Council leader responds to announcement of new national measures
The First Minister has today set out aspects of the new national measures that will come into place in Wales from 09 November, when the firebreak comes to an end.
From next week, the following will apply to Keep Wales Safe:
- Where it is possible to work from home, you should continue to do so
- Non-essential retail and hospitality will reopen
- All schools will reopen for pupils of all ages
- 2 households will be able to join together to form an extended household or ‘bubble’.
- Travel within Wales will be permitted, but people should only travel where the journey is essential.
- Travel outside of Wales will be permitted only with a reasonable excuse.
Welsh Government has sought the views of Council Leaders throughout its planning and I am confident that we will exit the firebreak into a new set of national measures that are not only effective in preventing transmission of the virus but also workable and enforceable.
Residents of the Vale deserve great praise for the way in which they have once again pulled together to support each other. Entering a firebreak, even though we knew it would only last for seventeen days, was not a prospect anyone welcomed.
However, the decision of the UK government to introduce a four-week lockdown for England this weekend shows that here in Wales we were correct to take early action.
While it is too early to know for sure what impact the firebreak will have had, we do know is that it can only have maximum benefit if it is observed in full, by all, for the duration of the measures.
We are halfway through but a week can make a huge difference. As hard as it can be to change the way we live our lives and cut out social contact, we must continue to work together and do so.
The evidence of the first ten days of the firebreak tells us that compliance in the Vale is generally very good. There are, sadly, some who do not recognise their social responsibility and who are flouting the rules. The Council’s regulatory services team will be working closely with South Wales Police over the next seven days to make sure wherever breaches of the rules occur, enforcement action follows.
Until 09 November people must refrain from mixing with anyone outside their household either indoors or outdoors and continue to work from home wherever possible. While people are able to take unlimited exercise, all but essential journeys are prohibited, and all shops other than those selling essential goods will remain closed.
In line with this many Council facilities such as libraries and household waste and recycling centres will remain closed.
Our schools reopen to all primary school pupils and those in secondary school years 7 and 8 this week. However, older pupils will be taught from home, only attending schools for exams.
Visits to care homes in the Vale Care remain restricted to essential visits only.
It is vital that if you display any of the symptoms of coronavirus (new continuous cough, high temperature and/or a loss or change in smell or taste), you should isolate immediately. You should book a test and remain in isolation until you receive the result and advice on what to do next. Coronavirus is highly contagious and we all have a responsibility to ensure we do not spread it to others. You can find more information and book a test from the Welsh Government website www.gov.wales/coronavirus.
I know living with the restrictions is not easy. The Council’s Vale Heroes Support Team continues to be available to support residents who find themselves in need of additional support. The team can be contacted on 01446 729592. Details of the many support services available, including supermarket deliveries and community groups can be found on the Vale Heroes section of the Council’s website at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/ValeHeroes.
More detail is expected on the new national measures over the course of the week. As this emerges we will be reviewing all Council services to ensure we are still able to deliver them effectively. I will keep all residents informed of any changes as and when decisions are taken.
In the meantime, my message to you all remains a simple one: stay home and stay safe.