Category Archives: Covid 19

Outreach newsletter January

Eglwys Llansadwrn church Carmarthenshire Sir Gar

Thank you for all the help you have given Llansadwrn Church and community over the years. These last twenty-two months must be some of the most difficult any of us can remember. The Covid pandemic has affected each and every one of us, whether through sickness and loss, or through the restrictions placed on our daily lives.

The church too has been affected. As you probably remember, there was a time when we were unable to go into church at all and many of the services we normally offer, like baptisms, weddings and funerals, had to be severely restricted. We are getting back to ‘normal’ now, although things will continue to change and adapt as circumstances dictate. It has been a learning experience for all which has made us ask questions about the role of our church in the community. 

The church has always felt very appreciative of the support given by the people of Llansadwrn and at the beginning of this new year, we feel this is an opportunity to hear from you – to know if there is any practical way in which the church can express her gratitude to you through providing venues and opportunities. Covid has had an impact right across the country and each community has responded differently: in some, people have asked for the chance to come together and enjoy each other’s company, because of the loss and loneliness experienced through the pandemic.

Vestry Venture was an attempt, in more normal times, to bring people together in that way, and there are plans to recommence as soon as it is safe: but perhaps now there are other more focused needs which require an additional response. Carers, as well as those they care for, have been under huge pressure during the pandemic and a monthly coffee morning might provide a opportunity to meet friends new and old. Regular phone contact for anyone feeling isolated is another possibility as is the opportunity to meet and practise Welsh in a relaxed and supportive environment.  

The last two years have raised some big philosophical questions. Discussion groups, for different ages, can be an ideal forum in which to explore a range of contentious issues, such as the limits of individual freedom and the nature of our personal and cosmic responsibility. Our young people have an especial interest in the future of the planet and might appreciate practical opportunities, such as an organised nature club, to interact with the environment. 

Undoubtedly you will have your own ideas which we haven’t even thought of. Please feel free to share them! Call Vicar Viv on 01550 777200 or Jane Shaw on 01550 777302. Or email us:  revd.viv.sayer@gmail.com or ffynnongarreg@btinternet.com 

In the meantime please accept our heartfelt thanks for your continuing support.

From all at Llansadwrn Church

Hywel Dda October update


Attached is Hywel Dda CHC September’s Newsletter for information.

COVID-19:What can I do to protect myself, my family, friends and community?

Testing and contact tracing, contact tracing is a tried and tested method of controlling the spread of infectious diseases such as
coronavirus, however, it does not work on its own. We all need to continue to play our part and follow the latest public health guidance.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are one or more of the following:
 new continuous cough
 high temperature
 loss of or change to sense of smell or taste
If you develop one of these symptoms, you should immediately selfisolate and follow the self-isolation guidance. You should also apply for a
test. Please do not visit your GP surgery or hospital to request a test, as you may infect others. The test is only effective for those who are
experiencing coronavirus symptoms and needs to be taken in the first 5 days of having symptoms. It only checks if you have coronavirus right
now and not if you have already had the virus.

Information on Regional/local coronavirus testing facilities.

If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home or if your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days,
use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call 111.

The NHS COVID-19 app is free to download and is the fastest way to see if you’re at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you
can warn and protect your loved ones and your community.

For up to date information see Public Health Wales website :
https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronaviruscovid-19/

RE: Remembrance 2020

Poppy-cakes

The Remembrance period is vitally important to us all, in order that we can honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community.

The Welsh Government fully appreciates that Local Authorities, town and community councils, along with charities and the Military, will be planning Remembrance activity for November 2020 and we want to ensure organisers have as much information available to them in order to plan Remembrance activity safely.

Given the current situation with Covid 19, it is clear that Remembrance this year will look somewhat different to previous years and will have to take account of the current situation, reflecting the regulations in place at the time to limit the spread of the virus. The Welsh Government will be marking the occasion, albeit in amended format, with participation at the opening of the Wales Field of Remembrance and Festival of Remembrance (online) led by the Royal British Legion, and the National Service of Remembrance which will take place in a limited capacity and subject to guidance at the time.

In order that organisers can adhere to guidelines and safely plan Acts of Remembrance, we are sharing the current national and local guidance for Wales regarding Covid 19. As this is a fast moving situation, we will circulate updates as they happen and would urge organisers to regularly check and monitor announcements regarding permitted activity relevant to the area. It is not possible to predict where we will be in November as you will appreciate but we hope the following guidance will help plan activity.

Rules for outdoor gatherings and places of worship, are included in the FAQs and we hope these will help the planning of Acts of Remembrance e.g. At War memorials.

Links / dolenni:

Coronavirus regulations – FAQs / Rheoliadau corona firws – Cwestiynau Cyffredin:

https://llyw.cymru/rheoliadau-coronafeirws-canllawiau?_ga=2.62663532.1967293491.1600772643-1165475327.1570627919

https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance

Local lockdown information / Gwybodaeth gloi leol:

https://llyw.cymru/cyfnod-clo-lleol?_ga=2.63662959.1967293491.1600772643-1165475327.1570627919

https://gov.wales/local-lockdown

Guidance on leaving your home and seeing other people / Canllawiau ar adael eich cartref a gweld pobl eraill:

https://llyw.cymru/canllawiau-ar-adael-eich-cartref-gweld-pobl-eraill-coronafeirws?_ga=2.84521945.1771770827.1600963895-599435944.1574850030

https://gov.wales/guidance-leaving-your-home-and-seeing-other-people-coronavirus

Coronavirus and the law / Corona firws a’r gyfraith:

https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws-ar-gyfraith?_ga=2.108742722.1967293491.1600772643-1165475327.1570627919

https://gov.wales/coronavirus-law

Covid update Llanelli area

As you may be aware, there is a concerning growth in positive Covid-19 cases in Carmarthenshire, concentrated in the Llanelli area.

We have been involved in lengthy discussions with colleagues at Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and Hywel Dda University Health Board, and this afternoon have made a joint decision to introduce new restrictions for a large part of the Llanelli area as part of our efforts to stop the spread.

We are in the process of communicating to residents in the affected areas and speaking personally to local Members to provide as much information as we can.

It’s really important that our messaging on this is clear, therefore we would be grateful if you would share information from our website and social media feeds as an official source.

As well as outlining the new local restrictions, we are developing a range of frequently asked questions and will be adding to these over the coming days so please return to check for updates.

As always, thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our communities informed.

The new local restrictions for the Llanelli area as ofSaturday, September 26, 2020 at 6pm are:  

  • people will not be allowed to enter or leave the defined area of Llanelli without a reasonable excuse
  • people will no longer be able to form, or be in, an extended household (sometimes called a “bubble”)
  • this means meeting indoors with anyone who is not part of your household (people you live with) is not allowed at the moment, unless you have a good reason, such as providing care to a vulnerable person
  • all licensed premises must stop serving alcohol at 10pm and will have to close at 10.20pm
  • people must work from home wherever possible

The specific wards covered in the defined area of Llanelli are:

  • Bigyn 
  • Bynea
  • Dafen
  • Elli
  • Felinfoel
  • Glanymor
  • Hendy
  • Hengoed
  • Llangennech
  • Lliedi
  • Llwynhendy
  • Tyisha
  • Swiss Valley

Residents can check if they live in one of these restricted areas by visiting www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales and entering their post code. 

You will also be able to find answers to a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions on the website.

Testing

A mobile testing unit has been set up in Llanelli to manage the increased demand. Testing for Llanelli residents is available by appointment at the following locations:

  • Parc y Scarlets Car Park B, accessed via Trostre Retail Park, in Llanelli
  • The Ty’r Nant site (next to KFC), Trostre, Llanelli
  • The Carmarthen showground (signposted in both directions off the A40)

There should be no reason for Llanelli residents to travel excessive distances for a test, as there will be tests available in Llanelli and Carmarthen.

Tests should be booked via the UK Portal. Any Llanelli residents experiencing difficulty booking a test locally via the UK portal can instead emailcovidenquiries.hdd@wales.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 333 2222.