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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:57 pm on 11 January 2022.

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Photo of Rhianon Passmore Rhianon Passmore Labour 4:57, 11 January 2022

The public health position in Wales today still remains fragile; an estimated one in 20 citizens infected, cases testing positive around 50 per cent and, as a direct consequence, staff absences across the Welsh NHS running at just over 8 per cent last week, with some trusts double this. So, it's no surprise then that the Aneurin Bevan health board in Gwent has decreed essential-only hospital visits for patients. Minister, it is never too late to be vaccinated in Wales. Indeed, we know that vaccination makes a fundamental difference, and that is why 1.7 million Welsh residents have already received their booster jabs. What can the Welsh Government, Minister, do to promote, publicise and make available more walk-in vaccination clinics, such as those being held today at the Pontllanfraith mass vaccination centre in Islwyn, and what more can the Welsh Government do to reach those who currently remain unvaccinated to convince them of the advantages that vaccinations offer to themselves, their families and to all of us? Diolch.