As part of Neath Port Talbot Council’s rapid response to the Government’s Covid-19 strategy, a number of service changes and innovations in working have already been announced and in this release we outline the latest developments.
The following two new services are being launched:
NPT Safe and Well – This will be available initially to those who will receive letters shortly asking them to self-isolate at home for up to 16 weeks due to underlying health conditions but do not have friends and family to provide support to them.
The new service will arrange a trusted volunteer (supervised by established local organisations) to help ensure they can still access groceries and medical supplies. They will also be able to help with everyday tasks such as posting mail and walking dogs, and they will keep in regular contact. They will have proof of identity and will not ask for any money or bank details. This service will be free of charge.
NPT Buy Local – This will be an online resource to help our local businesses provide delivery services and offer support to residents. It will be a bit like a “dating app” to enable local businesses to connect to local people who need services, and for businesses to connect to each other.
This Council is aware of the financial distress of a lot of our local businesses due to social changes caused by the fight against Coronavirus and we will do everything we can to ensure they get swift access to financial assistance on offer from the Welsh Government.
The Council is ready to send 2,400 letters to businesses identified as eligible for the first Government financial support package and there are plans to establish an online portal for businesses so we can pay out money as quickly as possible to those qualifying for support.
We are also aware that concerns are being raised over Council Tax payments during the current emergency. The Council is in close contact with the Welsh Government over the issue and we will make announcements when we hear more details regarding help that may become available.
From Monday (March, 23rd, 2020), in line with Government advice on social distancing, all Neath Port Talbot Council offices will be closed to the public with alternative arrangements currently being made for a small number of vulnerable service users who may still need face-to-face interaction.
The Leader of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr Rob Jones, is calling a meeting of local Public Service Board partners next week, including fire service, police, health and National Resources Wales representatives to ensure joint working in helping to combat the spread of Coronavirus.
Also, Transport for Wales has asked the Council to warn residents that due to the impact of COVID-19, it will be reducing rail services from Monday. All passengers are asked to check their preferred train is running before travelling.
The Council wishes to remind people of the urgent need to follow the latest public health advice from Public Heath Wales which is:
• People who live with others should stay at home for 14 days if they, or anyone in their household, has either a high temperature or a new and continuous cough.
• People who live alone should stay at home for seven days if they develop a high temperature or a new and continuous cough.
• Everyone should avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel.
• Everyone is asked to work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and social venues.
Also, people are urged to wash their hands more often, especially when getting to work or arriving home, after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing, before eating and before handling food. You should wash your hands for 20 seconds, using soap and water or hand sanitiser and should also cough or sneeze into tissues before binning them.
For the latest Council updates and links to official sources of information, visit: www.npt.gov.uk/coronavirus
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