Action should be driven by “data not dates” says Plaid Leader Adam Price ahead of Wales roadmap announcement

Relaxing restrictions should be drive by “data not dates” Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price has said.

The First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to announce a roadmap out of lockdown today.

Mr Price said that whilst the picture was improving “by the week” and commended all involved in the effort to drive down the rates of transmission, Wales was “not there yet” in terms of being ready to relax restrictions on a national level.

The Plaid Cymru Leader called for an extension to the furlough scheme for “several months after lockdown restrictions end” and asked that travel restrictions be eased with “caution”.

Mr Price added that he hoped the Government would put a sharp focus on re-introducing household bubbles in response to the increased loneliness and isolation as a result of current restrictions.

He added that the mental health crisis should not be ignored and added that it was “vital” that all would be done to enable gyms to be among the first facilities to reopen.

Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Education Sian Gwenllian MS added that the safety of school staff and children must be the “number one priority” as schools prepare to open to more children next week. 

Ms Gwenllian called on the Government to be “fully transparent” with the latest scientific advice ahead of the return of any further cohorts and said it should be ready to “quickly close” individual schools should clusters start to appear.

The Shadow Education Minister added that the Labour Government should fully support calls for school staff be given priority for the vaccine within their age groups.

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS said:

“The picture seems to be improving by the week and everyone involved in the effort to drive down the rates of transmission should be commended.

“However, we’re not there quite yet in terms of being ready to relax restrictions on a national level.

“Infection rates remain high and the headroom we have remains low. At every step, action should be driven by data not dates.

“We cannot ignore the mental health crisis which has been brought about as a result of the pandemic. It’s vital that everything possible is done to enable gyms to be among the first facilities to reopen.

“Loneliness and isolation are also a real challenge for many people, and we hope that the government will put a sharp focus on when and how it will be safe to return to extended household bubbles. 

“Travel restrictions should be eased with caution and the sensible approach would be to reintroduce the “stay local” message for as long as necessary.

“It’s vital that those who have lost their livelihoods continue to be supported and we support the Resolution Foundation’s call this week for furlough to be extended for several months after lockdown restrictions end.”

Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Education Sian Gwenllian MS added, 

“The safety of school staff and children must be the number one priority as schools prepare to open to more children next week. 

“Getting our children back to face-to-face learning is incredibly important but this should be driven by data not dates. 

“We expect the Government to be fully transparent with the latest scientific advice it receives ahead of the return of any further cohorts -- and ready to quickly close individual schools should clusters start to appear.

“The Labour Government should fully support calls for school staff be given priority for the vaccine within their age groups. Safety measures should emphasise adequate ventilation of school buildings.

“Meanwhile, the digital divide still exists for those who are yet to return, and Government must double its efforts to ensure that every child and young person is fully engaging in their school work.