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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 12:53 pm on 30 December 2020.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Alun Davies Alun Davies Labour 12:53, 30 December 2020

Thank you very much, Presiding Officer, and thank you for the statement, Minister. These have been the most difficult of days, as you've suggested, and I think all of us want to join you in thanking all of the key workers who've given up their Christmases to support people in our communities over the last few weeks.

I'm also grateful to you for the foresight of some of your decisions. We've seen the UK Government running to follow the Governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland over the last few weeks. The far-sighted decisions that you've taken, although exceptionally difficult, have helped to ensure that the NHS and our people are kept as safe as possible in these difficult days.

There are two issues I wanted to ask you about. First of all, about the enforcement, I continue to get a number of people who are scared to visit supermarkets, particularly in my constituency, who do not believe that supermarkets are delivering the regulations in the way that they need to be. I'd be grateful if you could look again at some of the issues around enforcement.

The second issue is around the vaccine. You've just answered a question from Rhun ap Iorwerth about the roll-out and access in every community. This is important in places in the Valleys, such as Blaenau Gwent, where you don't have high levels of car ownership amongst particular groups of the population and where it's important that the vaccine is delivered as locally as possible and in each part of our communities. I'd be grateful if you could ensure that that happens as we roll out this new vaccine. Thank you.