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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:03 pm on 2 November 2021.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 3:03, 2 November 2021

(Translated)

Well, that's not what's important here. The message has been lost. That was the case with the four people on the train, as with so many others.

We are agreed, certainly, on the importance of vaccination. I'm very grateful to all of the teams implementing the booster vaccination programme. I am concerned that there are people who have had to wait longer than six months since their last vaccination and have not only not had the booster but haven't heard anything either. Again, we need to get that clear communication in place. I hope that you are right that we are ahead in terms of our booster vaccination programme, but people need to know where they are in the process so that they can have confidence that they will be protected when the time comes. And the same is true of children between the ages of 12 and 15. We are behind in that age group, and parents are seeking assurances that things are to gather pace. And just one question as to the pace of things. You admitted in the statement that we need to move forward more quickly with the booster programme. Details on what the plans to accelerate things are would be very useful indeed.

In terms of COVID passes, the last time we discussed this, I and Plaid Cymru made the case for stronger measures—vaccination passports, perhaps. That's not what was supported by the Senedd, which settled for the COVID passes ultimately—something that the First Minister at the time admitted was a compromise. But that's what we have in place in Wales at the moment, so in that context I'm sure myself and the group will support the extension of those passes, because it's clear that we need to do more. I certainly don't want to see another lockdown; I don't think anyone wants to see another lockdown. So, we must put measures in place to keep people safe as they go about their daily lives in as normal a way as possible. And in considering where we can extend those COVID passes further, it's worth pausing for thought and considering the fact that passes had been in place in the stadium on Saturday, but not in pubs around the stadium, which were full of people not wearing masks and not having to show any proof of their safety in being there.

Can I appeal to the Government to communicate clearly how they will support any businesses or organisations that have to implement COVID passes? May I also ask specifically today what work has been done to seek new ways of avoiding the problems that can arise from the fact that lateral flow tests are being self registered by individuals? The First Minister said in response to a question from Adam Price some weeks ago now: