22 January 2021

Dear Colleagues,

As we move quickly though the first month of 2021, it is easy to overlook the fact that we have all been working in very unusual circumstances and facing many significant challenges for a considerable time. In this regard, it is worth reflecting on the journey that we have taken since the first lockdown was announced in March of last year. Some of the challenges that we have had to meet and the key milestones that we have overcome since the outbreak of COVID-19 are outlined below.

As an organisation, we have come a long way since the first UK wide lockdown was announced on 23rd March and I am immensely proud of the way that we have responded to what has been an unprecedented year and the way we continue to respond and adapt as we move into a new year.  I’m pleased to say we are focussed on our next steps along the route which will see us continue to respond to the pandemic but also see us adapt to a form of normality that we have not seen for several months. 

The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine is continuing at a steady pace across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. To date 32,331 people across the region have received their first dose of the vaccine. The infographic below shows how this breaks down amongst the first few priority groups. 

I would like to thank all staff  who have once again gone above and beyond to help protect our staff. By way of example, Sharon Miller and her team  have been working closely with the Health Board to ensure our priority staff are booked in to receive their vaccine. I am also appreciative of the support of all my colleagues who are working closely with our partners within the University Health Board. We are all totally committed to moving forward with the vaccination programme as quickly as possible, and I know that this is a view shared with colleagues within the Health Board. The ongoing partnership work between the University Health Board, Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council is going from strength to strength as we work together to protect our most vulnerable residents. 

In addition to vaccinating our staff I’m pleased to be able to share the Health Board’s news that every GP practice across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan is now inviting residents aged 75 and over to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at their local practice and contact with residents 70-74 will be made very soon to attend a mass vaccination centre.  

It is encouraging news that the number of positive cases of coronavirus in the Vale of Glamorgan is beginning to decline. This shows that our sacrifices over the past few weeks are beginning to work. However, I must stress that numbers are still exceptionally high, and we must not undo all of the good work that has been done. Wales remains at alert level 4 and we must all adhere to the restrictions that are currently in place.

Our enforcement officers will be working closely with South Wales Police once again this weekend at key sites across the County. With an increasing number of visitors travelling to exercise, police officers will be situated at entrances to Cosmeston Country Park, Ogmore-by-sea, Barry Island and Penarth Esplanade, amongst other areas. Officers will be stopping those travelling in cars and issuing on-the-spot fines where necessary. Whilst residents are permitted to visit these sites for exercise, exercise must begin and end at home, unless you have a reasonable excuse to travel. 

Please keep yourselves and each other safe by staying home, unless shopping for essentials or exercising, washing your hands regularly and wearing a face covering where necessary. 

Thanks to all for your ongoing support and commitment. Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi i gyd am eich gwaith

Rob