- MSs reject Plaid Cymru’s calls for a return to local lockdown-like restrictions in areas with high Covid cases.
- Schools were “playing a bigger role in virus transmission than previously thought”; “long Covid” victims at risk of being sidelined.
- Health Minister says national-level rules “easier to understand and to follow”; public information campaigns to be stepped up.
The Motion
The Senedd:
- Notes the continued high prevalence of Covid-19 infection rates within the south Wales valleys, with areas experiencing some of the highest rates in the UK.
- Notes research conducted in England showing the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on post-industrial communities in northern England and exacerbated longstanding regional disparities.
- Calls on the Welsh Government to designate areas experiencing higher prevalence of Covid-19 as ‘special support areas’ which would be eligible for measures including:
- additional support and voluntary accommodation for those who are clinically vulnerable and cannot work from home
- a top-up of the self-isolation grant to £800
- additional resources for testing; strengthened local public communication campaigns
- additional protective measures in childcare settings, schools and on school transport, including mask wearing in classrooms
- greater support for business and self-employed people opting to temporarily cease trading
- dispersal orders in town centres after pub closures
While the seemingly positive effect the recent “firebreak” has had on new Covid-19 cases is welcome, Leanne Wood MS (Plaid, Rhondda) argued there was more to do to protect areas with high infection rates.
Schools were playing a bigger role in transmission than first thought, while crowded housing and an inability to work routinely from home in Valley communities have kept infection rates higher. Separate isolation facilities for adults should be considered, alongside the other proposals in the motion.
Delyth Jewell MS (Plaid, South Wales East) supported improvements to public information following initial confusion amongst the public over local lockdowns rules.
Shadow Health Minister, Andrew RT Davies (Con, South Wales Central), thought the Welsh Government now had enough financial firepower to institute measures like Covid-free hospitals and increased testing in hot-spot areas and amongst patient-facing NHS staff.
Caroline Jones MS (Ind, South Wales West) raised the plight of those with seemingly permanent life-limiting conditions arising from a Covid-19 infection, including a 28-year-old constituent who’s a dentist and may never return to work because of lung damage and chronic fatigue.
Health Minister, Vaughan Gething (Lab, Cardiff S. & Penarth), told members that national-level measures will be kept under review. National-level rules were easier to communicate and for people to follow. Public information campaigns are set to be strengthened over the coming days and weeks across all forms of media.
Vote
Mick Antoniw MS (Lab, Pontypridd), the Deputy Economy Minister, Lee Waters (Lab, Llanelli), as well as Environment Minister, Lesley Griffiths (Lab, Wrexham), all voted for the unamended version of Plaid’s motion.
