Coronavirus: Welsh Government announce roadmap with no dates
By Tyler Edwards
First Minister Mark Drakeford has unveiled Wales’ strategy out of lockdown, but has included no dates for specific measures.
Wales will see an easeing in lockdown restrictions as part of a “traffic light” system published by the Welsh Government which, it says, puts “health first” and adheres to scientific advice.
He said: “There is a danger that people can focus on dates rather than the process to get to the right moment in order to make the changes.
“That is the important thing, not an arbitrary date which gets people focused on the wrong thing.”
The traffic light system sets out a series of changes including seeing family and friends, going back to work and the reopening of public buildings.
The system is not a straightforward red, amber and green pathway however, because different parts of life may be lifted in different traffic light zones.
This is reflected in the document published by the Welsh Government; when we eventually reach the green zone, it shows that social distancing measures will still be in place.
An explanation of the Welsh Government’s moving out of lockdown guide is explained below:
Red
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Recent changes have started to move the country into this zone
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Doing more in this zone is dependent on how well the spread of the virus is contained
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In going shopping: “More outdoor work and click-and-collect retail. Businesses not required to close (e.g. construction) reopening under safe working practices.”
Amber
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It is possible some aspects of life could move into this zone sooner than others
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No aspects of life have yet moved into this zone
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In exercising and playing sports: “Team and individual sports, non-contact sport and games in small groups indoors and outdoors. Some outdoor events with limited capacity and events behind closed doors for broadcast.”
Green
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We will only be able to move out of this zone when a vaccine is available
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No aspects of life have yet moved into this zone
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In seeing family and friends: “People will be able to meet “one other person or small group to socialise whilst maintaining appropriate social distancing.”
“We have avoided putting dates as there is a danger that people can focus on dates rather than the process to get to the right moment in order to make the changes,” Mr Drakeford said.
He stressed that despite the new plan, the ‘stay home’ message has not changed since March.
The first minister said he always wanted the United Kingdom to move in a “uniformed pattern”, but more measures have been lifted in England than in Wales over the past week.
At the Welsh Government’s daily news briefing, Mr Drakeford said he was “disappointed” over the lack of discussions with the UK government.
“A whole week has gone past without any meeting of that sort,” he said.
He added that he didn't want to see a “sudden splurge” of contact before the next three-week review of coronavirus restrictions.
England’s ease of lockdown restrictions include being able to relax in public spaces, exercising more than once a day with one person who is not from their household and travelling to beauty spots in England.
But Mr Drakeford made it clear that the guidance provided by Wales, differs from the rest of the UK.
He said: “People who come here will find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
“Visit Wales, but do it later.”
When the Welsh Government review the lockdown restrictions in two weeks’ time, the R number will factor into the changes that is made.
According to the government, the reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by one infected person.
The first minister said: “This will be a powerful sign that we need to take additional measures to stop the circulation of the virus.
“We are taking our steps in Wales in a careful and considered way in order to stop potential reversal in the changes”.
The track and trace system is also a necessary part of keeping an eye on the spread of the disease which will dictate the timetable.
If the virus is maintained, then parts of Wales could move into the amber zone, which would be a step closer to normality.
Mr Drakeford thanked the republic for their efforts that have helped slow down the spread of the virus but stressed that coronavirus is with us for a long time.
When will schools reopen for all children?
The first minister said the desire was to get children back into school before the summer break, but the “guaranteed safety of pupils and staff” comes first.
The Education Minister Kirsty Williams published the document setting out how the Welsh Government is planning the next phase for schools' response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Nothing would make me happier than seeing our classrooms full again”, Ms Wiliams said.
But, like Mr Drakeford’s roadmap, she said there is no “arbitrary date” for schools to reopen in Wales.
Unlike primary schools in England who hope to return by 1 June, schools in Wales will not be adopting the same approach.
In the framework, it said that government officials are “working with scientists, public health experts, teachers, unions and local authorities.”
Whilst many things can’t be guaranteed, they “do not expect that schools or other education settings across Wales will be open for all learners, from all years, all week, anytime soon.”