3. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:56 pm on 12 January 2021.

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Photo of Leanne Wood Leanne Wood Plaid Cymru 2:56, 12 January 2021

I want to press the case for a COVID vaccination centre for the Rhondda and also for vaccines to the wider community to be available on the basis of need. There remains a high prevalence of COVID within my constituency, and many of us now know families who have lost someone tragically to this. The health board have discussed with the local authority where to locate the centres in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Aberdare has been chosen. It's not possible for many people from the Rhondda to get to Aberdare. We've got low car ownership and, of course, people are being discouraged from using public transport. Now, I welcome the news that GP surgeries are engaging in this and will be vaccinating the high-risk groups soon, and much of that work has started already. But it has been suggested that the Rhondda will not get our share of vaccines. Now, I'm not sure of the truth of this, but I want to put the case for that extra sense of urgency for my constituency, the Rhondda, given the high level of prevalence and need that we have here.