Proactive work and plans are underway in Ceredigion to prepare and respond to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

Measures have and are being put in place within Ceredigion County Council to ensure staff are safe and are able to keep providing vital services for the people of Ceredigion.

  • The Ceredigion County Council COVID-19 Gold Command meets weekly with sub-groups meeting daily to discuss the developments of Coronavirus and how best to deal with the developing situation.
  • Following COBRA advice, those aged 70 or older, those with chronic illness and those who are pregnant are advised to work from home.
  • Staff, including those in Schools, Unit Resource Centres and Care Homes are provided with advice, guidance and, where appropriate, protective equipment and safety products.
  • The canteens at Penmorfa, Aberaeron and Canolfan Rheidol, Aberystwyth have been closed for the foreseeable future. This is in order to ensure resilience within the workforce to support services for our most vulnerable service users.
  • Enhanced cleaning is undertaken in schools where staff or children are showing symptoms and where required, the school is closed for cleaning.
  • A protocol developed for Ceredigion Residential Care Homes, stopping interaction with children, activities and entertainment providers, with immediate effect, and providing warning of the potential for visiting to be restricted in the coming weeks.
  • Events and activities across schools, NERS, Theatr Felinfach and Amgueddfa Ceredigion Musuem are being cancelled for the foreseeable future.
  • Out of county meetings and all training sessions that are not deemed essential have been cancelled. We are conducting increasing number of meetings through teleconference and other digital means.
  • Refuse collectors are reminded to wear the appropriate gloves and clothing at all times.
  • Those who are self-isolating are advised to double bag their waste.
  • The mobile library service will stop for the foreseeable future.
  • Porth Y Gymuned will keep in contact with vulnerable individuals.
  • Conversations have started within services regarding the possibility that staff from non-essential services could be requested to support increased demand in other services. Staff will be trained and supported where required.
  • The Ceredigion County Council COVID-19 Gold Command is undertaking joint planning with statutory partners and contingency planning to ensure continuity of essential services.

Ceredigion County Council Leader, Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn said, “The work that Ceredigion County Council’s COVID-19 Gold Command Group is doing to prepare the county is a priority. The Council recognises its duty of care to its employees as well as everyone else who may come into contact with our work and the people of Ceredigion. Staff are being kept infomed of the situation as it develops. In turn, these members of staff contact the relevant service users to ensure they are aware of the changes.”

The Council is working closely with Public Health Wales and Welsh Government, and will be led by them on any guidance regarding the Coronavirus. Should Public Health Wales’ advice change, the Council will follow the advice and act accordingly.

Councillor ap Gwynn continued, “It is without doubt that Coronavirus will have an effect on us all in one way or another. The public should ensure that they check Public Health Wales’ advice daily.”

All the latest information and advice is available via the Public Health Wales website: https://phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus.

All the latest in Ceredigion is available on the Council’s website: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/coronavirus and information shared on its social media which derives from Public Health Wales.

17/03/2020