MILLION GIVEN FIRST JABS IN WALES
ONE million people in Wales have now received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine.
Public Health Wales (PHW) figures yesterday showed 1,007,391 people have received at least their first jab, while 192,030 people have been fully vaccinated after also receiving their second.
The milestone means almost 40% of the adult population now have a level of protection against Covid-19 within the first 13 weeks of Wales’ vaccination programme.
The Welsh Government said an anticipated dip in vaccine supplies over
the past three weeks would increase during the next fortnight, with around 200,000 vaccinations possible and around 30,000 a day being administered.
The latest data yesterday showed an increase of 9,095 of first doses from the previous day’s figures and a further 8,291 second doses.
The Welsh Government says it is aiming to have offered vaccinations to every eligible adult by July 31 “as long as supply is maintained”.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething described the latest achievement as “a truly incredible testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the rollout of this life-changing vaccine”.
He added: “We have seen an incredible level of uptake so far and my thanks go to every person who has done their bit for this national effort.
“It is crucial these high levels of uptake are maintained and I would urge everyone to take up their offer – every single dose really does count.
“Each is a step closer to opening up our society, a step closer to a brighter future and our ‘new normal.’
“We do, however, need to reiterate that even if you have had your jab, please keep to the social distancing and hygiene measures we’ve become accustom to over the past year – everyone’s efforts to keep this virus at bay are so vitally important.”
The latest PHW data also shows the country’s seven-day case rate at 44 cases per 100,000 people.
A further 166 cases of Covid-19 were recorded, taking the total number of confirmed cases in Wales to 205,368.
Three further deaths were also reported, taking the total in the country since the start of the pandemic to 5,406.
First Minister Mark Drakeford is set to announce the outcome of the country’s three-week review of restrictions on Friday, which is expected to include the “stay-at-home” rule being lifted.
He yesterday confirmed he will provide clarity on “restoring freedom” in Wales this Friday, but warned about the more transmissible Kent variant.
Mr Drakeford was asked in the Senedd to give businesses a roadmap for reopening the economy.
Referencing Boris Johnson’s so-called “roadmap” for removing restrictions in England, Tory MS Janet Finch Saunders said “our strong Prime Minister” had provided certainty and support for businesses and asked the First Minister to do the same. She also claimed that the Covid tier system had “collapsed in Wales” with figures at a level that should place Wales at much less restrictive alert level 2.
This comes ahead of the 21-day review announcement on Friday when it is widely expected that nonessential retail and some close contact services will get a reopening date, potentially as early as March 15.
In response to Ms Finch-Saunders, Mr Drakeford said Wales was now in a strong position due to the measures the Welsh Government had taken in
Wales, which he said were opposed by the Conservatives.
He added: “We will build from that position, mindful all the time of the continuing precariousness of the recovery from coronavirus and with the circulation here in Wales of the Kent variant of coronavirus particularly to be borne in mind as we reopen our economy.
“On Friday of this week I will set out further details of how freedoms can be restored in the world of business, in our personal lives, providing priority as ever for our children and young people, and that will give people the clarity they need with the realism that is required as well.”
Mr Drakeford said the cabinet would meet this week to discuss how it would ease lockdown measures in Wales.
He said reopening the economy was one the issues being considered and he “looked forward” to making an announcement on that on Friday.
He added the achievement in bringing the pandemic under control was down to the “people of Wales” and he would again urge people to ask themselves ‘not what can I do, but what should I do’ to keep themselves and others safe.
The First Minister said: “Nobody knows how the Kent variant will react as we begin to reopen aspects of our daily lives.”
Speaking after the debate, Ms Finch Saunders said: “Time and time again during my virtual business forums, local job creators have made clear their wish to work within a broad reopening framework. They rightly say this is required so that they can make urgent preparations, such as hiring staff, buying in local produce and making their premises safe.
“If we look ahead to level 3 restrictions, the Welsh Government say that there should be a confirmed case rate more than 150 cases per 100,000 people.
“Last week, Wales recorded a rolling seven-day average of 57 – a number which is already now down to 44.
“As I have consistently made clear, there has been a wholesale collapse in the Welsh tiered approach out of lockdown.
“The First Minister must now follow the strong leadership of the Prime Minister and look to provide our businesses with clarity through a caveated and dated roadmap.”
Conwy saw the highest number of new cases reported yesterday with 23, followed by Caerphilly with 17 and Swansea with 13 cases.
Rhondda Cynon Taf saw 11 new cases and Newport and Gwynedd both saw nine cases each.
Anglesey, Cardiff, Flintshire and Carmarthenshire all reported eight new cases.
Denbighshire, Vale of Glamorgan and Neath Port Talbot saw six new cases while Blaenau Gwent, Wrexham and Bridgend saw five.
Four cases were reported in Powys, three in Monmouthshire while Torfaen, Merthyr Tydfil and Pembrokeshire all saw two cases.
Ceredigion reported no new cases yesterday.