3. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on COVID-19

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:01 pm on 2 November 2021.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 3:01, 2 November 2021

(Translated)

The situation is still very, very serious in Wales. There is grave concern out there still. Yes, things are moving in the right direction, hopefully, but we are moving there from a frighteningly high peak in terms of the number of cases. And—let's be quite open about this—we're among the worst in the world in terms of numbers of cases. So many have been in touch with me expressing concerns that the basics aren't being done properly anymore. We heard the Minister say that she was confident that most people are still adhering to the requirement to wear face coverings, but that's not the experience that many people have. In the last few days I've had people working in pharmacies, in shops, restaurants, people who are concerned about what they see in their daily lives on public transport. We need to do something different now in order to reinforce that message and to ensure that the legislation is being implemented, because it is clear that the legislation, in and of itself, isn't enough. So, I would be grateful to understand from the Minister what kind of innovative thinking is being done around that communication. My professional background is communications; perhaps I'm more interested than most in that, but it is crucial. I asked four people who were closest to me on the train this morning, just as a point of interest: