"Emergency package of support will cover the operating costs for businesses required to remain closed"

LATEST figures reveal nine in 10 eligible adults in North Wales have had a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, while two-thirds have had the full protection of both doses.

Despite this success, there is concern the first dose take-up of the vaccine among people aged 30-39 is lower than expected.

With the delta variant circulating, I am urging people in Wrexham to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s online booking service has made it easier than ever to book a first or second dose appointment at a convenient date, time and location.

Please remember that receiving both doses provides the very best protection, reducing your chances of catching and being hospitalised by Covid-19 by more than 90 per cent.

Businesses in Wrexham that continue to be affected by coronavirus restrictions could receive up to £25,000 of additional support from the Welsh Government.

The rise of the delta variant has forced the Welsh Government to move to alert level 1 in phases, so this emergency package of support will cover the operating costs for July and August of businesses required to remain closed, as well as those who remain severely impeded due to the continuation of the restrictions.

Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors and their supply chains, such as travel agents, attractions limited by social distancing and venues for school visits, could be eligible to apply for support.

This latest announcement brings the total amount provided to Welsh business since the start of the pandemic to more than £2.5bn, with many Welsh Government schemes complementing the support offered by the UK Government.

An eligibility checker is now live on the Business Wales website which allows firms to check what they are entitled to and start preparing their applications. The full application process will open on Tuesday, July 13 and remain open until Tuesday, July 27.

Well done to the wonderful Maelor Voluntary Service (MVS) who marked the first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day by offering all NHS workers in the Wrexham Maelor Hospital free refreshments.

The inaugural nationwide event offered us the chance to show our gratitude to NHS staff and all the key workers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty during this extraordinary period.

The gesture by the volunteers at the Maelor was a small token of appreciation and their way of thanking the inspirational staff for all their hard work.