Covid-19 update 18 06 20

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

Antibody testing to begin

Phased Covid-19 antibody testing will begin this month for health and local authority staff in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board region. The Welsh Government is rolling out the antibody test to help further understanding of how the infection is transmitted in Wales, and to support efforts to develop a vaccine. As a positive test result does not mean that someone is necessarily protected against reinfection, social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines should continue to be maintained. The testing will initially focus on frontline staff working in emergency departments, intensive care units, Covid-19 wards and local schools.

Working throughout the pandemic

With heavy rainfall and weather warnings in place, the council’s highways team is continuing to work throughout the pandemic to keep residents safe from flooding. With regular checks carried out on culverts and gulleys throughout the county borough, blockages are being cleared before they can become a problem, and staff are carefully monitoring water levels. Flood sensors are in place at several culverts, and crews will be observing social distancing while they work throughout the night.

Say no to cold-callers

Following reports of people going door-to-door selling goods and services in the Porthcawl area during the pandemic, residents are being reminded that a cold calling control zone is in place for more than 270 homes in Nottage and Rest Bay. Covering Anglesey Way, Sandpiper Road and West Park Drive, the zone was set up following complaints from residents about persistent cold calling in the area. Signs have been erected, and households have been provided with door stickers to discourage cold callers from trying to use persistent or pushy tactics. Residents can call South Wales Police on 101 to report any aggressive, persistent or suspicious behaviour.

Watch out for rogue traders

The council is reminding local residents to 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.

Survey on reopening schools

Bridgend County Borough Council has received the results of a survey on how parents and carers of school-age children feel about the eventual reopening of local schools. Carried out before Welsh Government confirmed that all schools in Wales will launch phased catch-up sessions from Monday 29 June, the council is using the results to help inform its plans and decision-making as it seeks to balance the views of parents and carers with the national guidance.

Highlights from the survey

There were 11,337 survey completions; 31% agreed or strongly agreed that they are concerned about how their child will get to school, with the majority stating they will be dropped off by car; 57% had multiple or significant concerns about children returning to school; 41% said their child was anxious or very anxious about returning; 81% said social distancing within schools was a concern; staggered lunch and break times, rearranged seating and furniture and the use of rotas to limit pupil numbers proved to be the most common suggested actions; 57% favoured phasing pupils back to school by specific year group; 38% said their children would not attend even if schools were deemed safe to re-open in the summer term; 55% indicated they would prefer for their child to return to school in September; 13% opted for June and normal school holidays; 73% stated that they were very satisfied or satisfied with the free school meal food parcels; and 84% were very satisfied or satisfied with emergency childcare hubs.

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.