Respiratory infections, like flu and COVID-19, can spread easily between people, with symptoms ranging from a continuous cough, fever or chills, muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise, a sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, diarrhoea and sickness.
COVID-19 has not gone away and continues to evolve and mutate.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Chris Jones said:
Respiratory infections spread easily between people at this time of year. It is important to be aware of symptoms so you can take action to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to other people.
We should all take sensible precautionary measures to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. If you’re feeling unwell you should avoid contact with others and tell people you have recently been in contact with, so they can be aware of signs or symptoms.
Frequent hand washing and covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing and sneezing are also encouraged.
If you live with or are visiting someone with a chronic health condition or a weakened immune system, consider wearing a face mask and avoid visiting hospitals and care settings if you have symptoms.
Vaccination remains our key defence for flu and COVID-19. So if your eligible please take up your offer of a vaccine.
The autumn vaccination programme for Wales starts on 11 September. Vaccinations are to be rolled out to over 65s, at risk groups and those working or living with vulnerable people for flu and COVID-19.
Dr Christopher Johnson, Deputy Director of Health Protection and Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said:
While COVID-19 may not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds, or may even be something that people would rather forget, it is important to remember that the virus is still with us.
There are simple but important steps that everyone can take to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the NHS, especially as we see increased social mixing as schools return, and an increase in numbers.
If you feel unwell, stay home and avoid contact with others, as you would to avoid spreading any other respiratory infection, like flu.
When you cough or sneeze, do so into a disposable tissue, and wash your hands frequently to avoid passing on germs. Special care should be taken around vulnerable or elderly people, so avoid contact with these if you are ill.
And of course, please take up the offer of a COVID-19 and flu vaccine if you are offered them. These are the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus and protect yourself, your family, and to help the NHS.
Holiday provision for learners who are eligible for free school meals was introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a form of time-limited support to help families. While there have been several temporary continuations of the scheme, Welsh Government have confirmed on 28th June 2023 that despite fully exploring options for funding a further extension, it has not been possible due to funding constraints. The most recent extension to the end of May half term is the last. There will be no further extension to cover the summer holiday period or beyond. Please click the following links for further resources
In September 2022, the rollout of Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) across Wales began, starting with learners in Reception. The policy is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, which will see free school meals extended to all primary school learners over the next two years. Following the successful roll-out of UPFSM to Reception, Years 1 and 2, and eligible Nursery age pupils in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the next phase is to commence from 4th September 2023, where the offer will be extended to include all Year 3 and 4 pupils and eligible Nursery pupils. Eligible Nursery pupils are those who attend local authority* Nursery provision on a full-time basis (morning and afternoon sessions) in accordance with the Councils admissions policy: - • All pupils aged 4 years, between 1st September 2022 and 31st December 2022, will be eligible for a free school meal from January 2023. • All pupils aged 4 years, between 1st January 2023 and 31st March 2023, will be eligible for a free school meal from April 2023. • All pupils aged 4 years, between 1st April 2023 and 31st August 2023, will be eligible for a free school meal from September 2023.
Every minute counts ⏰
When your child arrives late at school, he/she misses the teachers instructions and the introduction to the lesson.
Frequent lateness can add up to a considerable amount of learning lost, and can seriously disadvantage your child.
Time matters ✅
As part of the South Wales Metro project, we’ve been installing overhead power lines across the network to power our new electric tram-trains which will run on the Merthyr, Aberdare, Treherbert, City and Bay railway lines.
This bulletin is to notify you that areas of the core valley lines railway due to be electrified in the coming weeks. This means the power will be switched on. The overhead power lines that carry 25,000 volts will be ‘live’, making it extremely dangerous for any persons to come close to the overhead wires or any associated part of the structures. This includes the supporting masts, switch feeds and cables.
What is OLE and what are the dangers?
OLE will power our new tram-trains along our Core Valleys Lines (CVL). OLE will carry 25,000 volts, and is always “on”, not just when trains are passing.
25,000 volts is the equivalent to 100 times your household electricity. Contact with OLE is fatal nine out of ten times and survivors are left with life-changing injuries.
The heat generated from a shock of 25,000 volts is over 3,000 degrees Celsius. That’s hot enough to ignite a victim’s clothing and the victim themselves.
You don’t necessarily have to touch OLE to receive a shock, coming too close can be fatal as the electricity can jump.
WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK 👟
Competition Time!
🗓Monday 15th and Friday 19th May
To help encourage children and parents to walk, cycle, scoot or get to school in an active way Chwaraeon RHCT / Sport RCT are giving away five Summer Fun packs! Filled with fun activities and games .
To enter tag @SportRCT and hashtag #RCTWalkToSchoolWeek on twitter or Instagram, include a photo showing us how you have got to school in an active way along with your school name! The school with the most entries will also receive a prize.