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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:49 pm on 17 March 2020.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 4:49, 17 March 2020

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, I'm trying to see which questions here have not already been asked; there are one or two. As you will be aware, with my remit—. And again thank you for showing leadership, and also to Vaughan Gething, and I hope he and his family come through this okay.

The issue—with my portfolio hat on now—I've had lots of contact from people still very concerned about the domiciliary care sector and what sort of support they're going to get in terms of the safeguarding equipment that they need to wear. Now, I did raise this last week, and it came up about the social care planning and response group. Homecare providers have been advised to review their list of clients and ensure that it is up to date, including levels of informal support available to individuals. So, what consideration has been given to information about individuals who are receiving care at home being shared with local partners, such as leaders of voluntary COVID-19 support groups?

You'll be aware, probably, First Minister, that social media can be quite a support tool in such a crisis, and lots and lots of people are coming forward, some with training, some without. They're really seeking a steer from me, as an Assembly Member, as to how they can join the dots together and make sure that this kind of help is actually used to its maximum benefit. So, if you could put a message out of support there—.

There are also people who are retired social care workers, who've been in touch to say, 'I'm happy to go back in and help where needed'. Again, it's an untapped resource, and it would be wise, I think, for us not to ignore it. Our older people's commissioner has said that Wales needed to be really creative to make sure every older person knows they have people who are looking out for them and who are in touch. She has met with the Welsh Government, Age Cymru and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, so could you clarify what steps you are taking to help organisations identify and provide support to older people?

I've also been approached by children's day centres, playgroups and nurseries regarding advice and guidance, because they reckon they've received nothing in terms of, again, protective equipment and advice as to what they should do. They're all living, at the moment, as we all are, hour to hour, day by day, and they just want some kind of advice.

Also, a question I have for you, First Minister: in terms of testing, will there be any plans, going forward, to introduce self-testing kits at home?

Finally, I've had the chairman of the Llandudno Hospitality Association and other hoteliers, who—these are an army of volunteers used to food hygiene standards, used to—. They maintain that they could help, where needed, as volunteers, with bed changes, preparation of food. So, in such extraordinary times, will you look at all ways to engage with the business community that is so badly affected at the moment? But, despite worrying whether their business can continue, they are willing to rally to the charge to be of some service in their communities. So, again, if you could just respond to those—. Thank you.