20 April 2020

Headlines

A number of residential homes in Powys have now reported suspected Coronavirus cases.

The Rhallt Care Home in Welshpool has informed us that sadly some of their residents have died. Our immediate thoughts are with the families who have lost a loved one. Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board are working closely with The Rhallt to ensure that residents and staff are supported at this difficult time. We ask everyone to respect the dignity and confidentiality of all concerned.

Information published by Public Health Wales today shows there are 334 new cases of coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 7,208, with 121 cases in Powys although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. Sadly, there were a further 41 deaths of people who had tested positive for coronavirus, taking the number of deaths in Wales to 575.

Latest updates

  • Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the temporary suspension of competition laws to support the dairy sector during the coronavirus pandemic.
    • The temporary easing of the competition laws, which applies across the whole of the UK, will enable greater collaboration so the dairy sector, including farmers and processors, can work closer to solve the issues it is facing.

Powys County Council

Key actions already taken:

  • New internal resource. A new COVID-19 intranet portal is now available for staff and councillors. It brings together in one co-ordinated area a wealth of internal corporate announcements, information and resources about COVID-19.
  • Temporary mortuary facility set up on the Wyeside Industrial Estate, Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells. The temporary facilities will mean that the county can be confident that it has the capacity to provide dignity in death for the people of Powys
  • New bereavement support during the Covid-19 Pandemic launched
  • More than £26m paid out to 2,140 Powys business.
  • Reminder to Powys residents to follow national health guidelines when exercising in the county.
  • Additional £181k housing benefit allowance to 1,200 households
  • 483 volunteers recruited 
  • Testing for key roles within social services
  • Powys Community Sector Emergency Response Team register for volunteers
  • Financial support line – 01597 826345
  • Business support schemes launched
  • Emergency childcare hubs for school and early years opened for key workers in strategic locations
  • Council offices:
    • Limited opening hours at County Hall, Neuadd Maldwyn, Gwalia, Neuadd Brycheiniog & The Park – open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays only 8am-12pm.
    • Closed – Old College, Hendreladus and Antur Gwy.
  • Council and Police provide new advice on businesses requirements with Covid-19
  • Public bus service reduced to modified Sunday service  
  • Most council public rights of way open, areas in Brecon Beacons National Park closed 
  • The council is urgently seeking more staff recruiting in a wide range of roles.
  • The council has issued a warning to residents not to fall for scams amidst the pandemic. Staff supporting vulnerable clients in particular are urged to see full story.
  • The Council has stopped all non-essential business. Priority areas are work in response to Covid-19; keep our communities safe and resilient; and Corporate – running the Council
  • Council facilities/services closed – libraries, leisure centres, day centres, museums, playgrounds, Household Waste and Recycling Centres
  • Weddings/civil ceremonies cancelled
  • Parks remain open but crowds of more than two will be dispersed
  • All Council employees who can work from home or remotely should now be doing so
  • Employees should encourage residents/service users to contact council via email, website, apps or phone rather than face-to-face to reduce the risk of transmission
  • Meetings to be carried out using Skype/Teams where possible
  • We are working with partners to coordinate and support emergency response to people in our community who may be affected by COVID 19.  The team, called Community Services Emergency Response Team (C-SERT).  More information.

Current Advice to the Public

Stay Home

Protect The NHS

Save Lives

#StayHomeSaveLives

Stay at home:

  • Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
  • Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
  • Wash your hands as soon as you get home

Anyone can spread the virus.

Welsh Government has published detailed guidance for all people on staying home and staying away from others.

Current Advice to the Public: Shielding

Shielding is strongly advised for people with underlying health conditions who are extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.

Welsh Government has published guidance on shielding for people who are extremely vulnerable.

Current Advice to the Public: Symptoms

  • If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature above 37.8 °C and/or new and continuous cough), seek clinical advice using the online coronavirus service at http://111.wales.nhs.uk/covid19  If you do not have access to the internet, call 111.
  • In an emergency, call 999 if you are seriously ill. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre, or a hospital.
  • To help the NHS provide you with the best care if you need to go to hospital as a result of catching coronavirus, please prepare a single hospital bag. This should include your emergency contact, a list of the medications you take (including dose and frequency), any information on your planned care appointments and things you would need for an overnight stay (snacks, pyjamas, toothbrush, your medication etc). If you have an advanced care plan, please include that.
  • After recovery, you should follow the Stay at Home guidance above.

More information available from https://phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus  

Welsh Government

More information from Welsh Government – https://gov.wales/coronavirus