'As cases continue to rise, it is important to remember that coronavirus hasn’t gone away'

MS for Alyn and Deeside

This week the vaccination programme here in Wales reached another milestone – 75% of people have received both doses. This is an incredible achievement and thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, volunteers and military personnel who have dedicated themselves to the rollout.

The evidence so far shows the vaccine has weakened the link between the virus and hospitalisations, allowing the Welsh Government to take the careful decision to move to alert level 1, meaning we can now meet up to five other people indoors and the limit on numbers meeting outdoors has been removed.

However, as cases continue to rise, it is important to remember that coronavirus hasn’t gone away and to remain vigilant. We all have a role to play in helping to keep Wales safe by saying yes to the vaccine and thinking about the decisions we make as restrictions ease.

The best way to help stop the spread of the virus is by taking regular symptomless lateral flow tests and isolating after a positive test. Everyone over the age of 11 living, working or studying in Flintshire and who are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can get free Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests through Flintshire County Council.

In Wales, it is still a legal requirement to wear a facemask inside public spaces and remembering to maintain social distancing and regular hand hygiene practices are all still important steps to limit the spread and protect those most vulnerable in our community.

Throughout the pandemic we have all had to make difficult changes to protect ourselves and others; now is the time to come together and take action to the limit the spread whilst enjoying summer safely.