"The vaccination programme gives us reason to be optimistic"

Last week marked a pivotal moment in our fight against coronavirus, with the first vaccines arriving in Wrexham and starting to be administered nationwide.

The very first shipment was delivered to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital, resulting in Wales becoming the first country in the world to receive supplies of the vaccine and one of the first to begin protecting people against Covid-19.

The Welsh Government and NHS have been preparing for this moment for months. Every health board started administering the vaccines to the priority groups - people over 80-years-old, care home staff and frontline health and social care workers most at risk - last week.

It is expected nearly 20,000 people will be vaccinated in the first wave. After such a difficult year, this positive news will provide people with hope. There may still be a way to go before the full effects are felt nationally and people will still need to adhere to the Covid practices we have become used to, such as social distancing and washing hands regularly. However, the rollout of the vaccination programme gives us reason to be optimistic is an important step on the road to recovery.

Wales' coronavirus regulations have been amended to prohibit travel to and from areas of the UK with high rates of coronavirus. With England's four-week lockdown ending at the beginning of the month, many constituents contacted me seeking clarification on this issue.

While travel to Tier 3 areas is banned, neighbouring Cheshire and Shropshire are both currently in Tier 2, so travel to and from Wrexham is technically allowed.

However, it's important people think very carefully about where they go and what they do. The virus thrives wherever we come together with others and with local cases rising rapidly, people must be responsible.

To stay safe in the run up to Christmas, the Welsh Government is encouraging everyone to avoid activities where there is an increased risk of spreading or catching the virus.

Ignoring this advice increases the likelihood of further lockdowns. Currently, the only change to the travel restrictions will be between December 23 and 27, when they will be temporarily suspended to allow people across the UK to meet members of their Christmas bubble.

Throughout the pandemic I have been holding virtual advice surgeries, speaking to constituents via Zoom or over the telephone to offer support and guidance. My next surgery, the final one of 2020, is taking place this Friday (December 18), between 4pm-5pm. If there is anything you think I could help you with, please email me lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743 and we can schedule an appointment.