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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:12 pm on 22 September 2020.

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Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour 4:12, 22 September 2020

Okay, sorry about that. Three quick points from me. We've got additional restrictions now on visiting people's homes, but for some people their homes, of course, are also their workplaces. So, I'm thinking of people like music instructors and so on—people come to their homes for tutoring. And other people's homes are also some people's workplaces—I'm thinking of people like mobile hairdressers. So, it would be helpful to get some clarity that these businesses can continue to operate providing protective measures are put in place.

I've also had some concerns raised with me about incidents of lack of co-operation with TTP contact tracers, and reports of some people who have tested positive not being prepared to disclose their contacts. Now, given the potential seriousness of this in undermining attempts to stop the spread of the virus, do we need to consider enforcement of the requirements to disclose contacts?

And my final point, Deputy Presiding Officer, is that I'm very conscious of the pressures on local authorities, who are working at capacity now in dealing with these new restrictions. So, can we see some flexibility on bodies like Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales in terms of when scheduled inspections need to take place, and get agreement to delay where necessary for a few weeks to ensure that everyone in those sectors can concentrate on dealing with the issues related to the new restrictions, rather than preparing for inspections which, however important, are really not imperative at this point in time?