7. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Restrictions) (Amendment) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:01 pm on 24 November 2020.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 5:01, 24 November 2020

(Translated)

We too will be supporting these regulations today. The situation in Denmark is a cause for concern, and it's sensible to take steps to safeguard the public in Wales given those developments. These regulations also take a number of nations off the list of exempt countries and do add others to that list. That tells us, of course, that the story of the virus is one that continues to be dynamic across the globe, and that reminds us that things are by no means over.

It's dynamic here in Wales too, and I will make a few comments on that. Yes, we did have the firebreak lockdown and I and fellow Members of Plaid Cymru had called for that. It was time for that step to be taken. But we can see that there are concerning signs in many parts of Wales, if truth be told, in terms of how the pattern of the virus is developing. And I will say here that we are willing to work with Government on new regulations that may need to be introduced, and those regulations should have an emphasis on support.

We discussed here in the Senedd last Wednesday afternoon the importance of supporting people to help communities to help themselves to manage the virus. We heard at the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee last week how important it is to support communities and to support individuals to self-isolate, as one of the main tools in the fight against this virus. So, let us look particularly at those areas of Wales where the virus is increasing and see how we can seek to change behaviour, to change people's habits, in fact, by supporting them and helping them. There are far too few people, not just in Wales, but in these isles, who can't do what is necessary in order to follow strict self-isolation. Other nations are far more effective in getting people to self-isolate, and the reason for that is that there is more support available—not just financial support, as we've emphasised, but also practical support and emotional support too, so that people can make the right decisions.

I encourage the Government to consider those kinds of steps in Wales over the next few weeks—to think of them as support, rather than restrictions. Everyone's had enough of restrictions. But there are areas that need more help than others, and we are willing to support the Government if they will consider that as we move to the next phase.