'We must not lose sight of the bigger picture and we need to recognise we are still living with the virus'

MS for Wrexham

With coronavirus levels remaining low and vaccination rates remaining the best in the UK, readers will be aware Wales moved into alert level 2 on Monday (17 May). A number of changes to the restrictions came into force, including the reopening of indoor hospitality (six people from up to six households can book), all holiday accommodation and entertainment venues such as cinemas and bingo halls. I understand this has been an incredibly challenging time for these businesses and I wish all those who have reopened in Wrexham the very best.

To help support the businesses still impacted by Covid restrictions, the Welsh Government announced a £200m support package aimed at helping firms as they start to reopen.

Pubs, cafes, nightclubs, events and conference centres and supply chain firms will be eligible to receive support up to £25,000 depending on their circumstances. An eligibility checker is available on the Business Wales website to enable businesses to prepare their bids ahead of the full application process opening on 24 May.

With a new Welsh Government now in place, more announcements are expected to be made in the coming weeks to help businesses recover and develop when restrictions are relaxed further. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has provided more than £2 billion of support to businesses across the country, helping safeguard jobs and protect people’s livelihoods.

Although the situation is improving, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture and we need to recognise we are still living with the virus.

The Welsh Government’s overriding priority will always be to keep the public safe.

We have learned over this past year or so it is difficult to plan too far ahead. The new Indian variant is a cause for concern, with the strain currently particularly prevalent in parts of North West England. This could clearly impact Wrexham and Wales and will need to be monitored very closely in the coming days.

Finally, It is an honour to be asked to continue to serve in the Welsh Government at this critical time in our nation’s history.

As we start to look beyond the pandemic, I look forward to playing a part in our nation’s recovery as the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd.

If you live in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please email me: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743.