RCT Council:- Covid-19 Service Changes Update
Written by Gavin on 6th November 2020
Due to the continuing trend of increasing number of positive Covid-19 cases across Wales and Rhondda Cynon Taf, a two-week national ‘firebreak’ was introduced by Welsh Government on October 23. This ends on Monday, November 9.
From midnight on Monday, November 9, the “Stay at Home” restrictions are lifted. A new set of national restrictions are being introduced that provide the opportunity for people to buy non-essential goods, travel within Wales and visit gyms, pubs and restaurants.
However, the new restrictions still limit socialising with people outside of your household, both indoors and outdoors, and continue to emphasise the importance of social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene. Further information can be found on the Welsh Government website https://gov.wales/
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “I would like to thank all of our residents and businesses for following the Welsh Government two-week firebreak regulations. This has been necessary in order to help save lives and prevent the NHS in Wales from being overwhelmed.
“A lot of work still needs to be done by us all if we are going to control the transmission of the Coronavirus, which continues to spread in our communities at a rapid rate.
“We all have a part to play and I urge everyone to remain alert and continue to follow the latest Welsh Government regulations, adhering to all guidelines. In order for us to continue making progress, the Council has made a number of local service changes.
“I would like to thank everyone for working with us on this. Please stay vigilant, stay safe and together we can all make a big difference.”
From Monday, November 9, the Council will be operating the following services in Rhondda Cynon Taf:
- All social care arrangements currently in place in respect of day services, respite and other direct provision, remain as they were during the two-week firebreak.
- All schools, childcare, and flying start provision will be open.
- Community Recycling Centres will be open, with the first week having extended summer hours of operation before then reducing to the normal winter opening hours that would normally be in place at this time of year.
- All leisure Centres and other sports and recreation facilities will open to the public, with restrictions.
- All town centre public toilets will remain open but a small number of public toilets in some communities will remain closed. This will be reviewed after two weeks.
- The Home Library Service and the School Library Service will be in operation and all libraries will be providing an Order and Collect service from Monday, November 16.
- The Adult Learning Provision and Communities for Work services, supporting people to develop new employability skills and assist with employment applications, will reopen in community venues where it is safe to do so.
- The Welsh Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park will remain closed.
- Community Centres and Community Hubs – these venues will be requested to only open for a small number of essential reasons, such as childcare, foodbanks, employment skills support and community welfare groups providing mental health and wellbeing support. Please contact your local centre to see if they are open, as most will remain closed.
- The Council’s Youth Engagement & Participation Service will recommence street-based youth work.
Please Note: Other Council services will continue to operate as they have done over the course of the local RCT lockdown and during the national two-week firebreak. All services are being reviewed regularly and all Council staff are adhering to Welsh Government guidelines at all times.
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