Welcome to the last update of the week from Cardiff Council, covering: Cardiff introduces precautionary lockdown measures to counter rising Covid infections; update on COVID-19 cases affecting schools; and greater access to digital support.

Cardiff introduces precautionary lockdown measures to counter rising Covid infections

Wales's capital city is to introduce lockdown measures to counter a recent rise in COVID-19 infections.

From 6pm Sunday (September 27), residents and visitors in Cardiff MUSTadhere to the following restrictions:

• People will not be allowed to enter or leave the Cardiff County Council boundary area without a reasonable excuse;
• People will no longer be able to form, or be in, an extended household (sometimes called a "bubble"). This means you are not allowed to meet indoors with anyone who is not part of your household (people you live with), unless you have a good reason, such as providing care to a vulnerable person;
• People must work from home wherever possible.

Enforcement action will be taken by the police and Environmental Health officials in the event of non-compliance with the measures.

Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "We do not take these steps lightly. The Council has been closely monitoring the infection rates in Cardiff throughout this crisis, alongside health experts and Welsh Government, and we've already moved earlier this week to restrict visits to Hospitals and Care Homes. However, in consultation with Welsh Government, we all feel it is now prudent to bring in stronger restrictions. By introducing these precautionary measures at this early stage, we aim to prevent the exponential spread of the virus, and hopefully minimise the duration of the lockdown.

"In taking this course of action we've had to weigh up the economic damage, the social cost, the impact on mental health. But we've seen in the past what can happen if there is a delay in bringing measures in. Delaying by a matter of days could mean many more lives could be lost.

"Curtailing households meeting indoors and restricting travel will have an impact on all our lives, but it is important people understand that these decisions are informed by a highly effective Test, Trace and Protect Service which has been crucial in helping us understand the recent surge we have seen in Cardiff.

Read more here:

https://www.cardiffnewsroom.co.uk/releases/c25/24811.html

Update on COVID-19 cases affecting schools

Eastern High School

A positive test for COVID-19 has been confirmed at Eastern High school. Whilst the school carried out investigations into specific contacts, all Year 10 pupils were initially asked to remain at home.

54 pupils have now been identified as close contacts of the confirmed COVID-19 case and advised by Public Health Wales to self-isolate for 14 days. The remaining pupils will return to school tomorrow (Friday 25, September).

Social Distancing measures in place at the school means that no members of staff need to self-isolate.

Cardiff West Community High School

A positive test for COVID-19 has been confirmed at Cardiff West Community High School.

175 Year 9 pupils have been advised by Public Health Wales to self-isolate for 14 days after they were identified as close contacts of the confirmed COVID-19 case.    No staff members need to self-isolate due to social distancing protocols being followed.

Severn Primary School

A positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at Severn Primary School. 56 Reception pupils and 8 members of staff have been advised by Public Health Wales to self-isolate for 14 days after they were identified as close contacts of the confirmed COVID-19 case.

Greater access to digital support

Face-to-face job clubs and access to public computers in community hubs across the city are being re-introduced to support people into work.

As the impact of the pandemic on the jobs market continues to be felt, the Council is adapting services to meet demand and ensure people can get the help they need with employment matters and benefit claims.

The Council's Into Work Service moved some of its support sessions online during the lockdown period to continue assisting residents looking for help. Now face-to-face job clubs are being phased back in from this week in hubs across the city, starting with Central Library Hub, Grangetown Hub, St Mellons Hub and Ely & Caerau Hub. Support will then expand to all hubs over the next few weeks on a timetabled basis.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Modernisation, Cllr Chris Weaver said: "Into Work Cardiff has supported people throughout the pandemic with virtual sessions and appointments in hubs when it hasn't been possible to help over the phone or on a digital platform.

"In order to meet the demand that is now becoming evident, face-to-face job clubs will take place at hubs in the city, on an appointment-only basis."

Read more here:

https://www.cardiffnewsroom.co.uk/releases/c25/24808.html