4. Statement by the First Minister: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:12 pm on 19 May 2021.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Adam Price Adam Price Plaid Cymru 3:12, 19 May 2021

In relation to the Indian variant, the primary Indian variant of concern, you said that there are a number of areas where we still do not have definitive evidence in relation to its effect in terms of vaccination efficacy and also whether it causes a more serious form of the disease. Could you say a little bit about those areas where we do have some understanding? So, particularly, I've read in some of the scientific advisory group for emergencies papers, for example, the conclusion that this variant could be 50 per cent more transmissible—is that your understanding? And, following the logic through, therefore, they argue that there's a realistic possibility that this could lead to a resurgence—a significant resurgence—of cases, partly because even with the very high level of vaccination that we have in Wales—I don't know whether we are now No. 2, still, in the first jab league table, and that's a huge credit, I think, to the fantastic team effort—but even with that, that does not give a sufficient level of protection in the community. Under those circumstances, if you follow the logic through, therefore, is there a risk that further easing of restrictions without continuing or non-pharmaceutical interventions could actually lead to higher hospitalisations and even higher deaths?

Are the Welsh Government confident that our health services have the capacity to cope with this scenario, based on those elements where we do have some evidence currently? And what contingency plans are being made on that basis, particularly for targeted measures in dealing with the spread of this new variant? So, I think you've talked previously about the possibility of surge vaccinations or even local lockdowns. I think that it would be particularly useful to hear your understanding, in terms of the geography of Wales, in relation to the concentration of the virus and its potential spill-over, effectively, into the north-east and the north-west of Wales. What's the thinking of the Welsh Government in relation to that?

Also, I saw your comments yesterday, First Minister, in relation to the vaccination of under-18s. Does that become more urgent in the context of a more transmissible virus? What is your latest advice on that? And, in that context as well, what's your response to the comments from the WHO today, urging the Welsh Government not to vaccinate under-18-year-olds and actually to prioritise sharing vaccination with higher risk adults in lower income countries?

In relation to schools as well, I was wondering if you could say a little bit more about your current state of thinking in relation to the wearing of masks in classrooms, and indeed how does what I've just I've referred to now, in terms of the new variant of concern, affect that consideration. There has been concern expressed in schools in a different context, which is about the pressure in relation to moderating assessments that schools and teachers are feeling, and that this, in turn, is causing anxiety for students. How is the Welsh Government supporting students and teachers in seeking to mitigate this?

Finally, in relation to financial support, if I understand you, First Minister, you said that people in the sector supported your effectively holding back some of the £200 million for more targeted support later. I have just had somebody from the Welsh Independent Restaurant Collective saying that they argued the very opposite of that. Others in UKHospitality said that, yes, they do support a targeted approach, but that the money that is provided now is not sufficient. The level—. I think, if you are under 10 employees, it's about £5,000. It does seem that this is much lower than the immediate support, the restart grants, that are being provided in England and Scotland. So, can I urge the First Minister to discuss this with officials? Because it may be that you have been given an impression that doesn't actually reflect what is going on on the ground in the sector, which is in an incredibly difficult position.