This update was sent to the Cymorth mailing list on 6 November. You can view the original email here and sign up to receive future mailings here. 

Welsh Government statements: Post-Firebreak restrictions

The First Minister has announced 'a new and simpler set of national rules' which will apply once the Wales-wide firebreak lockdown comes to an end at 00:01 on Monday November 9.

The First Minister has also published a written statement, which outlines the new national Covid measures for Wales. On 3rd November the First Minister delivered an oral statement about the post-firebreak rules in the Senedd and answered questions from opposition and backbench Members of the Senedd.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales has also published his advice on the post-firebreak arrangements. 

COVID-19: Post-firebreak guidance 

The Welsh Government has published legislation and guidance about the new COVID-19 rules that will be in place from 00:01 on Monday 9 November. 

Technical Advisory Cell: summary of advice 30 October 2020

The Welsh Government's Technical Advisory Cell has published its latest advice about the impact of COVID-19 on Wales. 

Supported living guidance from 9 November

The Welsh Government has published new guidance for supported living settings. The guidance sets out how people in supported living can see family and friends and stay safe with their support and care workers. 

Welsh Government guidance: Moving home during the coronavirus pandemic

The Welsh Government has updated its guidance on moving home during the pandemic. 

Written Statement: Covid-19 New Testing Technology Developments

The Welsh Government's Minister for Health and Social Services has published a written statement about how Wales is planning to benefit from the development of new technologies in Covid-19 testing. 

COVID-19: Care home testing

The Minister for Health and Social Services has published a written statement about asymptomatic testing in care homes. The Welsh Government has also updated its care home testing guidance and care home testing policy documents. 

COVID-19 statutory sick pay enhancement scheme 

The Welsh Government has published guidance about the financial support for care workers who are required to stay off work due to actual or suspected COVID-19 or because they have to self-isolate. The Welsh Government has also published its integrated impact assessment in relation to this scheme.

Please note: We are making representations to the Welsh Government about expanding this scheme to homelessness and housing-related support staff. 

Welsh Government: £3million for mental health and substance misuse support

The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing has announced £3million funding to support people with mental health and substance misuse issues. The funding includes:

• £1.4million towards third sector led schemes designed to address low level mental health and wellbeing need
• £75,000 will fund the ‘I Can Work’ programme supporting people with mild to moderate mental health problems into paid work
• £25,000 to support development for the substance misuse workforce to ensure they are adequately skilled and supported to provide essential services
• £750,000 to provide residential rehabilitation accommodation for those with complex needs to successfully transition to living independently in permanent accommodation
• £500,000 to provide PPE to substance misuse services providing a range of support for some of the most vulnerable people in society
• £150,000 Digital Inclusion Fund for the enhancement of digital services for service users who are currently excluded
• £50,000 to support work with police forces across Wales piloting nasal naloxone kits as part of the drive to reduce drug related deaths