Action taken on Covid-19 concerns
Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed a number of actions since public concerns were raised that an individual displaying possible symptoms of Covid-19 had been visiting bars and premises in the Maesteg area. All affected businesses in Maesteg have been contacted and provided with appropriate advice, with several of them organising precautionary ‘deep cleans’ and undertaking further appropriate action designed to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. Officers from the Shared Regulatory Service have been to all licenced premises which were reported as having been visited by the individual, and have offered support and information. The premises have also been inspected to ensure they are maintaining up-to-date customer contact details, which are essential for any subsequent track-and-trace activities to remain effective. Businesses who have been affected by this incident can contact the Shared Regulatory Service for further advice, and individuals can arrange a free coronavirus test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling the free number, 119.
Update on Ysgol Bryn Castell
While preparing to welcome pupils back for the start of the new term, a member of support staff in the Key Stage Four team at Ysgol Bryn Castell tested positive for Covid-19. No children were on the premises at the time, and prompt action was immediately taken to isolate the member of staff in line with national guidelines while further advice was sought. As a precautionary measure, Public Health Wales recommended that all members of the Key Stage Four team should self-isolate for 14 days. Arrangements are underway to provide affected pupils with blended learning and virtual lessons as a temporary measure. The school is currently finalising the details of this so that parents, carers and guardians can be brought fully up to date. The school premises are also undergoing a full deep-clean to ensure that pupils, teachers and staff can continue to benefit from a safe learning environment.
Maesteg Comprehensive School
A member of staff at Maesteg School has also recently tested positive for Covid-19. While they have not been in contact with any pupils, several other staff have been advised by Public Health Wales that they must now self-isolate as a precautionary measure. The school has taken prompt action and has carried out a deep clean of the premises. The safety and well-being of pupils, teachers and staff remains a top priority, and the school and council are working together to ensure that the school can open as planned next week for the start of the new term. The incident is not believed to be linked to any other issues that have been reported on recently in the Maesteg area.
Give blood at the Maesteg HALO Sports Centre
The Welsh Blood Service is seeking donors to give blood during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. They will be visiting Maesteg Sports Centre on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 September – to book an appointment, please visit the Welsh Blood Service website.
Caerau volunteers wanted
People who live in Caerau are being asked to take part in a telephone interview on how they might benefit from the Caerau Heat Network. Around 15 households are needed for urgent telephone interviews to help the council’s Sustainable Development team and Energy Systems Catapult better understand the needs and expectations of residents. As well as helping to shape how homes within the local community might connect to and benefit from the heat network, all participants will receive £25 for taking part in a one-hour phone interview, and a further £10 if they refer a friend who also takes part. You can find out more and apply to take part by visiting the Energy Systems Catapult website or by emailing [email protected]
Free online courses for adult learning
Bridgend Adult Community Learning is offering a range of free accredited online courses in areas such as Health and Social Care, Communication skills, Customer Service Principles, COSHH essentials, English and Maths. To find out more, visit the community learning page at the council website.
The Childcare offer for Wales
Working parents of children born between 1 April 2017 – 31 August 2017 can now apply for the Welsh Government’s offer of 30 hours funded childcare. To find out more, check eligibility and submit an application, visit the childcare offer page at the council website.