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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 1:48 pm on 5 August 2020.

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Photo of Adam Price Adam Price Plaid Cymru 1:48, 5 August 2020

(Translated)

Thank you, Llywydd. It's very encouraging that the number of new cases recorded in Wales is low, now consistently in the dozens and not surpassing 100. Isn't this the time, First Minister, for us to adopt a strategy of eradicating the virus—a zero-COVID strategy, as it's called—bringing us in line with the comments of the Scottish First Minister, who said that every nation in the UK must support such a programme? According to Professor Susan Michie, who is a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, an eradication strategy is far more practical in the British isles as compared to the continent of Europe. 

On 1 July, referring to a number of nations across the globe who have embraced this strategy successfully, I asked you to make a request to the technical advisory cell to look at a policy of eradicating the virus in Wales. Can you tell us what came from those discussions with the advisory cell, and do you support the calls made by the Scottish First Minister? Studies in America and Italy show that children not only transfer the virus but are an age group that drive the virus in a significant manner. So, what assessment have you made of the impact of this on your strategy in terms of coronavirus in Wales?