Dear resident,
I write six months on from the start of our emergency response to the Covid-19 Pandemic in the UK, and sadly the virus is still very much prevalent in our communities across Wales, and particularly here in South Wales at the moment.
Over the past few weeks we have seen the number of confirmed cases rising and this has meant that further restrictions have been introduced in those areas which are causing particular concern to the Welsh Government. There are currently further measures for people living in the county boroughs of Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taff. There are also other areas on the ‘watch list’ and we could see further restrictions should the trends continue. This has meant that as a Local Authority we are very much back in response mode; supporting our neighbouring authorities and remaining prepared for any changes within the Blaenau Gwent area should this happen.
Public Health colleagues are in a better position now than when the virus first hit earlier this year, they know more about it and we have a testing and tracing regime that means we can effectively track the spread in order to respond on a more local level.
Aneurin Bevan Health Board is also embarking on a major seasonal flu vaccination programme and campaign – please look out for more information on our digital channels soon.
It seems that in the majority of these clusters of new cases that simple human behaviour has played a big part, with people unfortunately not adhering to the measures that are in place for all our safety, especially in relation to large social gatherings.
So, my reason for writing today is to ask that everyone in Blaenau Gwent pulls together once again and works with us to try to halt this escalation in cases in Wales and any potential ‘second wave’. Sadly, it is inevitable that this will spread to more vulnerable people and those most at risk of severe consequences and illness. We do not want to lose more people to this awful virus.
Please keep up to date with the latest Welsh Government advice and follow the guidelines that are in place.
The headline messages are:
• Maintain the 2m social distancing outside of your extended household bubble. If you can’t do this, then please wear a face covering
• Remember, you can’t meet inside with more than six people from your extended household, this excludes children under the age of 11. This applies in pubs and restaurants as well as in people’s homes
• Up to 30 people can still gather outside but must maintain social distancing
• Practice good hygiene, washing hands frequently is still the best defence against Coronavirus
• Wear face coverings in public places, on public transport and in shops
• If someone in your household develops ANY of the recognised symptoms immediately self-isolate as a household and arrange for a test. More information on this here – https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus
• Participate in the Test, Trace Protect scheme if you are required to do so, this is the most effective way of tracking the virus in our communities and informing where tighter measures may be needed
• Continue to work from home if you can, this is supported by the Welsh Government and your employer should support this. Where you do attend a workplace your employer should have the necessary measures in place. You can report any concerns to our Environmental Health Department – environmental.health@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
I would also urge local businesses to continue to do their bit to keep our communities safe by complying with the regulations. I’m pleased that on the whole our businesses here in Blaenau Gwent have responded really well to what’s expected of them. I thank them massively for this as I know it’s not been an easy time to be a business owner with many adaptions to premises and working practices over the past few weeks and months. We are happy to work with businesses and provide support and advice in the first instance, however we will be checking that regulations are being followed and will not hesitate to take the necessary enforcement action for anyone that persistently flouts the rules and put others at risk.
In terms of council services, over the past few weeks we have been able to slowly re-introduce some of our services, and some that we host with partners. We have been bold in reshaping and reconfiguring services to allow them to operate, and much of this work has stood us in good stead for being a more modern organisation in the future, which was already a top priority of ours. Of course, we remain in a dynamic changeable period and we’ll keep you informed via our well established channels of any changes.
We have seen the return of pupils full-time to our schools and learning establishments. This has of course already had its challenges with learners and staff isolating after confirmed cases, but operating schools around Coronavirus is the new normal for us all and something we will have to get used to. We’ve worked positively with our schools to provide detailed operational guidance on re-opening and all have responded to the challenges head on, with one united cause in mind and that is maintaining the Education and the wellbeing of our children and young people.
We’ve seen a good attendance for the first two weeks back – around 85% - which I think shows a confidence in the measures in place and a recognition that Education must be a top priority.
A huge part of our work throughout the response to Covid-19 has been our work with our most vulnerable and shielding residents, which has been an outstanding response. We remain on standby should this work need to be resumed.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our council staff, our elected members; our partners and all the local volunteers for their professionalism and dedication to our communities during this time.
I think everyone would agree that another nationwide lockdown is not something any of us want. We will of course support what decisions are made in the country’s best interests, but let’s all come together to avoid that happening, together let’s Keep Wales Safe.
Thank you.
Councillor Nigel Daniels
Leader, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
Remember:
You can keep up to date with the latest Council service information here – https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/resident/emergencies-crime-prevention/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information/
You can also follow our social media accounts which are updated with relevant information:
• Facebook – @blaenaugwentcbc
• Twitter - @BlaenauGwentCBC
The latest advice & guidance can be found here:
• https://phw.nhs.wales/
• https://gov.wales/
• https://www.gov.uk/