Author: Rhys Gregory

Parts of Wales have seen unprecedented levels of tourism this weekend, as thousands of people have deserted cities and flocked to West Wales. Less than 24 hours after the Prime Minister issued tighter measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, Wales turned into a typical bank holiday weekend. The leaders of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire County Councils have consulted with leaders at; Hywel Dda University Health Board and MPs and AMs across the Hywel Dda region have prepared a joint statement. “As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic progresses, it is crucial we all play our part in tackling this disease in…

Snowdonia National Park experienced its busiest ever visitor day in living memory this weekend. Only 24 hours after the Prime Minister issued tighter measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, these were the unprecedented scenes in Snowdonia yesterday. The Snowdonia National Park Authority is now calling upon Government to institute clearer measures to protect people and rural communities in Wales. The authority ‘fears that the current guidance is not explicit enough for people to protect themselves and others’. Emyr Williams, Chief Executive of the Snowdonia National Park Authority said: “On Friday night the prime minister announced new restrictions aimed…

Emergency legislation to protect renters and landlords affected by COVID-19 will apply to Wales, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James has confirmed. The Welsh Government has agreed that measure being developed by the UK Government, to suspend evictions from social or private rented accommodation will apply to Welsh tenants. New protection under the emergency bill will include: Landlords will be unable to start possession proceedings to evict tenants for at least a three month period during the crisis and; The three month mortgage payment holiday will be extended to Buy to Let mortgages to protect landlords. The Minister…

The latest figure comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson warns that the NHS could be “overwhelmed” if people fail to act on the advice given. The number of people who have died in the UK with coronavirus rose to 233 on Saturday, with cases topping 5,000. In Wales, the total number of confirmed cases rose to 280, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “The Chief Medical Officer has today (22 March) confirmed the death of seven patients in Wales…

Following a stabbing and a number of incidents believed linked to it, South Wales Police has issued a Section 60 Notice which gives officers the authority to stop and search anyone in the Tremorfa area. The Section 60 Notice will take effect from 11am today (Sunday, March 22) and will last for a period of 24 hours. The Notice authorises any constable in uniform, within that locality, to exercise the powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994: to stop and search any pedestrian, or anything carried by them for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments…

Former and future health and social care professionals needed to help Wales respond to coronavirus Wales’ former health and social care professionals are today [Saturday 21 March] being asked to return to work, as an emergency recruitment drive is launched to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Social Services and Integration have made simultaneous appeals to their colleagues to sign-up to support those affected. Final-year students will also be offered work in the NHS to help boost the workforce over the coming months. Chief Nursing Officer Jean White said: “These are extraordinary…

Cardiff city centre streets were empty this afternoon on what is usually a busy Saturday of shoppers and visitors to the city. In the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, businesses across the UK have taken the decision to the close the doors to customers. Some of the shops including Disney and Apple closed their doors last week, but following yesterday’s announcement by UK government, many other shops have now closed. 89 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 280, although the true number of cases is likely…

Wales’ largest shopping centre, St David’s Cardiff, has published a list of the shops and restaurants that have taken the decision to close. In the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, businesses across the UK have taken the decision to the close the doors to customers. Some of the shops including Disney and Apple closed their doors last week, but following yesterday’s announcement by UK government, many other shops have now closed. Boris Johnson has asked cafes, pubs and restaurants to close from Friday night – except for take-away food in order to help fight against coronavirus. Nightclubs, theatres, cinemas,…

Police have issued a series of tips and advice for people to bear in mind during the coronavirus outbreak – and to community groups who are offering their support to others. In South Wales and across the country, there have been numerous examples of communities coming together and helping each other, particularly the most vulnerable. But with reports from elsewhere in the UK of fraudsters and scammers trying to use the outbreak to take advantage of others, South Wales Police is raising awareness of advice which may help prevent people in our communities from falling victim. Only accept help from…

PureGym has closed all of its gyms across the UK, following the latest Government advice. The popular gym chain had vowed to stay open for as long as possible by introducing social distancing measures and upping their hand sanitiser and cleaning facilities. Instead, they will be introducing a number of at home workouts that members can do via their app. They will also be freezing all payments while they remain closed. PureGym who has three sites in Cardiff, took a number of machines out of action to ensure a two metre gap between its members. They also installed new additional…