The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today urged the Welsh Government to address the recent marked increase in North Wales COVID-19 cases by further expanding testing in the social care sector.
Figures released by Public Health Wales show that (as of 30 May 2020) North Wales continues to record the highest number of positive COVID-19 coronavirus cases of any Welsh region.
The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Social Care has also raised her concerns over the collection of COVID-19 statistics, particularly with regards to those individuals receiving domiciliary or community care.
Speaking of the situation, Janet Finch-Saunders MS said:
“I share my constituents' concern regarding the news that North Wales is recording the highest number of positive COVID-19 tests outside of Cardiff. This latest data release goes some way to reveal to true state of affairs in our region.
“With a largely older demographic in Aberconwy, I have long advocated for the expansion of testing throughout the social care sector. Regardless of setting or community size, all individuals who receive social care support should be tested if the Welsh Government is committed to protecting our valiant front-line staff.
“It is an old adage that actions speak louder than words. Therefore, I urge Welsh Ministers to address the growing test disparity between our social care and healthcare sectors as a matter of urgency.
“I am also troubled about the pervasive ignorance with regards to COVID-19 statistics and the domiciliary care setting. More frequent updates and a firmer grasp of the data is necessary should the Welsh Government wish to find any success in its test, trace, protect protocol.”
ENDS
