National Assembly for Wales

A range of actions have been taken to support the care home sector, including financial support, securing access to personal protective equipment and the provision of testing. We are commissioning a focused rapid review of the care home operational experience between March and June this year to inform future policy and practice. 

We are working with other UK nations and health agencies to understand and collate the evidence and links between COVID-19 and obesity. Increasing evidence does indicate that obesity is an independent risk factor for severe illness and death from COVID-19.

We have enshrined into law the 2m physical distancing duty and have to date published 20 workplace guidance documents—with more to follow. We consulted with Welsh businesses and trade unions to ensure that our approach is proportionate and fair to businesses and workers.

Oversight of the improvements needed in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board maternity services has continued during the COVID-19 response. The safety of women and babies remains the top priority.

We are working with stakeholders to develop robust plans for learners to return to schools in the autumn. I intend to make a statement later this week outlining my plans and the learning priorities for the next academic year.

I have been clear that emotional and mental well-being must be a priority as children return to school. It is one of the key principles in my decision framework for the next phase of education and it features prominently in the learning and operational guidance published in June.

One of the four purposes of the new curriculum for Wales is for young people to become ethical, informed citizens who understand and exercise their human and democratic responsibilities and rights. Learning in the new curriculum will be inclusive and will draw on a range of different perspectives.

The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill fully supports the aims of Cymraeg 2050. The Bill will put in place a national framework to support teaching, learning and continual progress in Welsh and other areas. 

Our COVID-19 operating framework focus remains on access to essential NHS services, with the introduction of routine services continuing to be a matter for local determination based on an assessment of safety, workforce, capacity, clinical support requirements and risks for patients. 

We have provided £400,000 to Age Cymru to establish a national telephone befriending service to provide emotional support to older people who live alone. We have also worked with local government and the third sector to ensure that practical support with shopping and medicines is in place.