(Pic: BBC Wales)
Confusion over the speed of Covid-19 vaccine roll-out
The Health Minister and First Minister have seemingly contradicted each other over claims that Covid-19 vaccine stocks in Wales were being held back.
The First Minister told BBC Radio 4 at the start of the week that the slow vaccination rate in Wales was to prevent vaccination teams “being left with nothing to do” if there are interruptions or delays to supplies (delays which were later confirmed by Pfizer and AstraZeneca).
Supply of vaccines is currently controlled by the UK Government, with Wales due a population-based share (about 5%) of all new stocks.
The Health Minister later denied vaccines were being held back and were being delivered “as quickly as possible”. Vaccine rates have had a noticeable uptick in recent days, with about 5% of the Welsh population receiving their first dose as of posting – a similar rate to Scotland.
Stricter retail rules introduced; Covid-19 case rates fall
The Welsh Government has introduced stricter rules to supermarkets and other retailers similar to those implemented during the first lockdown in March 2020.
The measures include the strict adherence to a one-way system and social distancing in supermarkets and traffic light systems to control the number of customers allowed to enter at any given time.
Plaid Cymru said the new rules were overdue.
Over the last seven days, the Covid-19 case rate has reduced significantly. The rolling 7-day-rate as of yesterday was below 300 cases-per-100,000 people – which is below the threshold needed for the highest Alert Level/Tier Four.
Current restrictions and alert levels are set to be reviewed next Friday (29th January 2021).
Exams officially scrapped for 2021; extra £40million to support students
The Education Minister has formally announced that external exams (GCSEs, A-Levels etc.) will be replaced by teacher-based assessments for 2021 due to disruption to learning caused by the pandemic.
Teachers will be allowed to use mock examinations, classwork and coursework to award a grade to students.
The Education Minister said: “The proposals we are announcing today puts trust in teachers’ and lecturers’ knowledge of their learners’ work, as well as their commitment to prioritise teaching and learning in the time available to support learners’ progression.”
Elsewhere, the Welsh Government announced an additional £40million of funding for students facing hardship. The money will be used to help access online education, improve mental health support and for student union support services.
Welsh Government backs Newport transport commission recommendations
The Welsh Government has agreed in principle to all recommendations put forward by the Burns Commission. The Commission was established to consider alternative schemes to address traffic problems in and around Newport after the Newport bypass project was cancelled in the summer of 2019.
The recommendations include the construction of several new railway stations between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel Junction, bus corridor improvements and active travel schemes.
A memorandum of understanding has been agreed between Newport Council and Transport for Wales concerning bus and active travel improvements in the city, while a dedicated development unit has been established by Transport for Wales.
Labour member suspended and Tory members’ future questioned following Senedd “piss-up” after alcohol sale ban introduced
Alun Davies MS (Lab, Blaenau Gwent) has been suspended from the Labour Senedd group, while three Conservative members – Nick Ramsay MS (Con, Monmouth), Darren Millar MS (Con, Clwyd West) and the Leader of the Opposition, Paul Davies MS (Con, Preseli Pembs.) – have prompted questions over their future after they were named as having had a “piss-up” on the Senedd estate.
This was despite regulations for alcohol sales to the general public on licenced premises (the Senedd is a licenced premise) to be banned after 6 pm as part of Covid-19 measures.
It’s claimed the session (on 8th December 2020) was held on Alun Davies’ behalf to garner support for a proposed member’s bill relating to heart disease. Alcohol sales restrictions came into force on 4th December.
The member’s bill proposal was already agreed in principle by the Senedd in October 2020.
Nick Ramsay has since claimed – via legal representatives – that he was present in the Members’ Tea Room, but sat by himself eating curry and left early.
Several English newspapers (not entirely credible sources) claim the members were asked to leave the premises at 2 am.
The Senedd Commission is reportedly investigating further before determining what further action is needed, though there have been calls for the members to be suspended.
