The Leader was relieved and pleased to inform Members that Councillor John Spanswick has been discharged from the Princess of Wales Hospital and is now recovering at home.  Following a positive test for coronavirus, Councillor Spanswick became very ill, and was admitted to intensive care after developing pneumonia.  The Leader read out a statement which Councillor Spanswick had posted on social media.   

“Just over two weeks ago, I tested positive for Covid, and for the next week I curled up and slept.  One week later, unable to breathe properly, I was admitted to the Princess of Wales Hospital, and that's where our amazing NHS staff took over and gave me the best treatment I could have ever wished for.

After several scary moments thinking I may not be coming home, I have been one of the very lucky ones.  The reason for this post is to give the biggest shout-out possible to all of the staff working in the hospital who turn up each day to battle with this dreaded Covid, and to all of the patients who desperately need their help.  Most of the staff have had Covid themselves, yet they still turn up for work to make a difference in what are now very difficult circumstances.  I will never be able to thank all of the NHS staff enough for the care and treatment they have given me, but they are the true heroes of our country.  We all now need to play our part to help avoid this Covid spreading any more rapidly.”

The Leader asked Members to join him in wishing Councillor Spanswick well as he continues to recover at home.

The Leader informed Council that that the situation is quickly becoming dire. Just a few hours ago, Welsh Government announced that Wales is moving to alert level four, and that a series of new national changes will be implemented.  All non-essential retail, including close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres, will close at the end of trading on Christmas Eve, and all hospitality premises will close from 6pm on Christmas Day.  On 28 December, tighter restrictions for household mixing, staying-at-home, holiday accommodation and travel will also come into force.

He informed Council that £340m will be made available to support businesses affected by restrictions into the New Year, and further support has been promised for businesses affected by the new restrictions.  Some important council services are now at risk because local cases of coronavirus are continuing to rise.  In less than two weeks, Bridgend County Borough has moved from being one of the most improved local authorities in Wales to becoming the third highest area for positive cases of Covid-19.

Directorates are currently in the process of identifying services that are absolutely critical for preventing threats either on the basis of serious damage to human welfare, or serious damage to the environment.  These are definitions of emergency as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act, and this is the first time that this Council has had to seriously consider such radical actions.  This clearly indicates the level of crisis that the Council is in the process of dealing with.  The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help will shortly be making an announcement from a social services perspective.

The Leader announced that high numbers of school-based staff who are self-isolating or ill with coronavirus has already forced one comprehensive, a special school and six primary schools to close earlier than planned.  Council staff are already working flat-out to provide vital services in difficult circumstances, but any further reduction in the workforce will have a major impact on the Council’s ability to do so.  He stated that the Council is now in a position in where it is being forced to start considering which services will need to be pared back and reduced.

The Leader informed Council that colleagues in health are experiencing similar concerns, and the First Minister has confirmed that a further national lockdown may be necessary after Christmas.  He stated that it was down to everyone as residents of the county borough to determine what happens next, and whether it will become necessary for such drastic measures to take place locally or not.  He hoped that Members will support the fight against the spread of the coronavirus by telling constituents at every opportunity that it must be taken seriously.  He stated that everyone needs to think about the possible consequences of their actions, and to follow the rules on wearing a mask, socially distancing, washing hands, and following the guidance and urgent action needs to be taken now to protect friends, family and neighbours.