(Title Image: Pixabay, copyright free)
- Opposition calls for a balance between public health and the economy in future Covid-19 restrictions.
- Health Minister says “Smart local lockdown” system in place based around close working with local agencies.
- Practical issues still need to be addressed for routine testing at Cardiff Airport.
The Motion (Final/Amended Version)
The Senedd calls upon the Welsh Government:
- To use local coronavirus restrictions in response to significant increases in Covid-19 infection rates in a proportionate manner to avoid a full Wales-wide lockdown.
- Test people returning to Wales from non-exempt countries with a higher incidence rate of Covid-19 than Wales, in accordance with current advice from the Technical Advisory Group.
Inconsistencies in the Welsh Government’s approach
Leader of the Opposition, Paul Davies MS (Con, Preseli Pembs.), welcomed that one of the things they called for – clarity on the use of face coverings – has already been addressed, but could’ve happened sooner. Also, if masks are mandatory in shops they should be so in schools too?
Given that so many new cases have been linked to foreign holidays, the time has surely come for routine testing at Cardiff Airport as well.
Later on, Suzy Davies MS (Con, South Wales West) said future management of the pandemic had to be locally-focused and the number of contacts a person has was more important than distance. Nick Ramsay MS (Con, Monmouth) thought local lockdowns would have a lesser impact on the economy – though there have been inconsistencies in the government’s approach, particularly in relation to tourism
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS (Plaid, Ynys Môn) thought the motion was sensible enough, but there were some technical aspects Plaid Cymru didn’t agree with. None of these measures will work without greater testing capacity.
Caroline Jones MS (Ind, South Wales West) supported setting up secure accommodation so returning travellers can self-isolate comfortably and also tested on day 2 and 9 after their return – this is how many countries have successfully suppressed the virus.
Laura Anne Jones MS (Con, South Wales East) called for local lockdown measures to be proportionate; health should be the priority, but mental health, children’s wellbeing and livelihoods can’t be brushed aside.
“Smart lockdown” process in place
Health Minister, Vaughan Gething (Lab, Cardiff S. & Penarth), was confident that bringing together all relevant local agencies would mean a “smart lockdown” system is already in place, with better use of intelligence and quickly identifying and containing localised outbreaks.
Repeating what the First Minister said earlier in the week, there remained some practical issued concerning testing at Cardiff Airport which need to be addressed.
“….we need to make sure that we don’t bunch passengers together and that we have clear expectations about how long people may need to stay within the airport setting; that we don’t mix passenger groups from different flights – many of us are used to being in the same area to collect baggage as people from different flights – and that we have clear segregation of flights that we may want to test; and that there is space within the airport estate for testing itself.”
– Health Minister, Vaughan Gething
Vote
The amended version of the motion was essentially a softer rewording of the one the Conservatives tabled, so I assume that’s why they abstained rather than outright rejected it.
Laura Anne Jones voted in favour of the amended motion – whether on accident or on purpose, I don’t know.
Those voting against the amended motion likely did so for very different reasons so don’t read too much into it.