Author: Chris

Key messages

• Changes to restrictions from 6pm tonight (Friday, December 4)…
• Travelling between Wales and England…
• Christmas bubbles…
• Vaccines save lives…
• Trusted sources of info…
• Financial support if you’re self-isolating…

It’s been good news this week, with the UK ready to start rolling out its mass vaccination programme.

So at last – after months of sacrifice and hardship – there is hope. And we can look forward to Christmas knowing that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

But we need to hang in there for a little bit longer, and keep doing everything we can to limit the spread of the virus.

Because rolling out the vaccination will take time, and the effort we’ve all made during these past few months will be wasted if we stop being careful now.

Last week, Welsh Government First Minister Mark Drakeford made it clear that coronavirus is on the increase again…and that we all need to make a big effort to keep Wales as safe as possible this Christmas.

To help do that, Wales will introduce new restrictions at 6pm tonight (Friday, December 4) – affecting pubs, restaurants and other hospitality and entertainment venues, as well as travel into ‘tier 3’ areas in England.

The measures will be reviewed by December 17.

What will change?

From 6pm tonight, the following restrictions will apply:

• Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will have to close by 6pm and will not be allowed to serve alcohol.
• After 6pm they’ll only be able to provide takeaway services.
• Indoor entertainment venues – including cinemas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, soft play centres, casinos, skating rinks and amusement arcades – must close.
• Indoor visitor attractions – such as museums, galleries and heritage sites – will also have to close (this includes Wrexham Museum and the galleries at Ty Pawb).
• Travel between Wales and ‘tier three’ areas in England will not be allowed (rules in England vary from place to place under its three-tier system).

Welsh Government has announced a range of financial support for businesses affected by the changes.

What do you need to do?

There are no other changes, and the basic advice for individuals is the same…limit the number of people you mix with, stick to social distancing, keep your hands clean and wear a face-mask when required.

You can download the new Welsh Government flyer for more tips on how to stay safe this winter.

And if you have any symptoms, apply for a test immediately and follow the self-isolation guidance.

If you’re unsure about any of the current rules and restrictions in Wales, you can view them on the Welsh Government website.

Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

Travelling between Wales and England

Because Wrexham is right on the Welsh-English border – next to Cheshire and Shropshire – you might wonder about travel restrictions.

As explained, travel between Wales and ‘tier three’ areas in England will not be allowed from 6pm tonight.

However, both Cheshire West and Shropshire are in ‘tier two’ at the moment, so you can continue to cross the border into these English counties. However, before you do, you should think carefully before you travel, and ask yourself if you should.

Some of our communities sit right on the border and might share facilities – shops, petrol stations and so on – with neighbouring villages in England.

In these instances, it’s often a case of applying common sense and working out what feels like the most sensible option.

As Welsh Government says…think about what you should do, not just what you can do.

Christmas bubbles

From December 23 to 27, travel restrictions will be lifted and three households will be able to form a ‘Christmas bubble.’

The rules will apply across the UK.

It’s welcome news for many of us, but there’s always an increased risk of catching or spreading the virus whenever we come together.

So please continue to be as careful as possible, and look after yourself and your loved ones.

Vaccines save lives

Vaccines have saved millions of lives, and helped combat many diseases – including polio, measles, diphtheria and tetanus.

If enough people are immunised, it’s possible to reduce – or even eradicate – many diseases.

And it’s important to note that vaccines are only rolled out to the UK public once they’re proven to be safe and effective.

Find out more about the Covid-19 vaccine on the Public Health Wales website.

Trusted sources of info

Misleading claims about coronavirus are always a worry.

Only recently, there were reports of ‘conspiracy theory’ leaflets being pushed through letter boxes in parts of Wales.

So more than ever, we need to protect ourselves from disinformation. Here are three things you can do…

• Get your information from trusted sources.
• Question content that makes you react strongly.
• Think about the motives of those sharing the content, or the source of the content.

Financial support if you’re self-isolating

If you’ve had to isolate at any point since October 23, you might be entitled to a support payment of £500.

There are two types of payment – both designed to help people on low incomes who’ve been told to isolate, but can’t work from home.

£500 Self-Isolation Support Payment

You might qualify for this if:

• You’ve been told to stay at home and self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) service – either because you’ve tested positive or you’ve recently been in close contact with someone whose tested positive.
• You’re employed or self-employed.
• You’re unable to work from home and will lose income as a result.
• You or your partner are receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.

£500 discretionary payment

In exceptional circumstances, councils can make a £500 discretionary payment to a person who meets the above criteria, but doesn’t receive any of the benefits mentioned (Universal Credit etc).

This is for people on low incomes who face financial hardship as a result of not being able to work while isolating.

If you think you might be eligible, you can apply on the council’s website.

Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe.

[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]

What you need to do from Monday

This Monday (November 9), the two-week national firebreak lockdown will come to an end in Wales.

We now need to make sure the effort we’ve all put into the lockdown isn’t wasted, and that we keep taking steps to keep each other safe.

So from Monday, these are main things Welsh Government is asking you to do:

• Stay out of each other’s homes, except in very limited circumstances.
• Limit the times you leave your home, and the distance you travel.
• When you do leave home, try not to see too many different people.
• Maintain social distancing, including outdoors.
• Meet people outdoors rather than indoors where possible.
• Work from home if you can.
• Wash your hands regularly and follow other hygiene advice.
• Self-isolate if you show symptoms.

You can find full guidance on the Welsh Government website.

What will reopen in Wrexham?

In line with Welsh Government guidelines, the following facilities – which were closed for the lockdown – will reopen:

• All three recycling centres at Bryn Lane, Plas Madoc and Brymbo (pre-booking only at Brymbo – call 01978 801463 between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday).
• ‘Order and collect’ services at local libraries.
• Leisure centres, including Wrexham Waterworld and other Freedom Leisure venues.
• Community resource centre cafes.
• Tŷ Pawb car park and building.
• The Monday Market on Queens Square.
• The General Market.

Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will return to school on Monday, as previously planned (primary school and year 7 and 8 pupils returned earlier this week).

Non-essential retail, hospitality and tourism businesses will also be able to reopen, as well as places of worship.

Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

Part of the family? Don’t let the virus feel at home

One of the key reasons for the spread of the virus is household transmission.

In other words, people are passing it on to people they live with…or to other households they’re mixing with.

And one household can easily carry the virus into lots of different settings. The parents might take it to work. The son might take it to college. The daughter might take it to school. And so on.

So if anyone in your household does show symptoms, it’s important that you all immediately follow the self-isolation guidance from Welsh Government, and that you try to social distance and follow good hygiene practices in your home (washing hands, cleaning surfaces etc).

By doing this, you can limit the chances of the virus spreading within your household, and to other households.

And that could make a massive difference not just to you and your family, but to the whole of Wrexham, Wales and the UK.

If we do these things now, we have a better chance of keeping the virus under control until a vaccine is available…and can look to tomorrow with hope and optimism.

Other important info

Remembrance Sunday – please remember from home this year

This Sunday, the nation will pause to remember the men and women who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country.

But because of coronavirus, things will be different this year, and we’re encouraging you to remember from home by taking part in a two-minute silence from your doorstep at 11am, and by watching the commemorations online or on the television.

There will be no parade in Wrexham this year, and only a very small closed service at the RWF memorial at Bodhyfryd – limited to a handful of key people, including representatives from the Royal British Legion and armed services.

You’ll hopefully be able to watch the service on Wrexham Council’s Facebook page, and the national service from the cenotaph in London will be broadcast by the BBC.

READ MORE…

Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on everyone’s lives – not least those people who are vulnerable, and who’ve suffered financial and emotional hardship.

Many individuals and families who didn’t need our support before the pandemic, are now in need of urgent help from the council and its partners.

As a result, we’ve responded to the needs of local people and successfully acquired 19 units of supported accommodation in the form of an established bed and breakfast situated within the town centre at 36 Chester Road, Wrexham.

This will provide accommodation and ‘wrap around’ services to help get people back on their feet.

Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

The facility will be fully supported by an on-site team, and will be part of a wider portfolio of accommodation.

Although the pandemic has created hardship for many people, it’s also shown how communities can come together to help each other during difficult times.

Providing this accommodation and support for people who find themselves in desperate need of help, is another example of how Wrexham is pulling together to get through this difficult time.

Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]

Key messages

• What you need to do during the lockdown.
• What will close in Wrexham?
• What will stay open in Wrexham?
• Remember from home on Remembrance Sunday.
• Free school meal payments over half-term.
• Testing centre confirmed for six months.
• Covid-19 stats for where you live.
• Support for vulnerable persons.

The fire-break

On Monday, Welsh Government announced a two-week ‘fire-break’ lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The restrictions will take effect across Wales from 6pm this Friday and will end in the early hours of Monday, November 9.

So what do you need to do, and what will change in Wrexham exactly?

What do you need to do?

The basic message is simple. Stay at home.

This means you should:

• Work from home wherever possible. The only exceptions will be critical workers and jobs where it isn’t possible.
• Only leave home to exercise, or for essential purposes like shopping or medicine.
• Avoid gatherings with people you don’t live with – either indoors or outdoors. Although if you live alone or you’re a single parent, you can link-up with one other household for support.

What will close in Wrexham?

The following facilities will close for the lockdown:

• All non-essential retail, hospitality and tourism businesses.
• All leisure centres, including Wrexham Waterworld and other Freedom Leisure venues. Tennis and golf venues will also be closed.
• All libraries (including ‘order and collect’ services).
• All community centres (although some businesses and food take-away services will remain open at some of our community resource centres).
• All three recycling centres at Bryn Lane, Brymbo and Plas Madoc.
• Tŷ Pawb car park and building.
• The Monday Market on Queens Square.
• The General Market.
• Places of worship – except for funerals, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

Council services will focus on critical services (e.g. highways maintenance). Other services (e.g. dealing with planning applications) will be paused during the two weeks.

Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

What will stay open in Wrexham?

The following things will stay open:

• Parks, country parks, cemeteries and playgrounds.
• Childcare provision.
• Your bins and recycling will be collected as normal.
• The register office at the Guildhall will stay open for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, as well as births and deaths registrations.
• We’ll still carry out emergency repairs for council housing tenants.
• Wrexham primary schools will re-open as normal after half-term.
• Wrexham secondary schools will re-open after half-term for years 7 and 8, and for pupils sitting exams. Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will stay at home and use remote learning.
• The Butchers Market will stay open for food retailers.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for playing their part during this lockdown.

By coming together once again, and making another huge effort in Wrexham and across Wales, we can save lives and protect the NHS…just like we did in the summer.

Other important info

Remembrance Sunday – please remember from home this year

We’re encouraging you to take part in a two-minute silence from your doorstep at 11am on Sunday, November 8, and to watch the commemorations online or on the television.

Remembrance Sunday – please remember from home this year

Free school meal payments over half term

If your children qualify for free school meals and you’ve received a direct payment from us before, we’ll be making direct payments into your bank account to cover the half term.

The first payment will be made on Monday (October 26), and will cover the first week of the holiday.

If your children are at home for a second week (years 9, 10 and 11 of secondary school) we’ll make a second payment the following week.

Also, if your children have to isolate for 10 days at any point, please don’t worry…we’ll make payments to your bank account to cover the isolation period.

This will help you provide meals for your children while they’re at home.

If you have any questions or need any help, please get in touch.

Testing centre confirmed for six months

The new testing centre at the Memorial Hall will be here for at least six months…providing convenient local testing right into spring next year.

It’s the result of a real team effort by the council, Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, NHS Wales, the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care, the voluntary sector and other partners.

You’ll need an appointment before you attend the centre, and the Welsh Government website tells you how to apply.

You can also apply using the NHS Covid-19 app on your phone.

While you’re waiting for a test or your results, please follow the self-isolation guidance on the Welsh Government website.

Remember…only get tested if you think you have symptoms.

The testing centre at the Memorial Hall is a ‘drive to’…not a ‘drive through.’ So you’ll need to pay to park as normal when you go for your test if it’s before 11am (parking is free in council-managed town centre car parks after 11am).

You can pay using the JustPark mobile phone app…

Google Play

App Store

Covid-19 stats for where you live

You can now find more localised Covid-19 statistics for where you live.

The Public Health Wales dashboard breaks down the overall figures for Wrexham into smaller areas…for example Acton and Maesydre, Gresford, Marford and Rossett, Ruabon and Marchwiel.

The data shows that coronavirus isn’t confined to a few pockets in Wrexham…it’s across the county borough.

So we all need to work together to get the virus under control in our communities.

Take a look at the stats on the PHW website. Click on the tab that says ‘Cases by MSOA’ and use the ‘Local Authority’ drop-down box on the right to select Wrexham.

Support for vulnerable persons

The Welsh Government advice is that there’s no need for ‘shielded’ people to take any additional precautions.

However, in the event that you’re having difficulty and need assistance with obtaining food, prescriptions and care/social support please contact us:

Wrexham County Borough Council, The Guildhall, Wrexham, LL11 1AY
Tel 01978 292066
www.wrexham.gov.uk

We’ll arrange to put you in touch with our voluntary sector partners AVOW, or with our Social Care team, depending on the support you need.

One of the positive things to come out of the Covid-19 emergency is the way people have looked out for each other. However, there are some people who don’t have relatives or friends nearby, and don’t have anyone obvious to check they’re ok.

So during the two-week lockdown, we’re asking households across Wrexham to think about their neighbours – particularly anyone elderly or living alone.

Think about whether you’ve seen or heard them lately, and – if you’re concerned – try to check on them.

Give them a knock, or pop a note through the letterbox…but make sure you stick to social distancing rules and keep at least two metres away.

Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]