A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jul 14th, 2021

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency 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…

Although Covid-19 restrictions have been eased during the spring and summer months, the virus has not gone away and it continues to affect all our lives. Wales is currently at alert level 1 and the Welsh Government will outline its next steps at the latest 21-day review of coronavirus regulations, due to take place on Wednesday (14 July). Ahead of the review, it has been confirmed face coverings will continue to be required in certain situations, such as public transport and taxis, and in health and social care settings, even if rules are relaxed. Case numbers have risen due to the spread of the delta variant and wearing a face mask is an effective way of reducing transmission. Scientific evidence supports the use of face coverings, alongside other measures, proving to be particularly useful in busy or crowded, indoor spaces. It means Wrexham and Wales will look different to England after 19 July where face coverings and social distancing will no longer be required by law in most settings. Throughout this pandemic, the Welsh Government has adopted a cautious approach and I hope maintaining the requirement to wear face coverings in certain places will provide people in Wrexham with greater reassurance. The Welsh Government is actively considering whether face coverings will still be required in other settings, such as retail, if restrictions are eased further, and announcements are set to be made later this week.

Coronavirus hasn't gone away. I know many people are anxious about going out.

I can confirm masks will continue to be required in some settings – even if we relax the rules.

This will include on public transport and in health and care settings whilst the virus remains a threat.

— Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) July 11, 2021

Although we are not returning to complete normality in Wrexham, we must not lose sight of the fact the overall picture has improved significantly thanks to the incredible vaccination rollout. Many will be aware Wrexham-based Wockhardt has played a key role in manufacturing the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is being used throughout the UK. Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething and I recently visited the pharmaceutical company on the Wrexham Industrial Estate to witness the vaccine being manufactured first-hand. I attended in my role as the Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs & North Wales, and Trefnydd and am immensely proud the Wockhardt team has played a major part in helping protect and save lives during the pandemic.

.@WelshGovernment Ministers @vaughangething & @lesley4wrexham visited @WockhardtUk in #Wrexham today.

They praised the workforce’s role in manufacturing the Astra Zeneca vaccine, which is playing a major part in our successful #Covid vaccine programme.https://t.co/zhLPPLTVsS pic.twitter.com/Jw41AHfxPb

— Welsh Government Economy (@WGEconomy) June 24, 2021

Latest figures reveal nine in ten eligible adults in North Wales have had a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine while two-thirds have had the full protection of both doses

🙌💉Congratulations to vaccinators in #Flintshire & #Wrexham who reached three milestones this week, including vaccinating 200,000 people with their first dose.

🔗 https://t.co/u8t4Za4wfS @FlintshireCC, @wrexhamcbc pic.twitter.com/zxdKtELGhE

— Betsi Cadwaladr (@BetsiCadwaladr) July 9, 2021

Despite this success, there is concern the first dose take-up of the vaccine among people aged 30-39 is lower than expected. With the delta variant circulating, I am urging people in Wrexham to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s online booking service has made it easier than ever to book a first or second dose appointment at a convenient date, time and location. Please remember that receiving both doses provides the very best protection, reducing your chances of catching and being hospitalised by Covid-19 by more than 90 per cent

Not everyone has taken up the offer of the coronavirus vaccine yet. There are lots of ways you can get your vaccine without an appointment.

Contact your local health board today to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe 👇https://t.co/9v5oNBr9Xb pic.twitter.com/whSBGLmUls

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) July 10, 2021

Businesses in Wrexham that continue to be affected by coronavirus restrictions could receive up to £25,000 of additional support from the Welsh Government. The rise of the delta variant forced the Welsh Government to move to alert level 1 in phases so this emergency package of support will cover the operating costs for July and August of businesses required to remain closed, as well as those who remain severely impeded due to the continuation of the restrictions. Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors and their supply chains, such as travel agents, attractions limited by social distancing and venues for school visits, could be eligible to apply for support. This latest announcement brings the total amount provided to Welsh business since the start of the pandemic to more than £2.5bn, with many Welsh Government schemes complementing the support offered by the UK Government. An eligibility checker is now live on the Business Wales website, with the full application process also now open.

Businesses in #Wrexham that continue to be severely affected by Covid restrictions could receive additional @WelshGovernment support.

An eligibility checker is available online now ahead of the full application process opening 13 July.

➡️ https://t.co/Hp1cnObeDy pic.twitter.com/OhZ4DeUqDw

— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) July 6, 2021

It is always a pleasure visiting St Christopher’s School and last week I was lucky enough to take part in the launch of their ‘Be. Football’ initiative. Be. Football is a project set up by the Football Association of Wales aimed at supporting grassroots football and boosting participation in the women’s game. The launch was a huge success and it was fantastic to see so many girls playing football and enjoying themselves.