MORNING SERIAL

THIS is not to mention all the social gatherings that would occur in towns and villages across Wales to watch the match. With just 24 hours to go and up to 20,000 Scots travelling to Cardiff for the match, the game was called off by the Welsh Rugby Union. The Scotland fans were already packed into bars and restaurants in the Welsh capital – the late notice was widely condemned but many were also relieved the decision had been made.

The same day a joint press conference was held by First Minister Mark Drakeford, Health Minister Vaughan Gething and NHS Wales chief executive Andrew Goodall. They announced the suspension of non-urgent outpatient and surgical care in Wales due to the coronavirus outbreak. This would allow staff, beds and other resources to be reallocated in priority areas as emergency service staff prioritised coronavirus. Speaking at the press conference Mr Gething said the estimate by scientists was for 20,000 possible coronavirus deaths in Wales with a maximum figure of 25,000.

Crucially this move would also fast-track placement to care-homes by suspending the protocol which allows a choice of homes.

The decision gave the Welsh NHS a head start preparing for the storm that was already stirring but begged the question for many why their cancer consultation had been cancelled when thousands of Scottish rugby fans had been allowed to travel into Wales on the very same day.

If people were incredulous about the rugby match going ahead, they were downright furious when a planned concert by the Stereophonics went ahead over the weekend of Friday, March 14 and Saturday 15. On Saturday evening the band tweeted a picture of a packed Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff city centre with the phrase ‘Cardiff is rockin’!’.