From 6pm on Thursday 1st October, local coronavirus restrictions come in to play here in Flintshire, as well as in the neighbouring counties of Denbighshire, Conwy and Wrexham.
This was not an easy decision for the Welsh Government, local authorities and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, however due to the spike in infections, it was clear that action needed to be taken to further prevent spread of the virus.
We will all be subject to further restrictions which mean that no one should enter, or leave the area without reasonable excuse to do so. This does include traveling for work, to provide caring responsibilities and to shop for essential items – but only if there are no alternatives.
Extended households or “social bubbles” will also come to an end for the next few weeks and you will only be able to meet other households outdoors, at a social distance. Unfortunately holidays, visiting family, and other social interactions outside of the county, are not allowed at this period of time.
I realise this will disappointing and difficult for many people. These additional restrictions will be kept under review and I will do my best to keep Leader readers informed of any changes. I will also share updates on my Facebook page – Hannah Blythyn MS.
If any constituents or businesses have any questions about the changes to the regulations then please get in touch and I will do my best to sign post you to the correct information.
Practicing good hand hygiene, wearing face coverings and keeping a two metre distance, should now part of our daily “normal” whilst out and about. Registering our details as part of Test, Trace, Protect when we enter a pub or restaurant, should also be instinctive to us.
We all need to think not only about what we can’t do because the law says so, but also about what we shouldn’t do because it could increase the risk of contracting coronavirus and passing it to others.
Together we can protect the most vulnerable in our communities and reduce the spread of the virus as much as possible, by following the measures put in place.
I am keen to ensure that communities across Delyn and indeed North Wales, are safe places to live, not just during the pandemic, but in the years to come too. Residents in Northop Hall have approached me with road safety concerns in the village and I am committed to doing all I can to tackle the issues they face. Over the weekend I spent time delivering my annual update to residents in the village, encouraging them to add their support to my campaign for safer roads. Residents in the Northop Hall area can do this by visiting www.hannahblythyn.cymru/northop-hall-road-safety.
Residents in Lloc have also raised concerns with me about speeding vehicles and I have been in touch with Flintshire County Council about what we can do to make our roads safer. They have assured me they will work together with North Wales Police and GoSafe to do all they can to reduce speeding and improve road safety for everyone in the area.
Although coronavirus does continue to be the main concern for us all, please remember I am still on hand to offer support with any issues you face. If residents in any other part of the constituency have concerns about road safety, or any other issues then please do get in touch.
Most Leader readers should now have received a copy of my update through their door, with 1000s being delivered across all of Delyn. For anyone who would like to receive a more regular update, please get in touch and I would be more than happy to add you to my mailing list.
If you have any questions about my work, or if there is anything which I can be of assistance with, then please do get in touch by emailing Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales or calling my office on 01352 762102.