Author: Rhys Gregory

Changes to advice for people shielding from coronavirus are being introduced from Monday 1 June. On Sunday, Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething announced plans to ease the lockdown restrictions recommended for people with health conditions, which put them at the highest risk of harm from the virus. People who have been shielding can now take exercise outdoors and meet people from another household, as long as it takes place outdoors. There are two changes to the advice for this group: Outdoor exercise is unlimited, as long as individuals strictly follow social distancing rules and hygiene practices. Those…

Following the announcement by Welsh Government on Friday, Caerphilly Council has taken the decision to reopen the car parks of country parks in the area. All 5 parks will reopen, however the car park at the bottom end of the Sirhowy Valley Country Park will not re-open yet due to ongoing tree felling works by Natural Resources Wales. Cllr. Philippa Marsden, Leader of Caerphilly Council, said, “I welcome this decision to allow our residents to once again enjoy our beautiful country parks, however I must stress the importance of social distancing when using these facilities. As a community you have…

Hundreds of people joined together in support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd in the US. The demonstration took place outside Cardiff Castle and was organised following the death of Mr Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 25 May while in police custody. There has been civil unrest across the USA sparked by the 46-year-old’s death, which has sparked worldwide protests including those in UK cities. Ex-policeman Derek Chauvin, 44, was sacked and has since been charged with murdering Mr Floyd. George Floyd, died in police custody after being arrested outside a shop in Minneapolis,…

Detectives in Barry are appealing for information and potential witnesses following a suspected arson attack which affected two neighbouring homes. South Wales Police was called to assist the fire service at Clos Tear shortly after 3am today (Sunday, May 31), after a resident reported a fire affecting the rear of two properties. The fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately, caused damage to the fencing and gardens, as well as to the doors to the houses. Fortunately, no-one was injured during the incident. Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area in the early…

The main outpatient waiting areas at Morriston Hospital have changed almost beyond recognition as the fight against COVID-19 continues. Just a few months ago they would have been filled with people waiting for their appointments, to have blood taken, to be seen in the fracture clinic or treated in the plaster room. Now there are dozens of beds, and space for even more where the most critically unwell patients can be cared for if there is a surge in admissions. Hopefully that day will never come. But the capacity is there if needed. Morriston Hospital has already undergone significant changes…

Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams has written to England’s Minister of State for Universities expressing a ‘deep concern’ over plans to announce the UK Government’s intention to introduce temporary student number controls in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the letter sent to Michelle Donelan, the Education Minister says she is ‘disappointed that the UK Government proposes to introduce student number controls in respect of English domiciled students attending Welsh institutions’ adding that the approach is ‘not in the best interests of the UK as a whole’. In the letter she writes: “I am deeply concerned that you have chosen…

Swansea Council recently made changes to the domiciliary care service in the region in a bid to boost the sector and improve the quality of care that people receive in their homes. This is critical in a time where people want to live independently at home along with the rising costs of residential and nursing homes. New Contracts In late 2019, new contracts were awarded to domiciliary care companies in Swansea which resulted in around 275 people receiving care from a new provider. These companies assist the elderly in their own homes and can assist with washing, dressing, medication, cooking…

If you have an iOS-based device and wish to trade on different markets, you have two options: pick an online platform to use in your mobile browser or get an iOS trading app. In this article, you will find out which option you should choose. What to Choose? It is important to decide what to do first — find the best brokers and then pick those offering an iPhone trading app or find brokers offering iOS and then choose the most reputable from them? Not all brokers have a Stock, Commodities, Futures, or Forex trading app — iPhone users, in…

The government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will be extended, giving more security to individuals whose livelihoods are adversely affected by coronavirus in the coming months, the Chancellor announced today (Friday 29 May 2020). Those eligible under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), which has so far seen 2.3 million claims worth £6.8 billion will be able to claim a second and final grant in August. The grant will be worth 70 per cent of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total. The Chancellor also…

Plans to allow family and friends to meet outside have been unveiled by First Minister Mark Drakeford as the strict stay-at-home coronavirus regulations are eased in Wales. From Monday, two households in the same local area will be able to meet outdoors. In doing this however people must follow social distancing and strict hand hygiene practices to control the spread of the virus. Local means not generally travelling more than five miles from home to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading from one area to another. The changes mean people can meet another household outdoors in their local area but…