The novelcoronavirus wavehas left countries, including Italy, France, Norway, and Spain, on lockdown, and many others encouraging self-isolation. This has, however, also driven people to panic-buy things in an attempt to stay stocked up.
Social media users are nowconfessingthe most ridiculous and weirdest purchases they have made during their stockpiling trips.
Twitter user Brandy Jensen, who started the thread, admitted that she bought three types of jams herself.
One userreplied, “I have an irresponsible number of liters of olives,” while anotherresponded, “Lentils. I hate lentils.”
Another consumerdecidedto “panic grow” with “seedlings for every vegetable” instead.
With these random, irrational purchases, one personsuggestedto hold “the weirdest potluck ever when this all blows over.”
what was everyone’s weirdest panic purchase my brain glitched and i bought three types of jam
This year, unfortunately, isn’t the time for saccharine greeting cards. Advertising agencyM&C Saatchihas produced a collection of e-cards to encourage loved ones to stay indoors, despite Mother’s Day falling on 22 March in the UK this year.
The unusual #MumIsGrounded cards turn the tables on mothers’ tough love, firmly reminding them to refrain from giving hugs or stepping outside.
Messages include, “It’s sad not to be able to hug the person that once cleaned my bum with a smile,” and, “It’s like when I told you there was a dangerous monster out there and it wasn’t safe to go to school. Only this time it’s true.”
The impactful cards are now available on M&C Saatchi’s social media channels.
The cover for the latest issue of The New Yorker magazine features a deserted Grand Central Terminal, alluding to the self-isolation practices adopted by New York City residents amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Grand Central Terminal, which often sees thousands of New Yorkers passing through its facility on a normal day, has now been depicted as an abandoned building by artistEric Drooker. The artwork encompasses the uncertain time as people stay indoors to prevent the spread of the virus.
The 30 March 2020 issue adds to thelineup of magazine coversdocumenting the current, and seemingly sudden, crisis.
In sharing his personal experience from the outbreak, Drookerpointed toSpanish painter Francisco Goya as the artist he often turns to “for solace in times of upheaval.”
As New Yorkers stay inside to fight the virus, the city’s streets and landmarks have turned into a ghost town, as depicted innew gripping picturesshot by photographers.
A post shared byThe New Yorker(@newyorkermag) on Mar 20, 2020 at 7:45am PDT
[viaThe New Yorker, cover image viaThe New Yorker] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/409176/The-New-Yorker-s-Cover-Illustrates-An-Ominous-Deserted-Grand-Central-Terminal/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Microsoft Azure’s Healthcare Bot service have launched a “coronavirus self-checker” bot, calledClara, to field questions about potential COVID-19 symptoms and recommend appropriate medical solutions and contacts.
The virtual tool will only be available in the US, where, as of22 March 2020, has more than 15,200 reported COVID-19 cases and 200 deaths. Microsoftexplainsthat Clara will aid in determining whether a person is in need of medical help, as screening all patients with cold or flu-like symptoms can lead to a “bottleneck that threatens to overwhelm health systems coping with the crisis.”
Using artificial intelligence, Clara will answer queries from people in the US, allowing medical professionals to direct their attention to those experiencing critical conditions, perTechCrunch.
However, the bot will not provide diagnosis or treatment prescriptions. It simply guides people through questions about their symptoms, and then gives them recommendations on medical care.
Clara follows Apple in helping toscreen usersfor possible symptoms of the novel coronavirus. Apple users can now check with Siri for more informed steps to take to allay their concerns about COVID-19.
It can be a stressful time for everyone as COVID-19 continues to spread globally, with little sign of slowing down.
Luckily, there aremore productive waysto keep yourself occupied than panic or binge-watch series after series.
Below, you’ll find a number of calming activities to do to keep your mind off coronavirus-related news. Take a look.
Dalgona whipped coffee
This three-ingredient beverage with a whipped coffee foam has been taking over the internet lately. The drink, called Dalgona coffee,gained emergence on TikTokand is named after a traditional Korean honeycomb toffee candy with a sponge-like texture. What makes it such a popular activity during this time of self-isolation is that the coffee supposedly requires (at least) 400 whips by hand to turn into the topping—a good way to pass time and give your arm a workout.
The whipped coffee itself requires just two ingredients: instant coffee granules and sugar. You’ll need to mix equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, and then whisk them together into a meringue-like mixture with stiff peaks. Pour it over a glass of milk.
People have been whipping the mixture by hand to keep themselves busy during the coronavirus outbreak, but you can also skip to the good part by using an electric mixer.
Paint along with Bob Ross
The world could do with a lot more of Bob Ross’ positivity right now. If you have a Netflix subscription, you can paint along with the late artist on two shows,Beauty is EverywhereandChill with Bob Ross.
Brighten up your days—and walls—with free coloring pages
Cultural institutions around the world have turned their artworks into free coloring pages, delivering hours upon hours of art therapy. Many of these illustrations are truly bizarre, albeit fitting for these strange times.
Every day, Planet Fitness hosts live 20-minute workout classes for free at 4pm PT on itsFacebook page, so you can get your daily exercise in. Don’t worry if you skip a session, the fitness center uploads its previous sessions online.
Further details have emerged for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) which is designed to assist qualifying businesses during these unprecedented times.
The Scheme aims to support long-term viable businesses who may need to respond to cash-flow pressures by seeking additional finance. The loan will be provided by the British Business Bank through participating providers during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Full details of the CBILS scheme can be foundhere – but the main criteria are:
Loan facilities of up to £5m
80% of the lenders risk is covered
Repayment terms up to 6 years for term loans and asset finance, but overdraft and invoice facilities will be up to 3 years.
No upfront fees and interest is covered by Government for up to 12 months
Companies remain 100% liable for the debt repayments. Total unsecured lending of up to £250,000.
Application for loans from the scheme is administered by over 40 approved lenders including main banks, challenger banks and asset finance etc. Businesses need to apply directly to the lenders and present their case for the finance needed.
With various COVID-19 misinformation campaigns gaining traction in messaging apps, Facebook is working to stem the spread with tests of several new features.
First it was advice, now it’s an order. Boris Johnson has issued a stark message to the country: “At this moment of national emergency… stay at home.” Speaking after the UK death toll reached 335,the prime minister introduced unprecedented restrictions on everyday life, meaning people must only leave their house for one of four reasons – to exercise once a day, to travel to and from work where “absolutely necessary”, to shop for essential items, and to fulfil any medical or care needs.
Shops selling non-essential goods have been told to shut, along with libraries and children’s playgrounds, and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together will be prohibited. The restrictions will be in place for at least three weeks and police will have the power to enforce them, including through fines. Read the prime minister’s statement in fulland geta more detailed breakdownof the new rules.
The BBC’s political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, saysit’s still not quite the kind of total crackdown seen in other countries, at least not yet – no curfews, for example – and there will be a time on the other side of this crisis to analyse whether the government made the right decisions at the right time.
The World Health Organization says the pandemic is “accelerating”,with more than 360,000 cases globally and more than 16,000 deaths. But WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was still possible to “change the trajectory” with rigorous testing and contact-tracing strategies.
In Italy, the worst-hit country, the latest daily increase in deaths was the smallest since last Thursday, raising hope that stringent restrictions on public life are starting to have an effect.The BBC’s Sima Kotecha describesthe haunting experience of Rome under lockdown.
In the US, where 481 people have died, state governors and city mayors are pleading for more help from the federal government. However,the BBC’s Anthony Zurcher explainswhy the president may be having second thoughts about following suit with a large-scale lockdown.
It is clearly not a good time for the world and it is not a good time for relations between the US and China. President Donald Trump has repeatedly chosen to call the coronavirus the “Chinese virus”. The president and his secretary of state have both denounced China for its failings in the initial handling of the outbreak. Meanwhile, social media in China has spread stories that the pandemic has been caused by a US military germ warfare programme; rumours that gained considerable traction. But this is not just a war of words, something more fundamental is going on.
Jonathan Marcus
BBC defence and diplomatic correspondent
The drastic measures announced by Boris Johnson are reflected in dramatic headlines.“End of freedom”, the Daily Telegraph declares. “Britain shuts up shop”, the Daily Mail says, while the Sun has a picture of a giant padlock with the headline “House arrest”. As the Financial Times puts it, the prime minister has been “forced to close Britain”. While there’s widespread support for the measures, there’s also a feeling that, as the i puts it, the prime minister has dragged his heels. The Guardian says he significantly “escalated his language” after days of being accused of “sending mixed messages about what the public should do”. Leo McKinstry, writing in the Daily Express, says the imposition of these “savage rules” will have been particularly difficult for the PM, who is “an optimistic liberal at heart, with a deep suspicion of the big state”, but he had no alternative.
Business and Sports News from Mike Armstrong – See https://mikearmstrong.me
NHS staff in Wales are being offered free travel on Transport for Wales rail services with immediate effect, the company has announced.
NHS workers will just need to show their work ID to access services to get themselves back and forth to work until 30 April.
Public transport is to operate on a reduced scale throughout Wales because of the coronavirus pandemic.
However the reduced service has led to crowding on some trains.
New timetables are now in place for trains and buses until further notice.
Announcing the move for NHS workers, Transport for Wales (TfW) said: “At Transport for Wales our primary focus is keeping our colleagues and customers safe, and to keep key workers moving.
“From Monday 23 March, Transport for Wales will provide all NHS workers free travel to and from work until 30th April on production of their NHS ID.”
Astatement on its websiteadded: “We are doing all we can to keep vital services running, so that emergency service staff who are using our trains and key workers are to travel in safety with confidence.”
Some passengers were reporting difficulties in maintaining social distancing on trains on Monday morning.
Hospital worker Emma Lamorte highlighted the situation on Twitter and called for more trains.
However, other travellers in Wales reported quieter than usual carriages.
Image captionAurora Heathfield, outside Cardiff Central, was on a train carriage with only three other people
Commuter Aurora Heathfield from Bridgend, said there was an “eerie feel” on the train to Cardiff on Monday morning with carriages much quieter than usual.
“It would usually be pretty busy and you’d be looking for a seat. There was three people in my carriage,” she said.
Jake Newberry from Cross Keys, Caerphilly county, said there was “hardly anyone” on his train on the Ebbw Vale line and he had expected to see more people due to the reduced timetable.
Alex Varney said the train from Barry to Cardiff was also quiet with the conductor providing advice over a speaker rather than walking through the train to check tickets.
“It was nice and quiet and nice to have some space,” he said.
“Everyone was calm and pleasant and just going through their day.”
A TfW spokesman said on Monday afternoon: “Whilst some services were busy this morning, on average most were 50-60% full. However, we will continue to prioritise peak periods services in order to ensure we do not create overly busy services.
“”We will be monitoring the situation on a daily basis and increase capacity where necessary but we do strongly urge customers to carefully consider whether they do have to travel so that priority can be given to key workers.”
Why are services being reduced?
The changes reflect the fall in demand, reduced availability of staff and the latest public health guidance, transport companies said.
Transport Minister Ken Skates said it remained “crucial” to keep some services going for key workers and supply chains.
“This action aims to balance the current significantly reduced levels of passenger demand as people follow the guidelines to socially isolate with the need to reduce the number of people required to run the network,” he said.
“This contingency measure will help to ensure there are enough staff to keep services running over the coming weeks and months.”
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
Image captionKen Skates hopes the new plans will keep transport on track for the coming months
Operators said the closure of schools, as well as people increasingly working from home, was expected to see a further significant decline in demand.
How have bus services changed?
First Cymru, which operates services across south and west Wales,warned customers face disruptionto services because “increasing numbers of staff” were self-isolating.
It said there would be a reduced timetable for services in Ammanford, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, Llanelli, Maesteg, Port Talbot and Swansea.
The company also urged passengers not use cash payments to buy tickets wherever possible, to “stop the spread” of coronavirus.
Image copyrightALAN SANSBURY
Image captionMany bus operators are running a Saturday timetable
Stagecoach, which operates throughout south-east Wales, said areduced timetable would operateuntil further notice but had been created to ensure “critical routes are maintained wherever possible”.
Nigel Winter, managing director, said the company was working to maintain essential services, safeguard jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry in a “challenging” situation.
“We also know that our bus services play a vital role in keeping the country running and ensuring key sector personnel get to work,” he added.
“Our objective has been to focus resources on where we know they are needed most at this time.”
In north Wales, Arriva Bus is runningan emergency servicebut will still operate key routes “to ensure customers can continue to access critical services”.
Image copyrightJAGGERY/GEOGRAPH
Image captionOnly eight Cardiff Bus routes will continue as normal
Cardiff Bus isnow following a Saturday timetablefor most of its services across the capital with the exception of some services which are running normally. School buses will continue for eligible children.
AllNewport Bus servicesare also now following a Saturday timetable in “these unprecedented times”, the company said.
It added: “We will maintain bus services for our customers for as long as we are able to.”
How are trains affected?
Train operators across Britain will gradually reduce services following talks with the UK and Welsh governments.
However operators will still run core services to ensure key workers can get to their jobs and the flow of goods continues.
Image copyrightRICHARD JONES/MLA PHOTOGRAPHY/TFW
Image captionBusy commuter lines will be prioritised
“This timetable has been designed to be as resilient as possible, whilst ensuring we balance a reduction in demand, availability of our people and the need to support key workers such as health, food retailers and delivery teams,” it said.
The operator said advanced tickets were now eligible for refunds.
A new ventilator, a virus-killing snood and a hands-free door pull are just some of the innovations coming out of Wales to tackle coronavirus.
Since the outbreak, doctors, scientists and designers have been working on ideas to stop the virus spreading.
The ventilator has already successfully treated a Covid-19 patient and has been backed by the Welsh Government.
Mass production of the snood-type mask is under way while a 3D design of the handle has been widely circulated.
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price, who was part of the impetus to get the ventilator into mass production, said the innovations put Wales “on the front foot” in the battle against the pandemic.
“It shows that Wales, as a small nation, can get things done quickly as we face the biggest challenge of our generation,” he said.
The Covid Emergency Ventilator
It took just three days to design but the senior doctor involved believes the easy-to-build device could dramatically ease the strain on NHS staff.
Image caption“The patient can self-care, releasing specialist nurses for other duties,” said Dr Rhys Thomas
Dr Rhys Thomas, from Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, was “desperately concerned” at the lack of intensive care unit (ICU) ventilators to deal with the expected influx of patients.
Along with engineering company CR Clark & Co of Ammanford, he created a machine that not only helps patients to breath but cleans the room of viral particles.
“It’s simple and robust and specifically designed to work against Covid virus in a contagious environment,” said Dr Thomas.
“Although it won’t replace an ICU ventilator, the majority of patients won’t need intensive care if they are treated with this ventilator first.
“The machine will [also] clean the room of viral particles and only supply purified air to the patient. The patient can self-care, releasing specialist nurses for other duties.”
Image copyrightPLAID CYMRU
Image captionDr Rhys Thomas served for 17 years with the British Army, including seven tours of Afghanistan
He said a patient in Llanelli who was treated with the machine at the weekend was now “recovering well”.
Welsh ministers have given the go-ahead for production of up to 100 ventilators a day.
Designers claim the mask kills more than 95% of any viruses – including Covid-19.
Image captionThe snood has been developed in response to the pandemic
The company hopes to make as many as a million-a-week and plans to reserve part of that stock for the NHS.
“We have been working on the anti-viral coating since 2011 but it’s only in the last five weeks that we have developed the snood in response to the current pandemic,” said Anna Roberts, of Virustatic Shield.
The hands-free door handle
Wyn Griffiths came up with the idea after his wife visited a local hospital last week and had to touch door handles after sanitising her hands.
Image captionAnyone with a 3D printer can now make the door pull
That evening he had designed a prototype ‘arm’ which attaches to an existing door handle, with a crook to open the door.
He has now distributed the 3D design online for anyone to download it for free.
Mr Griffiths said: “Hopefully people who have a 3D printer can help out their local hospital or anywhere the public visits by distributing these around the country.”
Image captionM-Sparc in Gaerwen is supported by Bangor University
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that the UK is going into lockdown in a televised address to the nation last evening.
The PM made the announcement from 10 Downing Street amid widespread calls for tougher measures to slow the spread of Covid-19 / Coronavirus.
He ordered the immediate closure of all shops selling non-essentials items on Monday evening.
He told people to only leave the house to shop for basic necessities “as infrequently as possible” and to perform one form of exercise a day.
“If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”
To ensure people follow the rules, Mr Johnson ordered the immediate closure of non-essential stores including those selling electronics and clothing.
All public gatherings of more than two people – other than those you live with – will be banned, the PM said.
Other premises being shuttered are libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship.
The UK coronavirus lockdown rules you must now comply with, or face police action, are as follows:
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson orders lockdown of the UK and orders people to stay at home
And, while parks will remain open for exercise, all social events including weddings and baptisms will be stopped.
Funerals, however, can continue.
Mr Johnson said the measures will be “under constant review” and will be considered for relaxation in three weeks’ time if the evidence allows.
Earlier in the day all Britons travelling abroad were told to return to the UK “while you still can”.
The Welsh Government has also announced the closure of all caravan parks, campsites and tourist hotspots after people flocked to Welsh landmarks on the weekend.
The First Minister will also take additional powers over licensing because some pubs didn’t close over the weekend.
The measures come after it was announced four more people have died after contracting the coronavirus in Wales.
There are now 418 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales and there have so far been 16 deaths.
But Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Covid-19 outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said the “the true number of cases is likely to be higher” as the virus continues to circulate in every part of Wales.
Business and Sports News from Mike Armstrong – See https://mikearmstrong.me
The novel coronavirus has impacted the lives of people around the world, and companies have been propelled to close down amid the uncertain time. However, there are also brands that have been trying to keep in touch with their customers via email, inadvertently resulting in a surge of COVID-19-related messages in consumers’ inboxes.
Internet users are sharing these coronavirus-centered emails on social media for a number of reasons. One of it is toquestionhow these companies got a hold of their personal email addresses in the first place.
“If I get one more ‘COVID-19 Update’ email from brands I subscribed to when I was 12, I’m gonna snap,” a userdeclared, on the verge of a digital breakdown.
Another userdirected the attention to “all the communications people out there,” as they are the ones working on these crafted messages to consumers as an attempt to manage panic and uncertainty while trying to help “CEOs/leaders sound good.”
My health and safety is the top priority of so many brands I never even knew had my personal email address.
As I get email 29,283 with a business/brand’s#COVID19update, I want to take a moment to give a shout out to all the communications people out there, writing and rewriting notices, managing panic/uncertainty, as well as helping CEOs/leaders sound good. Keep on keeping onpic.twitter.com/c1ECwwS6fq
With an increasing number of coronavirus cases in New York City, the government has crafted a set ofsex guidelinesfor those desiring to get frisky during self-isolation.
The advisory letter includes recommended safe practices for sexual intercourse during the coronavirus spread. “You are your safest sex partner,” the document reads, directing people to opt for self-pleasure instead. It also details the right hand-washing techniques to maintain practice good hygiene habits.
The letter further discourages “mouth to anus,” acts and promotes the use of condoms during sex and oral sex.
The government also urged locals to have sexual relations with people currently living in their homes to reduce the number of human contact.
Internet users have taken these recommendations and humorously rephrased them on social media platforms to bring light and giggles to the situation. One userwrote, “They could’ve just said, “don’t eat a** my guy,” while anotherstated, “NYC said masturbate or [have sex with] your roommates.”
“You are your safest sex partner” — obsessed with NYC’s guide to sex during coronapic.twitter.com/xuKRzD0Jhw
city of new york out here pushing their agenda for everyone to masturbate, have sex w their roommates, and stop kissing/rimming!!!pic.twitter.com/gwFKQMERuT
Sports juggernaut Nike takes on the coronavirus outbreak by advocating self-isolation in its latest ad campaign. The print, conceived by independent ad agencyWieden + Kenny Portland, was unveiled on Nike’s social media platforms over the weekend.
The creative strives to increase safety by getting people to stay indoors to prevent contagions. “If you ever dreamed of playing for millions around the world, now is your chance,” the note reads.
“Play inside, play for the world,” says the advert’s tagline, encouraging fans to represent the globe in a match against the novel coronavirus.
The ad was also shared on the social media platforms of Nike ambassadors, such as Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods.
It coincides with the announcement of the premiumNike Training Clubapp now being free to download. The app offers workout plans, training programs, expert tips, and guided fitness routines.
People living in the US are scrambling to obtain coronavirus tests, which are unfortunately inaccessible to many at the moment. To bring some peace of mind, Apple has introduced COVID-19 screening in its virtual assistant, Siri.
Right through your iPhone, Siri will field questions about the novel coronavirus so people can reach out to appropriate contacts to allay COVID-19 concerns.
To start off, simply ask the voice assistant, “Do I have coronavirus?” and it will launch into a number of questions about possible symptoms drawn from data provided by the US Public Health Service. Symptoms could be a fever, dry cough, or breathing problems.
Other queries by Siri include whether you have been in contact with a COVID-19 patient recently.
For users who are 65 or older and experiencing pressing medical conditions, Siri will also encourage them to reach out to a medical provider.
Aside from updating Siri to fight the coronavirus, Apple has launched a new Oprah Talks COVID-19 show on Apple TV+. CEO Tim Cook has additionallyannouncedthat the company will donate “millions of masks” to health professionals in the US and Europe.
No school for the “foreseeable” future. Exams off. Clubs closed. Millions of children will be looking forward to a spring, and possibly a summer, free of responsibility and routine. But these are not normal times – they’re likely to have to spend days and nights indoors with parents or guardians. They won’t get much personal contact with friends and, for teenagers, the cancellation of exams will make a difficult time of year even more worrying. “It’s the perfect storm for parents and children,” says Sam Cartwright-Hatton, professor of clinical child psychology at the University of Sussex.
Justin Parkinson
BBC News
Several of the newspapers have pictures of crowdstaking advantage of the spring sunshine to get outdoors – in spite of the guidelines on social distancing. “Madness” is the Daily Mirror’s headline. “Stay home or face lockdown”, warns the Sun, while for the Daily Mail, the headline states starkly, “Obey the virus rules – or else”. The Daily Telegraph says there’s been deep concern within Whitehall as it emerged over the weekend that public messages urging people to stay at home and avoid socialising were apparently being ignored. According to the Times, Boris Johnson is facing calls from his cabinet and senior advisers to impose a full lockdown in London. A senior government source tells the paper: “It is inevitable – you just have to look at other countries.” Elsewhere, on the issue of the Olympics, the Financial Times reports that talks in recent days have focused on the length of a delay, possibly even to 2022.
As we said, those deemed most vulnerable are being encouraged to adopt a policy of total isolation, but what is it really like to do that?Listen to the latest episode of BBC Ouch’s podcastin which some of those in that position – those with health conditions or disabilities – share the emotional and practical challenges.
Business and Sports News from Mike Armstrong – See https://mikearmstrong.me
Retail Giant Primark is to close all 189 of their UK stores in response to coronavirus.
The major high street retailer will close all its shops due to the Covid-19 outbreak in a move affecting some 37,000 people.
The Primark store on Cardiff’s Queens Street, as well as all 189 UK stores will close with immediate effect due to the coronavirus.
The announcement by Primark, which has branches across Wales, will affect 37,000 people.
A Primark spokesman said;
“Our main priority is the health and wellbeing of our employees,”
“Primark has committed to supporting all employees who are directly affected by store closures, with full pay for their contracted hours for 14 days, after which the situation will be reviewed.
“Primark will continue to closely monitor the situation, following WHO advice as well as local and national government guidance.”
THE Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has today outlined its work supporting businesses in South Wales affected by the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
The region is working with the Welsh and UK Governments to keep them updated on the current experiences of South Wales business, while working to ensure the region’s business are kept informed of the support available to them and how it can be accessed.
The Covid-19 (coronavirus) disease has caused huge disruption to many businesses for the foreseeable future and with this comes the uncertainty of how they will cope.
During this time, the CCR wants to ensure that all messages for business support from the Welsh Government and UK Government are being properly communicated and will be cascading all relevant information through its channels for the benefit of the region’s businesses. It will also be working very closely with the CCR Economic Growth Partnership to consider targeted interventions from our investment fund to support companies in our region and fill in any gaps or intervene where more tailored packages of support are necessary. This will complement not duplicate Welsh Government and UK Government interventions.
Kellie Beirne, Director of the CCR City Deal, said: “For many people and businesses across Wales, this is a very uncertain time and the coming weeks and months will present a huge challenge to us as individuals, communities and businesses.
“Many businesses and sole traders will find it extremely difficult to navigate through the weeks and months ahead without coming under severe financial pressure.
“Many sectors will also be taking a hit as customers are advised to stay away with social distancing and self-isolation. This is why it is imperative we do all that we can do to help and support each other, which is why we must communicate the business support that is coming through Welsh Government and UK Government to ensure businesses in Wales know what is available to them and how to better plan for the next few months.
“We are constantly listening and ensuring our communities are kept up to date with the latest information as it happens, and in turn, we are speaking to key organisations such as the Welsh and UK Governments to ensure that understand the issues businesses in South Wales are facing. We will also be proactively supporting our Local authorities who’s rightful priority right now must be saving lives and protection of the vulnerable.
“The CCR fully supports the help the two Governments have pledged to date. Today we are expecting a further announcement from the Chancellor with regard to a salary support scheme. It is our intention to keep cascading what these announcements mean for business, and how those companies can access that support.”
Cardiff Capital Region is working on making sure it’s as clear as possible to businesses how they can access these support schemes that are being put in place, and will be communicating this information to businesses through their channels.
In addition, the CCR and FOR Cardiff has issued a survey to help understand and identify key frustrations businesses are facing and the requirements businesses need to overcome this period of uncertainty. Businesses can complete the surveyHERE.
Kellie added: “The coronavirus pandemic is a test of the resilience of our communities. There are great traditions of mutual support and cooperation in our region that we can draw on. In Cardiff Capital Region, working together for the good of all is at the heart of what we’re about. Our ethos is that the region is not a success if the most in need are left behind.
“However, now more than ever is the time for entrepreneurship to come to the fore. We will need to pivot business models, diversify and innovate in order to survive in such turbulent times.
“While this time is uncertain for many, what is certain is that we must try to sustain our businesses and communities through the crisis and help them get back on their feet when the recovery comes. The work that we do as Cardiff Capital Region is all about providing the environment in which businesses can flourish, in every corner of our region.”
(@BullGooseParty) March 13, 2020
Sunday Funday 
pic.twitter.com/c1ECwwS6fq
Kellie Beirne, Director of the CCR City Deal, said: “For many people and businesses across Wales, this is a very uncertain time and the coming weeks and months will present a huge challenge to us as individuals, communities and businesses.
