06 05 2020 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.

Be a good neighbour

Residents are being asked to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours during the coronavirus pandemic. More than 4,000 vulnerable people have already been contacted directly, but the council is making every effort to ensure that support is in place for everyone who needs it, including people who may not have needed to ask for help before or who may not know the best way to go about doing so. You can support this by making sure that any elderly or vulnerable people in your street or community has support from family members, friends, a carer or a community group. If you think that someone is in need of greater support, this can be arranged by contacting Bridgend County Borough Council on 01656 643643 for help and requesting an assessment of their needs.

Huge response to scrub bag appeal

Local residents have delivered a huge response to the council’s recent call for scrub bags for key workers. The authority has been inundated with donations and offers of support, and now has enough scrub bags stockpiled to ensure that all key workers can make use of them. The bags can be used to transport uniforms home and are designed so that they can be dropped straight into the washing machine to keep the key workers and their families safe. The scrub bags are being distributed to day service staff, mobile response teams, social care workers, district nurses and more.

New business loan scheme

The UK Government’s new coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme is now open for applications. With businesses able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 over terms of up to six years, the Government will guarantee 100 per cent of the loan. There are no fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months, and the Government will work with lenders to agree a low rate of interest for the remaining period of the loan. The scheme will be delivered through a network of accredited lenders and details are available at the Gov website. 

VE Day during Covid-19

Residents are being asked to join in a national toast to the heroes of WWII on the 75^th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8 May. Despite the postponement of many planned events due to the pandemic, the council has produced a video message from Mayor Stuart Baldwin encouraging people to mark the day from home with bunting, posters and more. A national two-minute silence will take place at 11am to honour the service and sacrifice of the WWII generation and reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world. At 3pm, everyone throughout the UK is being encouraged to raise a glass in tribute to the millions at home and abroad that gave so much. A range of online resources are available featuring recipes, music, dance steps from the 1940s and more – visit the VE day website for further details.

School reopening plans

Bridgend County Borough Council has welcomed Welsh Government news that plans are under development for the re-opening of schools in Wales, and that they will be carried out in phases. Education minister Kirsty Williams has laid out key principles for the process, which will prioritise the safety of pupils, teachers and staff while looking after their mental, emotional and physical well-being. Once further details of how the reopening plans will be implemented are known, the council will work with schools and partners to ensure that a safe, seamless transition can take place.

Safeguarding during the pandemic

Communities throughout the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board area are being urged to watch out for signs that adults and children may be at risk during the pandemic. Signs that someone may be experiencing any type of harm can be reported by calling 01656 642477 for adults, and 01656 642320 for children between 8.30am-5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am-4.30pm on Fridays. To contact social care services outside these hours or at weekends and over bank holidays, call the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Emergency Duty Team on 01443 743665. If you suspect that a person is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and speak to the police.

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.