3. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:40 pm on 17 March 2020.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 4:40, 17 March 2020

Llywydd, can I thank Caroline Jones for all the things she said in introducing her questions? I agree very much with the points that she made about the combined efforts that we will need to make across this Chamber and far more widely in facing the crisis that is upon us. 

In relation to her specific questions on the availability of hygiene equipment in schools, I discussed this this morning with the education Minister and steps are being taken to mobilise resources from other parts of the public sector to help where that is an issue. 

As far as regular press conferences are concerned, I agree that it is very important that those are fronted by a mixture of politicians who have the responsibility for making decisions but also those who provide the advice on which those decisions are taken. I want to put on record my thanks to the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, who has been at his desk without a break now for a number of weeks, making sure that we get all the advice that is required. 

The development of treatments for coronavirus is an international effort, Llywydd, in which the UK is playing its part, because we need all the efforts of scientists and other experts, not simply in this country but elsewhere, to make the necessary breakthroughs as rapidly as possible. 

Finally, as far as other efforts are concerned, I left the Chamber a little earlier in proceedings, Llywydd, to go and meet the new head of the armed forces here in Wales. I received assurances from him about the willingness of armed forces in Wales to step into roles where their assistance may be needed over the weeks ahead. The emergency Bill, which Members here will have an opportunity to debate next week, will, I anticipate, include new powers that Welsh Ministers will be able to use to be able to accelerate the path into helping roles of people who, at this point, are not employed in those ways.