Council confirms day centre decision
A council has confirmed a decision to keep its day care centres closed until the middle of August.
The decision by Powys County Council comes into force on Thursday.
The centres have been closed since March 2020 when the first coronavirus lockdown was announced and Powys County Council went into emergency mode.
Due to calls to reopen them over the summer, an assessment was made, and it was decided that it was not possible to open them safely.
The decision was to be reviewed after six months.
A further assessment has now been made, recommending the centres remain closed for the time being.
The report says that in November, 34 members of staff who would normally work in the centres are working elsewhere in the authority, redeployed to more “business critical” activities.
Head of adult services Michael Gray said: “The most recent risk assessment concludes that it remains unfeasible to re-open the day centres and day services following the initial six month period.
“This report asks to maintain closure of day centres and day services for a further six months, up to August 12.
“This acknowledges the inability of opening up day settings during the pandemic.”
Mr Gray added that the time would also be spent discussing what services can be provided to those who used the centres.
Mr Gray added: “The majority of individuals who attend day services do so in order to attain social interaction while receiving care during the day.
“It is not currently possible to provide such a service due to the requirements of guidance to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
Since their closure last March Mr Gray said that individuals had been helped in different ways such as supported living, care ar home, family support or chosen not to receive an alternative.
He also welcomed the roll out of the vaccine in Wales but pointed out that the World Health Organisation estimates that 65 to 70 per cent of the population would need to be immunised before situation can be “declared safe.”
The day centres are: Park Day Centre, Newtown; Maesywennol, Llanidloes; Arlais Day Centre, Llandrindod Wells; Arosfa, Brecon; Canolfan, Ystradgynlais; Day Centre at Bethshan, Newtown; East Radnor Day Centre, Presteigne; Hafal Crossroads, Machynlleth.
In September 2020, Welshpool Town Council closed the Ann Holloway Day Centre permanently, with the loss of five jobs.
