Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
New Guidance on what you need to do:
Stay at home:
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
Full guidance can be found at:
What Ogmore constituents need to know about Coronavirus:
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Many Constituents have understandably been in touch with me with questions and concerns about the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.
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If you, or someone in your household, are experiencing mild symptoms like a persistent and new cough or a temperature over 37c, please stay at home for the next 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus.
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The majority of people that get Coronavirus will experience mild or moderate symptoms, and will be able to cope at home without needing to contact the NHS.
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To assist the NHS in helping people that need care most urgently, please use their online services (instead of phoning) where possible. Please do not visit GPs and other NHS facilities if you want advice on Coronavirus.
Coronavirus: key sources of information
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Latest UK Government Advice: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
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Daily Updates from Public Health Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-novel-coronavirus-outbreak/
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Online symptom Checker from NHS Direct Wales: https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/SelfAssessments/symptomcheckers/?ScName=CoronaVirusCOVID19&SCTId=175
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Welsh Government's Coronavirus webpage with links to the most up to date advice, Ministerial statements and announcements: https://gov.wales/coronavirus
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FAQs from Public Health Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-faqs-english/
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FAQs from the World Health Organisation (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
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Latest public information on the Coronavirus from the WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
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Latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
Coronavirus: support for businesses
Both the UK Government and the Welsh Government have set out a range of measures, support packages and advice for businesses to cope with the ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19.
Welsh Government
UK Government
Because some aspects of business support are devolved, the Welsh Government has set out a range of support measures:
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Emergency business support: The Welsh Government has published details of its emergency financial support for small businesses which includes business rate relief.
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Capital repayment holidays: The Welsh Government has announced the Development Bank of Wales will be offering all its business customers a three-month capital repayment holiday to help them manage the financial fallout from the virus.
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Business Wales Helpline: Get help with your business online, or by calling the Business Wales Helpline. Telephone: 0300 060 3000 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm
The UK Government has set out a package of measures to protect public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
Businesses in Wales could benefit from the following schemes:
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Support for businesses through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme via the British Business Bank
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HMRC has set up a helpline for businesses and self-employed people who are concerned about paying their tax due to COVID-19. Call 0800 0159 559 for help and advice.
Coronavirus: update on Schools
Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20th March 2020 following an announcement from the Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams AM. This includes schools that reside Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend County Borough.
Arrangements are being put in place to ensure that eligible children can continue to receive free school meals.
A range of technology such as Google Classroom, Hwb and more will be used to deliver lessons, and plans are being made to support children with additional learning needs and to ensure that childcare is in place to support key workers.
Further information pertaining to council services in light of school closures can be found in the links below:
RCT:
BCBC:
The Welsh Government has also published a comprehensive FAQs page setting out how schools will work during the coronavirus pandemic, including exams and assessments:
Coronavirus: update for energy customers
With the situation changing by the day, it is crucial energy customers have access to the right guidance during these uncertain times.
Ofgem have put together a series of advice pages for individuals who may be struggling to pay for their energy, having difficulty topping up their prepayment meter, or who may be in a vulnerable situation.
This page will be updated as and when new guidance on COVID-19 is announced - (last checked: 23/03/20)
Advice for Energy Customers
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This advice is for the public. It covers managing your energy if you are self-isolating at home, such as prepayment energy meter top ups or what to do if you have an energy issue, and information on what to expect from your supplier:
Information for energy licensees and industry
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This information is for energy licensees and industry. It covers information and guidance Ofgem have issued on the conduct of services and obligations in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK: