Posted: Sun 26th Apr 2020

New framework launched explaining how Wales could emerge from lockdown

North Wales news and information
This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 26th, 2020

A framework has been published that will help determine when the strict stay-at-home restrictions can begin to be relaxed in Wales.

The Welsh Government has said that that a Wales-wide programme of surveillance, case identification, and contact tracing is being developed through the office of the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Frank Atherton.

Officials said it would highlight the importance of community testing and support the containment of emerging coronavirus infections as and when restrictions are eased.

The seven questions that shape the framework, include:

  • Would easing a restriction have a negative effect on containing the virus?
  • Does a particular measure pose a low risk of further infection?
  • How can it be monitored and enforced?
  • Can it be reversed quickly if it creates unintended consequences?
  • Does it have a positive economic benefit?
  • Does it have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing?
  • Does it have a positive impact on equality?

The main strands of the programme also include learning from international experience and engaging with the public.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, First Minister Mark Drakeford said the framework will help Assembly Members decide when the time is right to start lifting the stay at home restrictions.

He added that during the pandemic the government had “worked closely” with other administrations across the United Kingdom and the framework “is part of our contribution to that work.”

He said:”Over the last two months, our approach has been one of lockdown. We have taken unprecedented steps to protect everyone, but particularly those most at risk from serious illness.

“This approach has helped the NHS prepare and cope with the virus. Even though we have sadly seen a growing number of people die, it has helped to save many more lives.

“As ever I wanted to acknowledge the loss that all these families are experiencing. from those who lost family members at the start of the outbreak to those who are facing that same experience today.

“The strategy that we have followed does come with its own costs to people’s health and well being and to our economy.

“But the efforts everyone in Wales has made over the last five weeks have had a positive impact on the course of the disease and I want to thank everyone once again for all their ongoing help and support.”

Mr Drakeford also announced a number of small changes to the coronavirus regulations in Wales following a review.

Some areas are being strengthened, while others are being eased, but he said the overarching stay at home regulations would remain in place.

One potential trigger could be when hospital admissions fallen for a sustained period.

Mr Drakeford admitted there was still a long road ahead towards recovery, which won’t be achieved until there is a vaccine or an effective treatment in place.

However he express confidence that Wales has the correct systems in place for large scale contact tracing and testing.

He added: “What I’m keen to do is to make sure we use the time we’ve got to put that system in place and our chief medical officer has already set out the elements that he thinks we would need.

“We have asked our Public Health Wales colleagues to draw up a plan. And at the start of next week, I will be working with them and others to translate the plan into actual delivery on the ground in different parts of Wales.

“We want to use all the time we’ve got with our colleagues to put that system in place and then the interplay between the speed at which we can lift measures and our ability to trace the impact of that in the community will be something that we will have to look at as that system as a traffic light system comes into being.”

The full framework document can be found here.

You can view the full briefing today by the First Minister and the Q&A session on the below video:



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