Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:52 pm on 19 October 2021.
Well, thank you very much, Rhun. One of the reasons why we were eager to ensure that there was an opportunity to give that briefing to some of you this morning was to ensure that you saw or had some kind of idea before half term, because we are aware that some will be away and we didn't want to leave it too long before we had an opportunity to share our ideas with you. And, of course, there will be more detail in the report itself.
Now, there is a programme in terms of sharing information with the public on where they can go to get additional help. That's already under way; that's already started. And it is important that we continue with that over the winter. So, that programme has already commenced. And you're right that COVID is the context for preparations for this winter. And I do think it is important that we underline that this is one of the most challenging winters in the history of the NHS. And when you say that it is a stable period, well, everything's relative, isn't it? And so I do think that what we're talking about here is a time when there isn't a variant of concern at the moment. So, that's part of the reason why we're talking about being in a stable period, where we know that the majority of the population has received some kind of safeguard because they've had the opportunity to have the vaccine.
In terms of our schools, we are aware that the numbers are very high in our schools, but we're also aware that we don't want our children to lose more time spent in school. So, that's why the machines to monitor the air in our schools will be distributed during the coming weeks.
And in terms of a change of strategy, well, it's only last week that I announced the new strategy on the vaccine and the booster for the winter, so no, we're not going to introduce a new programme after we announced one last week. But of course we are always vigilant in terms of looking out for a new variant. That's why we're so concerned about the fact that the United Kingdom Government is taking away so many of the safeguards in terms of international travel into the UK. We need to keep these variants out of the UK, and that is of concern, but that's very difficult for us because the border is so open, and that the majority of people who travel abroad travel through England.
In terms of the issues with a lack of blood testing equipment, that has been an issue, as you said, for several weeks; it's an international problem. We know that when these vials are received, there'll be huge pressure on GPs once again to have to restart the work that they usually do. So, we are concerned about that pressure, but of course, work is being done worldwide to try to produce more of these vials.
And with regard to the independent COVID inquiry: well, I was on the call with the Prime Minister when I heard Boris Johnson saying clearly that he would be willing to speak and consult with Wales about what the scope of the way that we evaluate this COVID inquiry will be, and that he would be taking the situation in Wales into account.