This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on Tuesday (28.4.20).
Key messages for today
- Next week the Government is expected to outline how the UK will eventually emerge from lockdown, providing a feel for how things might change in the future…and what this might mean for council services.
- We’re asking households across Wrexham to think about their neighbours – particularly anyone elderly or living alone. If you’re concerned about them, try to check they’re ok.
- Earlier this week, we lit up some of our council buildings to say thank you to everyone working on the frontline, and to all our communities during the Covid-19 emergency.
- We’ll be introducing a new direct payment system for free school meals on Monday (May 4). If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time.
Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive
Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council
How will we ‘unlock lockdown’?
Lockdown has had a huge effect on all our lives.
Naturally, people are thinking about when it might ease, and how things might change over the coming weeks and months.
We’ve also seen questions about when some council facilities and services might re-open or start up again.
For the moment, the message is clear – stay at home, save lives, protect the NHS.
However, next week the Government is expected to outline how the UK will eventually emerge from lockdown, and how decisions will be taken on lifting restrictions.
This will give us a better feel for how things might change in the future…and what this might mean for council services.
Like every other council, we’re already thinking about how we’re going to start making various services available again when the time is right.
But it’s important we don’t jump ahead.
By continuing to stick to social distancing guidelines and following the Government’s instructions, we’re all helping to keep each other safe…and playing our part in bringing the nation through this pandemic.
Stay safe.
Are your neighbours ok?
One of the positive things to come out of the Covid-19 emergency is the way people are looking 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 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.
If you can’t get a response and you become really worried, get in touch with us on 01978 292000 or contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk and we’ll try and make contact with the person you’re concerned about.
Thank you
Earlier this week, we lit up some of our council buildings to say thank you to everyone working on the frontline, and to all our communities during the Covid-19 emergency.
Thank you from Wrexham Council to everyone working on the frontline, and to all our communities during the Covid-19 emergency. You are amazing. #Wrexham #ThankYouKeyWorkers
(Our buildings were lit up last night to allow us to take these pictures. #StayatHomeSaveLives ) pic.twitter.com/cku7eZuRYB
— Wrexham Council (@wrexhamcbc) April 30, 2020
Messages saying ‘Thank you NHS’ – along with a heart-shaped rainbow flag – have also been painted onto the surfaces of Watery Road and Croesnewydd Road, close to the Maelor Hospital.
And a message saying ‘Thank you’ – aimed at every key worker on the frontline – has been painted on the surface of Mold Road, which is one of the key roads in and out of the town centre.
Roads painted with ‘thank you’ messages to key workers 👉 https://t.co/6oIZPfHdT3 #Wrexham #ThankYouKeyWorkers pic.twitter.com/Su39hyvvc4
— Wrexham Council (@wrexhamcbc) April 29, 2020
People have been finding all kinds of ways to pay tribute to frontline workers during the past few weeks.
And although saying ‘thank you’ seems like a small thing, it’s something we can do to let these people know how much we appreciate them.
Reminder – please don’t drive to our parks
As we approach the weekend, please remember not to drive to our parks.
There’s no way anyone should be doing that, because the Government has made it clear that we should all ‘stay local’ when we exercise.
But if you’re lucky enough to live near one of our parks (close enough to walk), there are some really important guidelines you need to follow.
Read the article we posted recently.
Stay safe this weekend.
Reminder – free school meals direct payment scheme
Do your children receive free school meals?
We’ll be introducing a new system on Monday (May 4) as part of our ongoing response to Covid-19.
The system will see money paid directly into your bank account, which you can then use to buy your children food.
You’ll receive a monthly payment at the start of each month that equates to £19.50 per week for each eligible child in your family.
We’ve been asking people to register by today so they don’t miss out, and we’ve had an excellent response.
However, if you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time.
Please register by Friday, May 8.
REGISTER NOWAfter today, you’ll no longer be able to pick up ‘grab-and-go’ packed lunches from our distribution points across the county borough.
The grab-and-go system was only introduced as an interim measure to allow time for a new system to be developed.
So please…make sure you register for direct payments if you haven’t already.
Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19
Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:
- Daily TV statements by the Government (including by Government ministers).
- 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.
LATEST INFO ON COVID-19
