2. Statement by the First Minister: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:45 pm on 29 April 2020.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 2:45, 29 April 2020

(Translated)

I thank Rhun ap Iorwerth for that important point. And as I said in response to Neil Hamilton, of course we are thinking of the tourism businesses the length and breadth of Wales, and I do know, because I have heard from many people in that position, the problems that they are facing. But, for me, the solution isn’t simply to open the floodgates unless everything is in place and we can be confident that doing that won’t create problems in the health sector.

I’ve heard what the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales said about the upcoming bank holiday and I have been discussing that point with the other UK Governments. Because, as Rhun said, we could say and do something here in Wales, but it’s important to convey that message to others, that we don’t want to see people travelling into Wales over that bank holiday and creating the problems that we know that would lead to. It’s important to get that message out there, not just here in Wales, but outwith Wales too. That’s why we are talking to other Governments so that our message is consistent.