The Impact of COVID-19 on the Food Sector

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:38 pm on 16 September 2020.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 1:38, 16 September 2020

Thank you. You raise a very important point and a point that has filled my inbox with many e-mails from members of the public and from Members of the Senedd certainly over the summer recess. I mentioned that I regularly meet with the main retailers. Probably it was about every two weeks in the beginning; it's now about every four weeks. They assure me that they have social distancing measures in place and, of course, there is a geographical spread here. It's not just Caerphilly; it's right across Wales. I've had complaints as have all the main supermarkets. Officials are also in direct contact with retailers and they've shared guidance and addressed queries. 

I mentioned, again, in my opening answer to you, Hefin David, that enforcement of the coronavirus regulations and guidance is a function for local authorities. I know many local authorities across Wales have done visits to supermarkets to make sure those measures are in place. But I think it's also a good opportunity to remind people of their responsibility as individuals as they too visit supermarkets and make sure that they are wearing face coverings and adhering to the 2m. And I think, again, over the last couple of days, I've had some concerns raised with me that people feel that perhaps wearing a face covering lulls people into a false sense of security, and whilst face coverings are now mandatory in supermarkets, please also remember the 2m social distancing measure.