3. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Coronavirus

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 12:42 pm on 30 December 2020.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 12:42, 30 December 2020

(Translated)

I'm pleased that we have this additional opportunity to have an update from Government, and an opportunity to ask some questions. May I start by sincerely thanking all of those health and care workers who have been working so very hard under such immense pressure over the Christmas period? The number of cases has been frighteningly high in large parts of Wales, and whilst there are some positive signs that things are starting to move in the right direction in some areas, we are still facing a situation where the number of patients in many of our hospitals is unsustainably high, and those areas where case numbers have been low have also seen an increase, reminding us that no part of Wales is immune. We are reminded again today of the importance of doing those basic things—washing hands, social distancing and so on—and I'm pleased to hear the Minister mention ventilation and the importance of good ventilation wherever possible. 

There is hope now. There are vaccines available. A second has been approved today, and that, more than anything else, is the light at the end of this very long and dark tunnel. But people need to see clearly that everything is being done in the most effective way possible to move us towards that light. May I endorse the words of public health officials over the recent days who have condemned those who have abused staff who are part of the vaccination process? It is quite unacceptable. Yes, there is frustration, but nobody should target those who are there to help us. However, we do need far more assurance from the Welsh Government in terms of that process of vaccination.