A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd

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…

Unfortunately, cases of coronavirus are rising. The picture across Wales is mixed but areas of South Wales are certainly experiencing the most significant outbreaks of the virus at present.

Many people will be aware of the co-ordinated action that took place across the UK last week, with simultaneous announcements from leaders in Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Incidentally, last week’s COBR meeting was the first since April and the first time the Prime Minister has spoken directly with Wales’ First Minister since May. At this time of national crisis, I do not believe that is justifiable. I do, however, welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to having regular conversations with the devolved administrations and I hope this collaborative approach continues as I believe it is widely supported amongst the general public.

Wales has always adopted a cautious approach to relaxing restrictions so as a result, the new UK-wide guidance emanating from the COBR meeting has not drastically altered the situation here in Wrexham. For example, whereas people in England were encouraged during the summer to return to work, in Wales we always stated people should continue to work from home if possible.

The most noticeable change is that since last Thursday, hospitality businesses such as pubs and restaurants have been ordered to close at 10pm. For clarification, in Wales, alcohol can be served until 10pm so people are allowed a grace period of approximately 20 minutes afterwards to finish their drinks.

Many other restrictions remain the same. In Wales, six people can meet indoors providing they are all from the same extended household. Children under 11 do not count towards the six. We must all wear face coverings on public transport, in shops and other indoor public places. This guidance was in place before the UK-wide announcements were made.

The next review of coronavirus regulations in Wales takes place at the end of this week.

https://twitter.com/lesley4wrexham/status/1309457119847079936

Although a rather gloomy picture has been painted in recent weeks, First Minister, Mark Drakeford has used Wrexham as a positive example for the rest of Wales, with the town serving as proof an area can recover after a spike in cases. Earlier in the summer there were local outbreaks centred at Rowan Foods and the Maelor Hospital. However, the pro-active measures introduced, such as the mobile testing units, helped contain the spread of the virus and cases in Wrexham are now among the lowest in Wales. A fortnight ago the Health Board announced the outbreak in the Maelor Hospital is now closed due to a substantial amount of time passing in which no new cases were recorded.

People in Wrexham have done a tremendous job following the regulations and it shows the actions and sacrifices being made do make a tangible difference to our community. I urge everyone to continue to play their part in helping keep Wrexham and Wales safe. Continuing to observe social distancing guidelines and maintaining good hand hygiene remain the most effective ways of reducing the spread of coronavirus.

https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1309375851482546176

Last week the NHS Covid-19 app was launched across Wales and England in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

It will be available to those aged 16 and over, and forms a central part of the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme identifying contacts of those who have tested positive for Covid-19.

I’ve downloaded the app and I hope people from Wrexham will too. Not only will you be helping protect yourselves, you will also be helping protect your family, friends and local community.

https://twitter.com/lesley4wrexham/status/1309080790391836675

Finally, it’s not something I ever thought I would comment on in this column but last week’s astonishing announcement that Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are interested in investing in Wrexham AFC made headlines around the world.

The surprising announcement instantly raised the profile of the football club and town.

The deal is not done yet and the necessary due diligence will need to take place but you can understand the excitement. Ultimately it will be the fans who make the final decision but there is no doubt this is an incredible story and an intriguing prospect.

I, like every other Wrexham fan, look forward to finding out more about the proposed takeover in the coming days and weeks.

It's not every day you get asked about @Wrexham_AFC on national TV.

I can neither confirm nor deny the rumours, but I welcome the excitement around some Hollywood glitz coming to the racecourse ground – I hear @VancityReynolds has an eye for goal! https://t.co/HdOd0haqqs

— Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) September 24, 2020

My staff and I continue to work remotely during this challenging time, offering advice and support to constituents. If there is anything you believe I can help you with, please email me directly: [email protected]

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).