By Lesley Griffiths, MS for Wrexham

Contact tracing is a vital component of the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace, Protect strategy to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

The contact tracing system in Wales has performed well so far, with over 90% of contacts being traced successfully since it started.

However, during the winter period, demand for the service is expected to rise so as a result, the Welsh Government has announced an extra £15.7million to nearly double the workforce.

The funding will increase the number of contact tracing staff in Wales from 1,800 to 3,100. A new all-Wales team is also being set-up to support local teams when they have a surge in cases. We always expected the winter to be a challenge but this latest investment will ensure the Test, Trace, Protect strategy continues to help reduce the transmission of the virus.

Details of the Welsh Government’s self-isolation support scheme have been published. Under the scheme, people on low-incomes can apply to receive a £500 payment if they have tested positive for Covid-19 or if they have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect service.

Asking people to self-isolate is an important way to break the transmission of the virus but for many people it can mean a loss of income which they can ill afford.

By introducing the scheme, the Welsh Government is aiming to support people by helping remove the financial barriers faced by those needing to self-isolate. Applications for the payment opened last Monday (November 16). You must apply through Wrexham Council and payments will be backdated to October 23, 2020. All the details are online but if any constituents want any further information, please contact me.

Excitement has understandably been building ever since it was first revealed Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were interested in purchasing Wrexham AFC.

Many readers will know members of the Wrexham Supporters Trust voted overwhelming in favour of the takeover, with the final result revealed last week. The Trust deserves great credit for all they have done and I firmly believe this move will not only be positive for the club, but a boost for the whole town. This has been a surreal and remarkable chapter in the club’s long, proud history. Wrexham AFC are at the dawn of a new era and I, along with all the loyal fans, cannot wait to see how it unfolds. Welcome to Wrexham, Rob and Ryan!

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