Neath Port Talbot Council’s coronavirus update

Neath Port Talbot Council has issued further updates following the Prime Minister’s announcement last night (Tuesday 24^th March 2020) to step up measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

This release now lists the latest changes affecting Neath Port Talbot residents and businesses.

All non-essential businesses and premises must now close. As a result of this, Neath Market will be closed to the public until further notice. The full list and other information can be found on the Welsh Government website here: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-03/coranivirus-closure-of-businesses-and-premises.pdf.

Following the announcement of business closures, our licensing officers carried out checks on all premises that should be closed or open for takeaways/deliveries only. The team managed to cover the whole of the county borough and we are pleased to report that compliance was overwhelmingly positive.

Parents of pupils who are eligible for free school meals are being reminded that even though schools are closed, they are still entitled to pick up a healthy meal known as a ‘Grab and Go’ bag. All bags contain a sandwich made from wholemeal bread (ham/cheese/jam), fruit, biscuit and drink. Time slots are being advised by the school for when they should attend to pick up their bags, and once they have their bags they will need to return home.

The Council’s Trading Standards Department has been made aware of a recent scam regarding school meals reimbursement in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Parents are being contacted and asked for their bank details in order to be reimbursed payments they have made to buy food for their children. Under no circumstances should parents provide their bank details to anyone they do not know.

The NPT Safe and Well service is now open to support those vulnerable residents who have been told to self-isolate but don’t have any support from family, friends or neighbours. If you or someone you know needs help with daily living tasks such as food shopping, collecting medical supplies and posting mail, contact us on 01639 686868 to link up with a trusted volunteer. Find out more here: www.npt.gov.uk/SafeAndWell.

Last night’s announcement (Monday 23^rd March 2020) from the Government stated that everyone must now stay at home except for: shopping for necessities, obtaining medical supplies, one period of daily exercise, and travelling to and from essential work. We are asking residents to please comply with the latest measures to help restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

For the latest Council updates and links to official sources of information, visit: www.npt.gov.uk/coronavirus .