Coronavirus Control Plan for Wales – Statement from Vaughan Gething

Today we are publishing a Coronavirus Control Plan for Wales. Coronavirus has not gone away and we are likely to see an increase in cases over the autumn and winter as it becomes colder and everyone spends more time indoors.

The Coronavirus Control Plan for Wales sets out how the people of Wales and organisations across Wales will work together to manage the risks of coronavirus as we prepare for the autumn and winter months.

Our approach to controlling coronavirus is based on the principles of caution, proportionality and subsidiarity.

Caution, because prevention is better than cure – preventing the spread of coronavirus should be our overriding priority.

But our actions must also be proportional to what they are seeking to achieve – our interventions should not be more restrictive than is needed to contain the virus. We will endeavour to do the minimum to disrupt people’s lives whilst keeping Wales safe.

And, finally, the principle of subsidiarity means that decisions are taken at the most effective level – using local knowledge and expertise to inform local decision making by local elected Leaders and local action.

The plan describes the different stages of the possible spread of coronavirus. It sets out how we will respond in different circumstances. This is a collective effort with everyone having a role to play. From businesses to local government, NHS Wales, Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government and every single one of us playing our part.

The plan focuses on the approach we will take alongside our partners, from prevention through to (if needed) introducing measures at a local, regional or national level.

Absolutely no one wants another lockdown. However, coronavirus has not gone away. If we are to continue to keep Wales safe, we must prevent the virus from spreading.

Each person, businesses and organisation in Wales has a role to play in preventing the spread of coronavirus and to keep Wales safe.

I am making this statement in recess in order to keep members informed. I will be happy to make a further statement after recess if members would find it helpful.