Letter to residents on coronavirus

Around 4,000 residents in Bridgend county borough will be receiving letters from the Welsh Government over the next few days urging them to stay at home for the next 12 weeks.

The letter is being sent to people who have been identified as being at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

Each person will be given specific advice about how they can protect themselves, based on their individual medical history and health needs.

The letters, which are currently being issued, will include clear advice to stay at home for 12 weeks, and will list the medical, practical and emotional support available.  

Wales’ 22 local authorities have been working closely with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action to ensure everyone who receives the letter and needs support will be able to access it in their local community.

People in Wales who live with serious health conditions are at a much greater risk of developing serious complications if they are exposed to coronavirus. This includes, for example, those who have received organ transplants, and those who are living with cystic fibrosis and some types of cancers of the blood or bone marrow.

Some people – but not all – who are receiving certain types of drug treatments, including those, which suppress the immune system, are also in this group of very vulnerable people.

We know many people will be worried at this time of enormous uncertainty. We are determined to ensure that those who are more vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus are given all the protection and support that they need.

We are working closely together with the voluntary sector and other partners to make sure that a comprehensive support package is in place for these people during this time.

However, in order for us to do that, it’s important that anyone who receives the letter takes the advice seriously. Every single one of us have our part to play. By following social distance guidelines, and obeying the measures set out by both the Prime Minister and First Minister last night, we give ourselves and everyone else the best protection possible against the virus. It really is as simple as this: stay at home, save lives.

Bridgend County Borough Leader, Huw David

Residents who receive the letter are asked to contact Bridgend County Borough Council on 01656 643643 for help if they:

• do not have family members who can help or
• do not have a local support network of friends (or others) which can help, or
• do not have support from a carer or community organisation which can help

Across Wales, around 70,000 letters are being sent to vulnerable people.

The guidance for people at the highest risk is:

• Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;
• Do not leave your house for at least 12 weeks unless it is absolutely vital.
• Visits from carers or healthcare workers, who would normally come and help with your daily needs or social care, will be able to carry on as normal.
• Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example family homes, weddings, parties and religious services.
• Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact.
• Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
• Use telephone or online services to contact your GP practice or other essential services as and when you need.