A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).

Wrexham MS Lesley Griffiths writes…

The coronavirus pandemic continues to dominate all aspects of our lives and it remains the absolute prime focus as we take our first steps on the long road to recovery.

Whilst my constituency office remains closed, my staff and I are continuing to work, support and advise people through this difficult time. A great number of people have phoned and emailed me and my team is providing support and information as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As a member of the Welsh Government, I am at the heart of the decision-making process and helping coordinate the nation’s response to this deadly virus is a formidable task. In my role as the Minister for Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs, I continue to take part in several meetings every day with my Welsh Government colleagues, as well as ministerial counterparts from across the UK.

https://twitter.com/WGEnviroAgri/status/1260845377814757377

The latest review of the coronavirus regulations in Wales took place at the end of May and many will have noted the modest changes to lockdown restrictions that came into force on 1 June. When making these extremely difficult judgements, the Welsh Government acts on the latest scientific advice and evidence and its overriding aim is to protect the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Coronavirus has not gone away and the UK has more daily deaths from Covid-19 than all the EU nations put together. Abandoning our cautious approach now would be detrimental and possibly lead to a second spike. I am extremely grateful to all the Wrexham residents that have remained patient and vigilant throughout. The next review will be 18 June and judging by the correspondence I receive, I believe the majority of people support the Welsh Government’s careful strategy.

https://twitter.com/lesley4wrexham/status/1266388159274921986

Major announcements continue to be made almost every day which is why people should follow the Welsh Government updates for all the latest information.

All children will have the opportunity to check in, catch up and prepare for summer and the new norm in September as further details on how schools will reopen in Wales were announced. It is proposed all schools will start the next phase on the 29th June, with the term extended by a week, therefore ending on 27th July. Year groups will be spilt into cohorts with staggered starts, lessons and breaks. The priority must always be the safety of our pupils, teachers and staff and more details can be found on the Welsh Government website.

Schools will re-open from 29th June for pupils to check in, catch up and prepare for September.

It’s for parents to decide if their children return between now and the end of July.

Our priority as always is the safety of pupils and staff.

➡️ https://t.co/EN8Ggtlvvw pic.twitter.com/bQ5Plzdduf

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) June 3, 2020

Approximately 130,000 people in Wales with serious underlying health conditions have been self-isolating for a number of weeks after receiving ‘shielding’ letters from the Chief Medical Officer.

A further letter is being sent to every person outlining the next steps and asking them to continue to shield until 16 August 2020. Since 1 June, people who are shielding have been allowed to leave their house to go outside to exercise or to meet people in other households, providing they observe the social distancing rules.

However, coronavirus remains a serious threat and the latest advice is about ensuring the most vulnerable are protected. More information here: https://gov.wales/shielding-extremely-vulnerable-people

Just under two months ago we started arranging for vital food boxes to be delivered to vulnerable people who have been asked to shield.

This week, we delivered our 50,000th box.

A huge Thank You to all the #FoodHeroes involved in this national effort. pic.twitter.com/LOKTqedCKq

— Welsh Government Environment and Rural Affairs (@WGEnviroAgri) May 28, 2020

Extraordinary steps are being taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic with over £2.4 billion being spent so far by the Welsh Government.

Over £750 million has been outlined for the NHS and the Welsh Government is delivering the most generous business support package in the UK.

Further information specifically relating to the Covid-19 business rates grants have been published. In Wrexham, over 1,650 payments have been made as of the end of May, totalling almost £20 million.

After an extremely worrying and turbulent time, it is pleasing to see this immediate support is reaching Wrexham businesses and making a difference to local people’s lives.

It is worth remembering the local figures relate to just one element of the support. There are other funding avenues and more to authorise so the figure will certainly increase in the weeks and months ahead.

We’ve taken extraordinary steps to dedicate over £2.4bn to the coronavirus crisis.

£750m has been invested in our NHS and public services.

We’re also providing the most generous business support package in the UK.

➡️ https://t.co/04sgNjUc2J pic.twitter.com/WJQNFyZeA2

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) May 27, 2020

One positive to come from the coronavirus crisis has been the surge in people offering to volunteer. Since 1 March, nearly 18,000 volunteers have offered their services in Wales alone.

Expertly co-ordinated by AVOW, it has been heartening to see the proud sense of community in Wrexham and I know a great number of individuals, groups and businesses have made a positive difference.

Last week we marked Volunteer Week and I wish to say thank you to each and every person that has helped out.

https://twitter.com/lesley4wrexham/status/1267456809289351168

Please email me directly – [email protected] – if you feel there is anything I can help you with. I encourage everyone to please stay local, maintain social distancing and keep looking after each other.

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).