: stay at home, save lives.

 

Ruth Marks, CEO of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action said:

The WLGA, in conjunction with WCVA have produced guidance for Local Authority Contact Centres which will enable people who have received the letter who are over 70 and in the risk categories to signposted them to key third sector organisation to access care and support services to enable them to stay safely at home.

 

The guidance for people at the highest risk is:   

  • Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;  
  • Do not leave your house for at least 12 weeks unless it is absolutely vital. 
  • Visits from carers or healthcare workers, who would normally come and help with your daily needs or social care, will be able to carry on as normal.
  • Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example family homes, weddings, parties and religious services.   
  • Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel. and, Food or medication deliveries, should be left at the door to minimise contact.  
  • Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.  

Use telephone or online services to contact your GP practice or other essential services as and when you need.  

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http://www.wlga.wales/further-action-to-protect-people-at-highest-risk-from-coronavirus http://www.wlga.wales/further-action-to-protect-people-at-highest-risk-from-coronavirus http://www.wlga.wales/further-action-to-protect-people-at-highest-risk-from-coronavirus Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:57:00 GMT
Councils’ plea to residents: “Don’t wish you’d done things differently. Stay at home. Save lives.” Council leaders are urging residents to obey strict government curbs on our daily lives in response to the increasing Coronavirus pandemic.

Services such as health and social care are being overwhelmed by the unprecedented pressures that are being put on them due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Local authority enforcement teams will play a vital role in working with the police in ensuring that the measures are adhered to by all residents.

 

Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Leader said:

“Over the past few days, residents have been asked to make sweeping changes to their daily lives, in order to slow the spread of the virus, protect vital services and save lives. As the First Minister made clear last night, the time has come for us all to do more.

“Key council staff are working tirelessly and playing a vital role in the huge response efforts, and I would like to thank all of them for the work that they have done and will continue to do in the coming months. The coronavirus outbreak poses a severe threat not only to us as residents but also to the ability of services, such as social care and health, to continue to be there for us when we need them most.

“If there is anybody at all in Wales who still thinks that they’re somehow exempt from shouldering this responsibility, my fellow council leaders and I say to them: think again. No ifs, no buts. This is down to all of us - every single resident in this country without exception – to protect ourselves, each other, our families and our communities from harm.

“Council enforcement teams will be working closely with the police and are prepared to use all enforcement powers available to them to ensure that the measures are fully observed in all parts of Wales.”

“This is an historic moment for our communities. Our children and grandchildren will ask us about this period in years to come. Don’t be the person who has to tell them ‘I wish I had done things differently’.

“Not often in times of crisis does every single person have the chance to help to end it – but that is certainly the case today: Stay at home. Save lives.”

 

-ENDS-

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http://www.wlga.wales/dont-wish-youd-done-things-differently-stay-at-home-save-lives http://www.wlga.wales/dont-wish-youd-done-things-differently-stay-at-home-save-lives http://www.wlga.wales/dont-wish-youd-done-things-differently-stay-at-home-save-lives Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:58:00 GMT
Coronavirus: Joint Statement by ADSS Cymru and WLGA The Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru (Wales) and the Welsh Local Government Association have praised the continued dedication and professionalism of social care workers caring for the most at-risk citizens; and are emphasising the need to ensure virus testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are issued to frontline care workers.

 

President of ADSS Cymru, Sue Cooper said:

“Our social care staff are working tirelessly to provide vital care and protection to thousands of citizens in Wales who are at greatest risk of being impacted by Covid-19, in extremely challenging and fast-changing circumstances and we commend their continued commitment.

“We want to assure all citizens who receive care and support – be it at home, or in residential settings – and the families and friends of those who are relying on our services, that we are doing all we can to keep people safe and well-cared for. We know that this is a troubling time for many families who cannot be together for protective reasons, and our staff are doing their utmost to ensure people receive the best care we can give.

“Across all local authorities, we have emergency management processes in place and are working together with other services, including health and housing, to plan mitigating actions to overcome the challenges our services are facing.

“Nonetheless, it is vital that our frontline staff do receive testing, in the same way that healthcare staff are being tested, to enable them to carry on providing services. It is also essential that they have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure we can continue to deliver services safely, to keep people safe and well in our communities and reduce the impact as much as we can on frontline NHS services. We therefore strongly urge that virus testing and provision of PPE is extended to frontline social care staff.”

 

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“We know many people will be feeling concerned at the moment. Councils are working hard alongside partners in the public, third and private sectors to maintain social care services for those who need them. Demand on these services will rapidly increase as they will be used more and more to ease the pressure on the NHS in responding to the outbreak. If there are any former social care staff who would be willing to return to work to help in these efforts, I would appeal to them to get in touch with their local authority.

“Social care staff are undertaking a critical role at this time, like others in the health and care sector. They are keeping older people and children and young people safe, and providing a range of care and support to others, and I would like to thank them for the work that they have done and will be doing. We need to ensure that they are safe and well enough to work, which means they need to be able to protect themselves with personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate. We are calling for an extension of the testing regime as soon as possible to include social care staff so that people who are well enough to work can do so.”

 

-ENDS-

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http://www.wlga.wales/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-adss-cymru-and-wlga http://www.wlga.wales/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-adss-cymru-and-wlga http://www.wlga.wales/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-adss-cymru-and-wlga Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:30:00 GMT
Coronavirus: Joint Statement by WLGA and Welsh Government  

“We are facing a serious public health emergency, which has the potential to affect large numbers of people across Wales and to cause major disruption to normal daily life.

“We know people are worried. If we work together we can overcome challenges together.

“Local government services are at the heart of every community in Wales. They are relied on by children, adults and the elderly every day in every part of Wales. The coronavirus outbreak will have an impact on public services – as demand for key services will increase but there will be fewer people providing them.

“We are working together to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring local government has the support and resources it needs as we face this outbreak together.”

 

ENDS

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http://www.wlga.wales/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-wlga-and-welsh-government http://www.wlga.wales/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-wlga-and-welsh-government http://www.wlga.wales/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-wlga-and-welsh-government Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:38:00 GMT
​First Coronavirus case declared in Wales Council leaders met today with the Chief Executive of Public Health Wales to discuss the co-ordinated response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The first confirmed case was declared in Wales earlier today, after a patient had contracted the virus in Northern Italy.

Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

 

Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Leader said:

“Earlier today, local authorities received an update from the Chief Executive of Public Health Wales on the coronavirus situation in Wales.

“Councils are working closely with Public Health Wales, the NHS and the Welsh Government to implement the planned response.

“I’d like to assure residents that Wales, and the whole of the UK is well prepared for these types of incidents, with robust infection control measures in place to protect the health of the public.”

“Should any member of the public have any concerns, all the latest information and advice is available via the Public Health Wales website.” 

 

-ENDS-

 

Public Health Wales website is available on: https://phw.nhs.wales/

 

 

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http://www.wlga.wales/first-coronavirus-case-declared-in-wales http://www.wlga.wales/first-coronavirus-case-declared-in-wales http://www.wlga.wales/first-coronavirus-case-declared-in-wales Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:39:00 GMT