Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is planning to direct resources over the coming days to support the delivery of frontline and key services. This move is a response to the impact currently being experienced upon service delivery as a result of the significant number of staff self-isolating or being affected by COVID-19.
This move may see the suspension of some non-essential and discretionary services to support essential operational areas of the Council.
The Council is also preparing to redirect resources to again increase the capacity of the Test, Trace, Protect service to respond to the significant rise in the number of cases identified and to prepare for the pressures which will continue to increase in the weeks ahead.
County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of the Council said: “We are facing a serious situation, the significant growth in cases locally has resulted in a substantial number of Council staff being required to self-isolate and therefore being unable to undertake their role. As the numbers of cases continue to rise we are now required to review the delivery of discretionary services and we will be confirming the suspension of some services in the coming days.
“Through this process we will be required to re-direct staff resources to adequately support the delivery of essential services, such as waste and recycling and the delivery of social care.
“This concerning rise in cases has also created the need to further increase capacity within our Track & Trace programmes to respond to the growing pressures which have been created over recent weeks. We are working to redirect resources to prepare for the difficult contact tracing circumstances, which this huge growth in number continues to create and in preparation for the consequence of greater social interaction over the festive period.
“Alongside the warning from our Health Services, following the pressures now being felt in our hospitals as a result of the continuing surge in cases, the suspension of services in the coming days should serve as a wake-up call to everyone – to follow the rules and reduce their social contacts. Unfortunately, some residents are choosing to not live their lives within the boundaries set by the current restrictions. As a result, this virulent disease is widespread throughout our communities, and we have some of the highest virus rates in the UK.
“While it has been a difficult period for everyone this year and a vaccine is now starting to be rolled out, we are still very much facing a Public Health Emergency and this pandemic is far from over. Our actions in the days and weeks ahead could have a significant impact on what happens with this virus.”
The Council will provide further information on the services which will be required to be reduced or suspended to support frontline operational delivery in the coming days.
