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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:46 pm on 23 November 2021.

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Photo of Gareth Davies Gareth Davies Conservative 3:46, 23 November 2021

Thank you for your statement, Minister, and for providing a briefing to Members of the health committee at lunchtime today. As in previous updates, I want to focus my questions on the care sector, as those living in care homes and their families have been deeply affected by the pandemic. Thankfully, a successful UK vaccination programme has meant that care home visits can once again take place.

Minister, how will your Government ensure that care home residents will remain able to be visited by, and able to visit, their loved ones? What steps are you taking to accelerate the booster vaccine programme for care home staff and residents? Some care homes across the UK are now asking for proof of vaccination for care home visitors. Is this something that the Welsh Government is considering introducing?

Finally, Minister, alongside COVID—and you've touched on it briefly in your answer to Joyce Watson—is the flu. Flu will be a big threat to those in care this winter. Will you publish flu vaccination rates for care home staff and residents, as well as outline the steps that you are taking to boost vaccination rates? Thank you very much.