‘Staff virus cases led to FM’s isolating’

HEALTH Minister Vaughan Gething has said a number of coronavirus cases within the Welsh Government’s staff led to Mark Drakeford self-isolating.

Mr Gething was speaking at the Welsh Government’s coronavirus briefing in Cathays Park yesterday.

First Minister Mark Drakeford, left, revealed on Thursday that he was at home selfisolating after being in contact with someone who had subsequently tested positive for coronavirus.

Mr Gething said that he had not been in the Cathays Park offices on the relevant days, which is why he was able to do the press conference.

He said: “There have been a couple of positive cases and a number of people are following the advice of Test, Trace and Protect to self-isolate at home, including the First Minister. I’m here because I wasn’t here at that time, which is why I’m allowed to come in.”

He said that the Welsh Government had tried to do the right thing at all times with hand sanitiser and social distancing but that this showed that despite all that care it was possible for coronavirus “to get through”.

During the briefing the Health Minister gave an update on the vaccination rollout and the spread of coronavirus around Wales.

Mark Drakeford said bringing Wales out of lockdown wouldn’t automatically follow England despite all four nations having a “broadly aligned” approach.

The outcome of the latest review of restrictions is due to be announced next Friday (March 12), when it is expected to be announced that some non-essential retail can start to re-open and more children return to the classroom for face-to-face teaching.

Indoor care home visits could also resume next week as part of the “wider package of measures” being considered in the next Welsh Government review of lockdown restrictions.

Julie Morgan MS, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, said the intention is for a “single, designated visitor” to be allowed to see each care home resident from Saturday, March 13.