Statement by Cllr Neil Moore, Leader of the Council
On Monday the First Minister announced a series of changes to the national measures in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Wales
From 6pm on Friday, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will not be able to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises at any time and will regardless of this have to close by 6pm. Indoor entertainment venues and indoor visitor attractions will also close.
This will mean another big change in how we all live our lives.
The impact of the new restrictions on Council services is limited but some will be affected. We will review these over the course of the week to ensure alternative arrangements are put in place wherever possible.
As a Council we will be at the centre of the national effort to support those who will be affected by the latest round of restrictions. Along with all other local authorities, the Vale of Glamorgan Council will be responsible for administering the new Restrictions Business Fund. Planning for this work will begin immediately.
Our regulatory services teams, under the regional Shared Regulatory Services umbrella, will also be working hard to ensure irresponsible businesses are not able to flout the new rules.
The fact that further restrictions are required ahead of Christmas makes it clear that the virus continues to spread in our communities, putting the most vulnerable at a greater risk.
Throughout the pandemic the vast majority of Vale residents have done all they can to pull together and stop the spread of COVID-19. As wearying as this long effort may be, we must all continue to make changes to how we live our lives, in order to live within the rules.
To assist with the effort to curtail the spread of Covid-19, the Council has formally agreed to provide the use of Holm View Leisure Centre in Barry as a vaccination centre, which is likely to be available, by appointment, from January 2021 and operated by the Cardiff & Vale Health Board.
In the meantime, everyone should continue to do all they can to stop the spread of the virus. Most importantly by keeping our distance from others, washing our hands regularly, and wearing face coverings when indoors in public spaces.
The Council will continue to provide updates and guidance over the coming weeks and months and if residents have any queries about what they should or shouldn’t do, or how to keep themselves and their families safe, they can find these on our social media channels or the Welsh Government website.
Thank you all once again for the fantastic community spirit that has been evident in the Vale of Glamorgan this year.