The Leader informed Members of announcement that Rhondda Cynon Taf has unfortunately become the second area in Wales to go into lockdown and he briefed Members on an update of the situation in Bridgend.  Cabinet at its meeting yesterday, endorsed a regional action plan which outlined a raft of measures for tackling the spread of Covid-19 and responding to any incidents or outbreaks of the virus.  The Covid-19 Prevention and Response Plan covers the entire Cwm Taf Morgannwg area, and has been co-ordinated between local authorities and the health board and describes in detail the roles, key objectives and measures for the region, setting out arrangements for preventing the spread of infection among the most vulnerable, mitigating and controlling its impact, and monitoring it within local communities.  The plan also outlines the procedures in place when decisions on implementing local actions or restrictions are required, seen most recently in the Caerphilly area, and now Rhondda Cynon Taf.

He stated that many clusters and incidents can be managed through the Test, Trace, Protect programme without any need to close premises or initiate wider lockdown restrictions, robust investigation, management and control arrangements are in place for any significant developments.  He informed Council of the central role Council’s have in how Covid-19 is being managed in Wales.  Demonstrated in how social care and support to vulnerable residents, the childcare hubs which have supported essential key workers and vulnerable children is provided.  The maintenance of essential services, the deployment of staff to support the Test Trace Protect programme.  If the Council needs to respond to further significant incidents or outbreaks, it will fulfil this role.

The Leader informed Members that people may be concerned at the recent rise in infection rates across the South Wales region and the lockdowns that have already been declared, and he reassured Members and residents that necessary systems are in place to try and prevent this from happening in Bridgend County Borough.  At the same time, it should be recognised by all that whether the County Borough enters a local lockdown or not largely depends on how the community chooses to act.  He stressed that it was more important than ever for the County Borough to come together as one community, to behave in a responsible and safe manner, and to follow national requirements on social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, using sanitise.  He stated that the pandemic was far from over, and residents must not let their guard down.  He informed Members that a joint statement had been issued earlier this week between the Council and South Wales Police requesting all residents to behave responsibly and remain alert and urging people not to turn up and gather in large numbers for the cancelled Elvis Festival in Porthcawl, and to think twice, stay safe, and stay home.  He hoped Members will support these efforts and will help to promote these important key messages among their constituents.

The Leader announced that since schools started back, there had been nine incidents where staff or pupils had returned positive tests for coronavirus, resulting in pupils and staff self-isolating in line with national guidelines as a precautionary measure.  He stated that such incidents are inevitable while the pandemic is ongoing, but with all reasonable safety measures in place based on full risk assessments, the advantages of attending school far outweigh the disadvantages.  Schools had been preparing for pupils to return for some time now, and in each case have been able to take swift action to act promptly using advice supplied by Public Health Wales.  All schools have a full range of measures to reduce risk, limit contact and maintain high standards of hygiene.  Pupils who are unaffected are continuing to attend lessons as normal, those who are self-isolating are receiving lessons thanks to online access, virtual classrooms and blended learning facilities.  He requested that parents, carers and guardians need to support these efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus by remaining vigilant, and by not sending children to school if they exhibit any symptoms. 

He stated that the sudden rise in cases across the UK, current news headlines are also rife with stories about how central Government and Welsh Government are dealing with delays in coronavirus testing.  Measures are in development, with mobile test units are to be launched in Wales which can be deployed where they are needed most.  The Covid-19 Prevention and Response Plan is available to view at the council website, and he encouraged Members to read it for a greater insight into how the pandemic is being combatted on a regional scale.  He stated that the Council will continue to work alongside partners to do all it can to protect vulnerable residents, and to ensure that it continued to provide vital services for local people.

The Leader extended his sympathies to Mrs Marlene Thomas, former of the County Borough on the loss of her father, Mr George Davies, who performed the role of Consort during her year in office. 

He congratulated Mr Laurence Brophy of Pencoed on his achievement of cycling from Land’s End to John ‘O Groats to raise funding for Llamau.

He extended a warm welcome to Janine Nightingale, Corporate Director Communities who was attending her first meeting of Council.