Covid-19 update 12 06 20

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.

Emergency childcare – important update

Significant changes are being made to emergency childcare provision in Bridgend County Borough following the recent Welsh Government announcement that schools are to start a phased return.

On Friday 19 June, emergency childcare hubs will close to be replaced by emergency care provided at each child’s own school. This will be available 8.30am - 4.30pm between Monday 22 June - Friday 24 July. Places will be limited due to social distancing requirements, and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Online applications will need to be submitted by 12noon every Wednesday – please note that it will not be possible to process late applications, and anyone who has already applied for dates after 29 June will need to reapply. Apply for emergency childcare online.

Summer childcare

Parents, guardians and carers are being advised that the council is currently unable to confirm whether emergency childcare provision will be available during the school summer holiday (Monday 27 July - Tuesday 1 September). Further information will be provided as soon as possible.

Monday opening for Bridgend Indoor Market

Bridgend Indoor Market will partially reopen on 15 June to enable essential businesses to begin trading again. A one-way system and two-metre floor markings will be in place with to help maintain social distancing, and hand sanitiser stations have been installed.

A full risk assessment has been carried out, and access has been agreed through the main entry doors next to WH Smiths. The council will monitor the situation closely to ensure that a safe shopping and working environment can be maintained.

Local firm produces antibody kit

A local firm has been chosen to produce a UK-wide antibody test. Working alongside Public Health Wales, Pencoed-based Ortho Clinical Diagnostics is supporting efforts to develop Covid-19 immunity.

Book-and-collect service starts

Awen Cultural trust and Bridgend County Borough Council are launching a new book and collect service on Monday 15 June. Initially available at Pyle Library, library members will be able to request and collect packages of books from a range of specific genres or interests, including crime novels, children’s books, young adult fiction and more.

When returned, the books will be quarantined before being put back into circulation to prevent potential exposure to the coronavirus. If the Pyle service is successful, a second service will be launched at Aberkenfig Library on 22 June. To find out more, visit Awen Libraries.

Phased reopening at Bryngarw

Bryngarw Country Park has started a phased re-opening. No car parking charges will be applied until further notice, but please note that toilet facilities will not be available, and visitors are advised to avoid the playground and outdoor gym equipment areas of the park.

B-leaf and the Cedars tearoom will remain closed until further notice. Visitors are urged to observe social distancing and hand hygiene procedures at all times. Awen cultural Trust will monitor the situation closely, and may make further changes as required.

Pandemic business advice

Businesses are encouraged to check the council’s coronavirus information page for regular updates on available support as well as the Business Wales, Welsh Government and UK Government websites. General business support queries can be sent to business@bridgend.gov.uk

Social care opportunities

More people are being sought to 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. Find out more or apply for social care roles online.

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 use the webchat on our homepage by clicking the Oggie icon, or to email talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643.