This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog last week (5.6.20).
Key messages for today
- The Test, Trace and Protect programme continues to be rolled out across Wales. Follow Welsh Government’s advice, and help keep yourself and others safe.
- We know that many parents will be feeling uncertain about the arrangements for when schools reopen on June 29, and we want to assure you that the safety of children and staff is our priority.
- Free parking in council car parks has been extended until the end of September.
- Earlier this week, we lifted the temporary trailer ban at our household waste recycling centre at Brymbo.
- We’ve helped 1,945 businesses and sole traders in the county borough by providing £23m in business grants since lockdown began. If you haven’t done it yet, make sure you apply by June 30.
Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive
Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council
Test, Trace and Protect…it’s important we all do our bit
As you probably know, Welsh Government has been rolling out the Test, Trace and Protect programme since June 1.
The aim is to lead Wales out of the pandemic through enhanced health monitoring in the community.
This includes testing and ‘contact tracing’ – which involves tracing people who’ve come into contact with someone with an infectious disease, and advising them on what to do (e.g. get tested, self-isolate).
So if you’ve been in contact with someone whose been confirmed as having Covid-19, you might receive a call from a ‘contact tracer.’
The programme is hugely important for Wales, and it’s important we all co-operate and do our bit.
Follow Welsh Government’s advice…and help protect yourself, and others.
It’s important to get a test if you have one of the following symptoms: a persistent cough; high temperature or loss of taste or smell.
You can book an appointment at your local testing centre online.
Visit https://t.co/p9hbI7A946 for more information. pic.twitter.com/UanGfxx3yi
— Wrexham Council (@wrexhamcbc) June 10, 2020
Protect yourself against fraud
It’s also worth being on your guard against potential fraud – from people pretending to be contact tracers. Again, follow Welsh Government’s advice…
Please be vigilant for any signs of cyber security, spoofing, phishing or fraud. A contact tracer will never ask you for information aside from your contact list. If you have any doubts, then you should not provide the information. pic.twitter.com/m3zioDe8aU
— Wrexham Council (@wrexhamcbc) June 8, 2020
More info about schools reopening on June 29
Last week, Kirsty Williams – Welsh Government’s Minister for Education – announced that schools will reopen for four weeks on Monday, June 29.
We know that many parents will be feeling uncertain about the arrangements. That’s completely understandable, and we want to assure you that the safety of children and staff is our priority.
Not all pupils will attend every day, and no more than up to a third will be in school at any one time.
Class sizes will be smaller and schools will endeavour to apply social distancing.
The aim is to give pupils a chance to “check in, catch up and prepare for summer and September.”
So your children won’t be following their usual timetables or curriculum – it’s all about supporting their wellbeing and preparing them for the autumn term.
“Do I have to send my children back?”
The Minister says she expects pupils to attend, in line with whatever arrangements each school puts in place between June 29 and July 24.
However, she’s also made it clear that if parents decide not to send their children, there won’t be any penalties.
When you’re contacted by your school, you’ll be asked to confirm if your child will be attending on their allocated days. It’s really important you respond, as this will help the school with its planning.
If your child qualifies for free school transport, you’ll also be asked about this – to help us work out what’s possible with transport contractors.
Planning for June 29 is a huge task, and we’re sure you appreciate there’s a lot to consider.
But please be assured that the safety of your children is our priority, and we’ll be writing to parents again when we have further guidance from Welsh Government.
GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES
Free parking extended
Free parking in council car parks has been extended until the end of September.
We stopped charging people when the coronavirus emergency first kicked-in – to support key workers and people making essential journeys to buy food and pick up medicine.
Earlier this week, councillors who sit on our Executive Board agreed to extend the arrangement until the end of September.
By doing this, we hope to support any businesses in the town centre that are able to open in the coming weeks and months, as we recognise this has been a tremendously difficult period for many shops and their employees.
Trailer ban lifted at Brymbo recycling site
Earlier this week, we lifted the temporary trailer ban at our household waste recycling centre at Brymbo.
The new booking system is working well, so we’re able to start accepting trailers again.
To book a slot at the Brymbo site, call 01978 801463. You don’t need to book a slot at the Bryn Lane and Plas Madoc sites.
Thank you for following the rules at our recycling centres, and helping to keep everyone safe.
Could this money help your business? Apply by June 30
We’ve helped 1,945 businesses and sole traders in the county borough by providing £23m in business grants since lockdown began.
This includes small charities and community sports clubs following recently revised eligibility rules.
However, Welsh Government recently announced that the grants scheme will close for applications on June 30.
So this is a call for any businesses out there who haven’t already received a business loan or funding from the Economic Resilience Fund, to go to our website to check if they’re eligible and – if they are – make a claim.
You’ll find all the relevant information on our site, including revised criteria for small charities and community amateur sports clubs.
We’re particularly asking owners of shops, offices, hairdressing salons, garages and petrol stations, and non-council community centres or buildings to consider claiming.
Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19
Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:
- Daily statements by Welsh Government at around 12.30pm.
- Daily TV statements by the Government (including by Government ministers) at around 5pm.
- Daily official briefings from the Department of Health and Social Care at 2pm, and Public Health Wales at 3pm.
Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.
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