Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Mark Drakeford to discuss restriction changes Today

Published

on

Mark Drakeford

FIRST Minister Mark Drakeford will meet with his cabinet Today to discuss potential further restrictions across the country.

The next announcement was due to be held on Friday, December 24.

An earlier announcement is expected by The First Minister either later today or tomorrow Morning, on what further restrictions may be coming into force and whether these will be implemented from December 27 as planned or before the Christmas period.

It was confirmed on Friday, December 17, that new restrictions will be brought in from Monday, December 27. Under these new restrictions, nightclubs will be forced to close, while additional safety measures will be put in place across other industries. 

Offices will have a two-metre distancing rule, as well as one-way systems, and physical barriers. Currently, there have been no decisions made about the hospitality industry. 

Mark Drakeford has said that it was a possibility that limits could be placed on the number of people who can meet, as well as a return to customers wearing masks inside establishments.

On Monday, it is thought that the potential reintroduction of the “rule of six” type restriction will be discussed in the Government’s meeting, as well as limits on how many people can meet in venues. 

Large sporting events could also be affected by new measures. 

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, the First Minister said: “We are moving in terms of alert levels and those measures that will be put in place in shops, in offices, and so on, look like level two measures.

“It is inevitable that we will have to throw on things that are higher up that hierarchy, but it is not a wholesale move to level two. We will learn an awful lot more over the next 10 days. For some of those things (like restricting household meetings), we didn’t feel we had all the information we would need to be able to make those determinations at this point.”

Talking about sporting events that would be held over Christmas, Mr Drakeford said: “There are major sporting events planned immediately after Christmas. We’re getting further advice on Omicron and how it operates in the open air. When you have large crowds of people coming together, we have to weigh that up against the safeguards that are already there and will come to decisions on those matters on Monday and into next week.

“The cabinet decided that we needed some extra information about the way that the variant operates in the outdoors, particularly in places where there are already safeguards like the coronavirus pass in place. That information will develop and we will talk to the organisers of those big rugby derbies (on Boxing Day), the Welsh Grand National, and the football matches that are planned, and then we’ll come to some decisions on Monday as to how they can best go ahead.”

Previously, the Welsh Government has occasionally followed the lead of the UK Government in Westminster, who announced on Sunday that new Covid measures could be introduced before Christmas.

UK Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said there are “no guarantees” after scientific advisers made a stark warning about the threat from Omicron.

“There are no guarantees in this pandemic, I don’t think,” Mr Javid told the BBC’s Andrew Marr on Sunday. “At this point we just have to keep everything under review.”

Following the latest advice the UK Government has received from experts, he added: “It’s a very sobering analysis. We take it very seriously. We do have to challenge data and underlying assumptions, I think that is appropriate, and take into account a broader set of facts.”

A Cobra meeting was to be held on Sunday with the devolved nations, before Mr Drakeford meets with his own cabinet in Cardiff on Monday. 

An official announcement on further restrictions could be made by the First Minister later in the day.

As of December 19, the latest coronavirus infection rate in Wales is 503.4 per 100,000 people. As of new cases, there were 3,462 confirmed in the latest 24-hour period. 

In comparison with a year ago, the infection rate in Wales on December 19, 2020 was 592.3, while on that day there were 3,065 new cases.

The rates and new case numbers are similar when viewed side-by-side. However, in the Afternoon of December 19, 2020, the Welsh Government announced a lockdown that saw non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres close at the end of the day, along with pubs and restaurants.

Fortunately, a large difference between the end of 2020 and the one we’re currently facing is that the vast majority of people in Wales now have some protection from coronavirus having received at least one dose of the vaccine. 

The latest figures show that more than 2.4 million people in Wales have had a first dose, while almost 2.3 million have received a second. In addition to this, more than a million people have now received their booster vaccine.

On December 16, there were 267 patients in Welsh hospitals with confirmed coronavirus, the lowest number since August and a fraction of the number seen last December (more than 1,500 as of December 22, 2020).

However, when the Welsh Government adviser Dr Giri Shankar, of Public Health Wales was asked about these improved figures, he said: “We appear to be a week or two behind what London, most parts of England, and Scotland are seeing.”

He said if case numbers climbed considerably it was inevitable that a percentage of those affected would need hospital treatment, adding: “Even that small proportion, in terms of its absolute number, is enough to tip the balance in the health and care system.”  

Health

Phone calls to reduce GP visits for 42% of patients this winter

Published

on

NEW research from the Royal Voluntary Service has shown that a simple phone call could significantly impact well-being, reducing GP visits by 42% among patients who receive regular telephone support.

The charity urges those feeling isolated this winter, particularly the elderly, to use telephone support services as a way to improve health and free up GP appointments, potentially reducing waiting times. It is estimated that if people experiencing loneliness in later life reduced their GP visits by just one appointment a year, this could free up 588,000 appointments annually.

As winter approaches, the Royal Voluntary Service reports that isolation can sharply increase, especially for adults over 75, with nearly half (47%) of people in this age group feeling lonelier in the colder months. Among those who live alone, one in six say they feel forgotten during winter, and 20% report having no one to turn to for emotional support.

In addition to loneliness, older generations face several winter worries, including increased heating costs, cited by 55% of respondents, and reduced ability to go out, which 29% said they dreaded as winter sets in.

To address these challenges, Royal Voluntary Service has launched the Stay Safe, Warm and Well campaign in partnership with Yakult. The campaign provides a guide for practical and emotional winter preparation, encouraging sign-ups for telephone support services and offering access to the Virtual Village Hall online community for events and activities. Practical advice on money-saving and energy-saving tips is also available through the guide.

Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador Elaine Paige, who has herself made support calls for the charity, described the positive impact these calls can have. “A warm, friendly phone call can transform someone’s day. Some conversations leave you smiling long after the call ends—something we could all use, especially in winter. For those facing the season alone, there are amazing people ready to remind you that you’re not alone,” she said.

The charity’s support services match volunteers with individuals across the UK for friendly chats, reducing isolation and boosting mental health. Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “The feedback that conversations with volunteers are helping people to visit their GP less is testament to the value of connection.”

Yakult Marketing Manager Reshma Patel added: “Our research with Royal Voluntary Service shows that one in four adults over 75 feel they’d benefit from practical and emotional support over winter. We are committed to helping people access the Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide to support their overall well-being.”

Continue Reading

Crime

Welsh shop workers face ‘surge in shoplifting linked violence and abuse’ says union

Published

on

A NEW survey by retail trade union Usdaw has revealed disturbing figures on the abuse, threats, and violence endured by Welsh shop workers, with incidents increasingly linked to shoplifting. Released during Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from November 11 to 17, the statistics highlight a troubling trend that is impacting thousands of retail employees.

Usdaw’s survey, based on responses from over 4,000 retail staff, shows that in the past year:

  • 69% experienced verbal abuse.
  • 45% were threatened by customers.
  • 17% were assaulted.

Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis commented on the findings, saying: “Shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. These reports from Welsh retail staff make grim reading. It is shocking to see over two-thirds of our members subjected to abuse, threats, and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents are related to theft, much of it tied to addiction and organised crime.”

Usdaw’s survey suggests that shoplifting is increasingly becoming a flashpoint for violence. Many shop workers report encountering hardened criminals who appear to steal goods “to order” or to fund addictions. According to the union, incidents are on the rise across Wales, with police-reported shoplifting up by 33% in the past year.

Usdaw member testimonies paint a vivid picture of the dangers faced on the shop floor:

  • One respondent described being “spat at, pushed against a wall, punched, and threatened with a knife.”
  • Another reported that, after refusing to sell alcohol, they were told to “F**k off” and threatened with a beating by a group of five.
  • Others spoke of being punched, spat on, and verbally abused, with threats that often left lasting emotional scars.

New measures on the horizon

Usdaw has been calling for greater legal protection for retail workers for years, and it appears these calls are finally being heard. The recent Crime and Policing Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, proposes to:

  • End the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has been a source of frustration for retailers.
  • Introduce town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
  • Allocate funding for tackling organised shoplifting and increase police presence in shopping areas.

“We welcome these new measures and hope they will provide much-needed protection,” said Mr. Lillis. “After 14 years of neglect under successive Tory governments, we are encouraged by the steps the new Labour government is taking to address the retail crime epidemic.”

As Christmas approaches—a time when retail crime tends to peak—Usdaw is urging the public to “respect shop workers” and remain calm as stores become busier.

Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 members, primarily in retail, launched its Freedom From Fear Campaign to tackle the growing issue of violence against shop workers. The final results of the 2024 survey are expected in March 2025.

Continue Reading

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

on

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Continue Reading

Business2 days ago

Bristol Trader to temporarily serve menu at the Castle Hotel

The team of a popular riverside pub in Pembrokeshire, devastated by a recent fire, will relocate to a new town...

News3 days ago

Ferry diverts to aid yacht after medical emergency alert in Irish Sea

FISHGUARD RNLI lifeboat launched on Sunday night (Nov 10) after HM Coastguard requested assistance for a 40ft yacht, approximately 28...

Community3 days ago

Those who gave their lives in service honoured at Freshwater West

A REMEMBRANCE service took place at 11:00am on Monday (Nov 11) at Freshwater West Bay, South Pembrokeshire, marking a poignant...

Community4 days ago

Remembrance service honours fallen at Haverfordwest’s war memorial

CROWDS gathered in Salutation Square for a solemn Remembrance Service at the historic Pembrokeshire County War Memorial, paying tribute to...

News7 days ago

Large fire at Bramble Hall Farm – Arson suspected

FIREFIGHTERS have brought a large blaze under control at Bramble Hall Farm in Pembroke Dock. The fire broke out in...

News7 days ago

Fire strikes popular Pembrokeshire pub – no staff or customers hurt

A FIRE broke out at The Bristol Trader pub on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, today (Wednesday, Nov 6), impacting two floors...

News1 week ago

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum updates Pembrokeshire Marine Code

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has introduced key updates to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, following a comprehensive review with stakeholders and...

News1 week ago

Blaze at Bristol Trader: Emergency services close Quay Street

FIRE crews have been deployed to Quay Street, Haverfordwest, after a blaze broke out at the popular Bristol Trader pub....

Crime1 week ago

Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident

RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his...

News1 week ago

Motorcyclist dies after collision on A40 near Canaston Bridge

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred around 11:15pm on Friday (Nov 1) on the A40, just...

Popular This Week