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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:17 pm on 29 April 2020.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 3:17, 29 April 2020

Thank you for your statement, Minister. Yesterday, we observed a minute's silence for our heroes in social and health care who lost their lives to the scourge of COVID-19, and I want to once again put on record my thanks to our dedicated health and social care workforce, who are keeping us all safe, and offer condolences to those who have lost loved ones.

We still do not know enough about this virus, and, as we continue to flatten the curve, we must redouble efforts to understand this enemy. Minister, it appears that, on a per capita basis, south-east Wales is the hardest hit part of the UK. Cases per 100,000 people are at 441 in Newport and 436 in Cardiff, while the hardest hit part of England, Brent, has only 396 cases per 100,000—the same as Swansea. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of why we have such high incidences of infection?

Of course, these are just the hospital-confirmed rates, and, if we are to truly understand the infection rates, we need to ramp up serological testing. Minister, what progress has been made in developing plans for randomised antibody testing across Wales?

This pandemic has had a massive impact on mental ill health, and we have seen an increase in suicide rates. Minister, what plans does your Government have to increase the availability of remote talking therapies? Can you outline other measures the Welsh Government are taking to combat the impact of the virus on mental health?

One of the biggest risks facing us is a second outbreak coinciding with the flu season. What plans does the Welsh Government have to massively increase the flu vaccination programme, and will you consider giving free vaccines to everyone in Wales?

It is well established that measles wipes out the body's immune memory. Minister, will you ensure that all vaccination programmes continue and do all you can to ensure everyone eligible for vaccination receives it? Thank you once again for your continuing efforts. Diolch yn fawr.