3. Will the Commission make a statement on what advice is given to Assembly Commission staff in relation to the containment of coronavirus? OAQ55196

The situation is constantly changing and, as a result, our considerations are also changing. Yesterday, an extraordinary meeting of the Commissioners was held to provide an update on the situation and to discuss the initial principles of our response. We continue to respond to advice that's changing on a daily basis, and careful planning needs to be done on the basis of different scenarios. The Commission provides all staff with information and advice about coronavirus that is as complete and up to date as possible. This information is available on our intranet.

If a Member suspects that they're infected, they should inform Members' business services immediately. In the case of staff members, they should inform their employer and the Commission immediately. Individuals who suspect that they are infected should contact the NHS helpline by calling 111 and isolate themselves at an appropriate place.

As the situation evolves, there may be implications for Assembly business, and we will ensure timely and appropriate decisions are made as a result of that. In the meantime, the Commission has taken proactive measures, such as placing guidance on thorough hand washing in the estate's toilets, and providing hand gel at all entrances to the building and public areas.

The situation is expected to intensify quickly, so we all have a responsibility in playing a part in preventing the spread of the virus. I'd like to assure you that the Commission is doing everything within its ability to safeguard staff, Members and visitors to the estate.

Thank you, Llywydd. With an increase in the number of confirmed cases, from 273 on Sunday to 373 yesterday, which is now an increase of 15 cases in Wales, I think it's reasonable for us all to be concerned about the potential further spread of this virus. The National Assembly for Wales and, indeed, our constituency offices are very much public facing, so I certainly welcome the fact that Members' business support issued e-mails on 28 February and again yesterday. One question I have: will there be notices provided to our constituency offices, because that's quite a good base for us to not only advise our own staff again, but to advise—maybe something for the windows of our constituency offices, just with some basic public hygiene advice?

I have reported in myself here some concerns, because I do know of one bathroom here on this estate where there is no hot water easily available and there is no soap, so it's as well that my concerns, when I do raise them, are taken quite seriously.

Now, as you are also aware, Llywydd, there are plans afoot to conduct a week of business in north-east Wales. I take you back to your comment you made earlier, that this thing could rise quite significantly on an imminent basis. So, what plans and considerations are in place now to think about the feasibility of continuing with that visit to north Wales? And, should there have to be a cancellation of this visit on an imminent basis, are we protected against any financial implications that may result as a result of that cancellation?

I'm very aware, as somebody who has a constituency office in Aberystwyth, that members of the public are going to constituency offices right throughout Wales to seek some advice from their elected representatives. I think it would be best if elected representatives look to Public Health Wales for much of the information that's on their website, which is easily downloadable, in terms of public health information, and to make that as available as possible in their local communities and, possibly, on window displays elsewhere, so that there's a consistency of messages that are reaching people in different ways. We're always very aware, of course, that people who are able to access, digitally, information from the Public Health Wales website are able to do that, but many of our constituents are not online and may well be visiting town centres and looking for other places for advice. I'm sure that we would want to make that as available as possible to them via Public Health Wales's most recent information.

The ongoing business of this place as our national Parliament is one that we will continue to review over the next few weeks. You make the point about Senedd Clwyd as well, which is meant to take place in June. You can be assured, as Members, that I and fellow Commissioners are very keen to look carefully and proportionately from day to day as we plan for the future business of this place, whether it's held here in Cardiff Bay or in Mold. 

Thank you, Llywydd.