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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:16 pm on 15 February 2022.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 3:16, 15 February 2022

(Translated)

May I thank the Minister for her statement? I am pleased to hear that confidence is increasing, that cases are reducing and that the number requiring hospital treatment is also reducing. I am content with the phased approach and the cautious timetable as we lift the few remaining measures still in place. There are few direct restrictions in terms of its effect on our daily lives.

In terms of COVID passes, I was discussing with the Member for South Wales East about one major cultural event that has decided that, 'No, COVID passes don't have to be used, but we're going to continue to do so, because it gives us confidence in arranging our events.' So, I do think that there are still people who want to put measures in place in order to allay people's fears, because I agree with the Minister's assessment that, although I am urging her to move forward as purposefully as possible in terms of the transition plan for moving to the next phase—. I agree with the assessment that the pandemic is not over, and am shocked that the UK Government is willing to claim that the pandemic is virtually over and that we need to remove all restrictions. And while I, as the Minister I'm sure is, eager to move to living with COVID, we shouldn't forget the pandemic or forget COVID. That's not what we mean by that.

In terms of the BA.2 sub-variant, I wonder whether there is any additional information on any patterns of transmission or where that sub-variant emerged from, so that scientists can focus on that and learn more about it. That is my first question. Secondly, vaccination of children from five to 11 years old: I would appreciate more details on the next steps. I am aware of calls from parents, from staff in education, from health professionals and care workers to push this option of vaccination forward as soon as possible, because of concern that the virus is spreading most among children and the impact that that has on family members who are unable to work and the impact that remains in terms of children's education, where they do lose large amounts of school time. And perhaps you could put that in the context of the decision to remove the requirement to wear face coverings in schools too, because there is concern, as I say, that we need to take all possible steps to try to prevent transmission within schools.

One final issue, as a third point. I have had further contact with the RNIB, following a written response that I received from the Minister on the last day of January, that was answering a question where I had asked about support for blind or partially sighted people in using tests. There are still concerns among that community who do have difficulty in taking these tests because of visual impairment. So, may I ask the Minister whether she is willing to have further discussion with the RNIB in terms of what can be done to assist those, particularly those who, for whatever reason, can't use digital platforms to seek assistance? Because the testing system is still an important part of our response to the pandemic, and it's important that it's a system that everyone is comfortable using.