The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has written to the First Minister to highlight the concerns of local residents. Her urgent letter follows Friday’s Welsh Government announcement of the loosening of certain COVID-19 restrictions.
The updated Welsh Government regulations, some of which came into force yesterday, state that the requirement to stay local remains unchanged. People may now travel outside their local area on 'compassionate grounds', however, which includes seeing an elderly relative in a care home or a child in a youth offender institution.
Speaking of her letter to the First Minister, Janet said:
“Whilst I welcome the fact that the Welsh Government has finally heeded Welsh Conservative calls to re-open the nation’s economy, I am dismayed at the news that the cruel 5-mile rule will be around until 6 July.
“This is a worrying signal that the First Minister does not fully comprehend the realities of North Wales, where people often have to travel far greater distances to do their weekly shop, let alone see their family.
“I wish to remind Mark Drakeford and his administration that the cruel 5-mile rule is having an untold negative impact on people’s mental well-being, with constituents unnecessarily being kept apart from vulnerable loved ones at an extremely difficult time.
“The First Minister must clarify if he has consulted with the Children’s Commissioner for Wales and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales on the impact of the stay local requirement on the individuals that they champion. The First Minister should also clearly state that families can travel any distance to see their loved ones.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
- The letter was sent on Friday 19 June 2020 and is awaiting an official response from the First Minister. A copy of the letter is attached.
- Welsh Government Coronavirus Regulations: Changes from 22 June
