Minutes:
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn,
provided a verbal update in relation to COVID-19. She noted that positive cases are increasing
in the County and across Wales.
There were 123 additional cases in Ceredigion yesterday
(reporting 2 days of cases) with a further 63 cases this morning, which gives a
total of 3,138 cases in the County from the beginning of the pandemic. The rate
of cases is currently at 364.5 per 100,000 of the population. The increase in
the number of cases are now resulting in hospitalisations across the Hywel Dda
University Health Board area. Work is ongoing with the rollout of the vaccine
at the vaccination centres at Yr Hen Ysgol Trewen in the south, and Llanbadarn
in the North of the County. The rollout now includes 16 – 18 year olds.
The Leader provided an update on Council services noting that eight care homes were in the red category due to infections among staff, however two care homes had moved to the green category yesterday. She noted that the effect of the pandemic is being seen upon staff in all service areas. All schools have re-opened however a number of cases were reported over the weekend. The importance of the work undertaken by the ‘Track Trace and Prevent’ Team continues to be essential to reducing the community transmission of the virus. Library vans continue to operate on a ‘click and collect’ basis and town libraries continue to offer an appointment system.
With regards to care for those with Learning Disabilities,
Canolfan Steffan is now open and significant work is required to improve the
provision at Canolfan Padarn. In the meantime, Canolfan Meugan is being
utilised by staff at Yr Hafod Residential Care Home and activities also carried
out at locations such at Theatr Mwldan.
Waste Services has been impacted by annual leave, the need
to self-isolate as well as the effect of the national shortage of HGV drivers.
The Leader apologised for the disruption noting that this should now stabilise,
Air-handling units have been ordered for both Lampeter and Aberystwyth swimming
pools which will re-open once the installation work is complete. She thanked Aberystwyth University and the University
of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter campus for providing the use of their
facilities to the community in the meantime. Cardigan Leisure Centre has been
returned to the Council and work is ongoing to bring it back into use. The floor at Plascrug Leisure Centre will
require further work, and Lampeter Leisure Centre will be adapted to include a
wellbeing centre combining Leisure and other support. It was noted that there are also leisure
facilities at Ysgol Penglais and Ysgol Bro Pedr.
The Leader noted that the road closures for the Safe Zones
have now been lifted with the exception Quay Parade in Aberaeron, which has
been maintained in response to a request by the local Member and the Town
Council. Changes to one-way systems would remain until the end of the month,
and that temporary wider pavements have yet to been removed whilst the number
of visitors remains high.
The Leader reminded everyone of the Wales Government rules that masks are still required indoors and on public transport, the importance of keeping a safe distance, ensuring good ventilation and the legal obligations for businesses to prepare a risk assessments ensuring public health and safety, urging everyone to remain vigilant and to keep safe.