Monday 30 November, 2020

Dear colleagues,  

The First Minister has today announced a series of changes to the national measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Wales.  

From 6pm on Friday, our national measures will be amended to introduce new restrictions for hospitality and indoor entertainment attractions. Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will not be able to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises at any time and will regardless of this have to close by 6pm. Indoor entertainment venues and indoor visitor attractions will also close.  

The rest of the national measures will remain the same – there will be no changes to household bubbles, how many people can meet in public indoor or outdoor places or restrictions on other businesses. The new restrictions will be in place until at least December 17. 

Full details are now available on the Welsh Government website.  

At our Strategic Leadership Team meeting tomorrow, we will be discussing how the new restrictions will affect individual Council services. The impact of the new restrictions on Council services is limited but some will be affected. 

As a Council we will be at the centre of the national effort to support those who will be affected by the latest round of restrictions. Along with all other local authorities, the Vale of Glamorgan Council will be responsible for administering the new Restrictions Business Fund. Planning for this work will begin immediately.  

The fact that further restrictions are required ahead of Christmas makes it clear that the virus continues to spread in our communities.  

I know that living and working within the national restrictions brings challenges for everyone. We do all still have a responsibility to our communities to follow the rules but it is also more important than ever that we find ways to take care of ourselves and our own wellbeing within these parameters. As I have said previously, there are now a number of online activities available to staff via StaffNet+.  

There is also extensive guidance on how to identify the symptoms of COVID-19 and I must also remind everyone of the importance of isolating if you show any symptoms of coronavirus, getting a test and continuing to isolate until the test result is received. 

I’d like to give my thanks once again to you all for your efforts in supporting the national effort to protect the most vulnerable to the pandemic.

Diolch yn fawr