Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough 03 07 2020

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.

Bridgend Register Office prepares to reopen

Preparations are underway for the safe reopening of Bridgend Register Office, which is now located at new premises within the Civic Offices on Angel Street. Plans are being put in place to allow people to make appointments to attend in order to register births or to give notice of a forthcoming marriage or civil partnership. Face-to-face appointments will begin on Monday 13 July, so look out for more details soon.

Latest lockdown changes

Under the latest lockdown changes announced by Welsh Government, from Monday 6 July outdoor attractions can open as long as they maintain social distancing requirements and operate safely, but indoor attractions remain closed until further notice. In a move intended to enable families and friends to reunite and to help working parents and others with informal childcare and wider support needs, people from two separate households will be able to join together to form one extended household, but this must not be increased to include further households. Households who plan to do this should consider who would benefit the most from support, what risks may be involved, and how the members of any extended household will self-isolate in the event someone develops coronavirus symptoms.

Update on antibody testing

As part of Welsh Government’s phased rollout of the Covid-19 antibody testing scheme, a number of health and local authority staff in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board region are receiving tests. Two types are available - an antigen swab test which confirms if someone currently has the virus, and an antibody blood test which confirms if someone has previously had it. While the antibody test is not currently available to the general public, more information is available at the Gov.uk website.

Pandemic learning resources

Teachers from local schools have worked together as part of a huge team effort to prepare new online learning materials for more than 13,000 primary school pupils. To find out more, visit the council website.

Schools put safety first

With more than 270 teachers tested for coronavirus and given the all-clear in Bridgend County Borough, parents, carers and guardians are being reassured that every precaution is being taken to make schools safe while the ‘catch up and check in’ sessions are underway. Social distancing measures and increased cleaning regimes are in place alongside smaller class numbers, staggered breaks and more, and plans are already being made to build on this when the new school term begins in September.

Remain alert during track and trace

Residents are reminded that official callers from the free Test, Trace, Protect service will never ask you to make a payment or to disclose your personal banking details. Please remain alert for scammers, and report any suspicions to 101 or the Shared Regulatory Service on 0300 123 6696. You can find out more on preventing fraud at the Action Fraud website, while info about track and trace is available at the council's website.

Warning on racial abuse

The council and its waste partner Kier have reaffirmed their joint commitment and zero tolerance towards racist abuse, discrimination and harassment during the pandemic following a recent incident where a black member of staff was racially abused by different individuals on two separate occasions while collecting recycling. The council remains dedicated towards eliminating discrimination and harassment in all of its forms, and fully supports Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members of the community. Footage of the recent incidents has been passed on to SW Police so that further suitable action can be taken.

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.