05 05 20202 Covid-19 update

As the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues, Bridgend County Borough Council is continuing to focus its resources on providing essential services and protecting vulnerable residents. The following information provides a summary of latest developments.

Support for care providers

Measures are in place to ensure that all independent care home providers have access to necessary support during the coronavirus pandemic. The council has created an information sharing group which is facilitating advice, guidance and close interaction between 25 providers. Featuring representation from the council and the health board, the group provides latest details on admissions, managing visits, maintaining effective infection control, hygiene, Covid-19 testing for staff and residents, and more.

PPE deliveries

More than 140,000 items of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been delivered in the last week alone to independent care homes and care settings which are providing services for older people and younger adults with mental health or learning disabilities. Before being discharged from hospital to a care home or setting, testing is being carried out, and family and visitor contact is being arranged using online video calls and more. An information group has also been established for supported living and homecare services, and regular contact is being maintained.

Fly-tipper warning

The council is reminding people that while community recycling centres may be temporarily closed, there are no limits on how much recycling residents can put out for collection, and that action will be taken against anyone who fly-tips during the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak. The council’s own investigations have confirmed that most fly-tipped waste during the pandemic has largely consisted of items that could have been recycled as household waste or collected as part of the bulk waste service. Any household which is currently awaiting a delivery of new refuse bags can use black bags or a similar alternative during the pandemic, and additional sacks and containers can be delivered free of charge – you can arrange this by using Kier’s online portal.

Watch out for rogue traders

Residents should always check that they are using a licensed waste carrier before paying for any services. If a business is not properly licensed, your waste could end up being fly-tipped and lead to potential prosecution. You can find out more at the Natural Resources Wales website.

Bank holiday recycling reminder

Don’t forget that there will be no change to waste and recycling collections as a result of the bank holiday on Friday 8 May 2020, and that planned collections for that day will take place as normal. With more people at home due to the coronavirus, please support the crews by making sure that cars are parked with enough room for collection vehicles to get through.

Helping the homeless

Support for homeless people continues to be available during the coronavirus outbreak. The council’s Jigsaw facility is assessing people’s needs to either prevent them from becoming homeless or help provide emergency accommodation. Advice regarding homelessness, the housing register and housing benefit is available online, and people can also contact the council via talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or 01656 643643.

Avoid the water

If using Coney Beach, Rest Bay, Pink Bay or Trecco Bay during your local daily exercise, don’t forget that the RNLI has suspended all lifeguard patrols until further notice and that you should avoid the water.

Social care opportunities

More people are being sought to help support the county borough’s most vulnerable residents. A number of employment opportunities are available, and anyone who has previously worked in social care or who has transferable skills is invited to apply. A fast-tracked application process and rapid refresher training course are available. To apply or find out more, visit the job pages at the council’s website.

Contacting the council

The Customer Service Centre at the Civic Offices in Angel Street, Bridgend remains closed to the public. Residents are asked to use the online My Account and Oggie webchat facilities, or to email talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643.