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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:11 pm on 2 November 2021.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 3:11, 2 November 2021

First of all, could I ask the Minister to pass on my thanks to Transport for Wales and transport police in south Wales for a very effective response to my raising concerns about the decreasing use of face masks on local journeys by rail from Ogmore into Cardiff? They've implemented a series of measures and they're showing some progress now, actually, with transport users, but we'll keep an eye on it as the weeks go by.

Simplicity and clarity of message are key, as we've always known throughout this pandemic. So, on that basis, Minister, could I ask you something that my constituents have asked? It builds on what Rhun has just said. Are you giving active consideration, if it is necessary, to the expansion of the use of COVID passes to other hospitality and licensed venues, and retail outlets, but also to expanding once again, as we had before, the use of face masks in close-contact indoor settings?

The reason this has been put to me by businesspeople as well as constituents—local residents—is because they feel that that would help with clarity for people. It's not unmanageable or unreasonable, and, do you know, if it keeps us having the hope of a decent Christmas, not only for socialising but for workers in our health and social care settings as well, then it's worthy of consideration.