Coronavirus hasn’t gone away and this Christmas we’re reminding residents and visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taf to help keep our County Borough and Wales safe when they are celebrating over the festive period.
Whatever they are doing and wherever they are going, we’re reminding them to know the risks in a bid to help keep themselves, their loved ones and Wales safe.
With the recent news that a new variant (Omicron) is now widely circulating in Wales, the Council and its partner agencies are once again reinforcing the message that - simple measures can help to keep themselves and their loved ones safe; from getting vaccinated, to regular hand washing and wearing a face covering in crowded public places.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, you are responsible for the amount of RISK you factor into your life. This applies to all health scenarios from preventing diabetes to reducing cardiovascular disease to reducing the chances of contracting coronavirus – the daily activities we all undertake can impact on our health chances.
When you know the RISK you can make an informed decision on what you are prepared to do to protect yourself, your family, your friends and your wider community.
The perfect environment for any virus to spread is indoor, crowded spaces, with little ventilation and where social distancing and mask wearing is difficult to maintain – the longer you spend in these places the greater the chance of picking up a virus. You can limit this by getting fully vaccinated, getting a Covid pass and doing a lateral flow test before you head out to see your friends and family.
Wearing a face covering in an indoor, crowded setting, keeping your distance, and regularly washing your hands are simple ways to keep yourself and others safe.
As restrictions have the potential to change as cases fluctuate, the Public Health and Protection team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to all Rhondda Cynon Taf businesses to ensure that they can open safely within the current guidance.
Any businesses that would like advice on current COVID-19 requirements can contact the team at CoronavirusCouncilAdvice@rctcbc.gov.uk for further advice.
The Council’s dedicated Public Health and Protection officers have been continuing to work with businesses throughout the pandemic in a bid to help keep people safe and keep businesses open safely. The team have issued over 183 notices and closures to businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf to ensure the safety of customers and employees. The great news is that the majority of businesses are operating safely in line with COVID-19 guidance.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Andrew Morgan, said:
“It’s been an incredibly challenging 18-months and as a County Borough we have come together to help each other throughout. We all have a part to play in keeping each other and Wales safe over the festive period and in to 2022. Let’s all do what we can to help reduce the risk.
“Our dedicated Public Health and Protection team have been continuing their work to offer support to businesses and take action when needed. I would urge everyone to get vaccinated when they are invited to do so and to carry on doing the simple things that have now become part of all of our daily lives, from mask wearing to extra hand washing.”
For more information and service updates relation to COVID-19 in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/PublicHealthRCT.
Posted on 22/12/2021