Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP and Welsh Secretary Simon Hart MP visited Cardiff today to brief Angela Burns AM – the Shadow Health Minister – on the current Covid-19 (or Coronavirus) outbreak.
Mrs Burns said:
“It was reassuring to speak with Matt about the outbreak and the UK Government’s approach to tackling it.
“We heard the rather sobering words of Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday – who briefed the nation alongside the UK’s chief medical officer and its chief scientific adviser, respectively Chris Whitty, Patrick Vallance – on the likely impact and projected number of cases.
“It didn’t make for pleasant listening, but this is an epidemic that has cost lives, and therefore it shouldn’t. Now is not the time for sugar-coating facts and glossing over realities.
“And to those who think the UK Government should be doing more, PM Johnson was quite clear that the steps being taken are not set in stone, but are subject to constant review, because the most dangerous period is not now, but some weeks away."
Mrs Burns said she agreed with PM Johnson’s appraisal that the United Kingdom has got through many tougher experiences before, and will get through this, said:
“The Coronavirus outbreak requires a concerted and non-partisan approach from political parties and all sectors of the country, and I am pleased to see this happening in Wales and across the UK.”
Mr Hancock, who also briefed other Members of the Welsh Parliament, said:
“Coronavirus presents very significant challenge to the whole country, and we have been working closely to achieve the very best response based on the science.
“This week, we’ve taken significant measures so that if you are ill with the symptoms of Coronavirus, then you should immediately stay at home for seven days.
“It’s important for you, your family, and your community, and it’s also important to protect the NHS.
“Health may be a matter devolved to Wales, but the response to Coronavirus is something we can only get right if it is a true national effort.”
The photograph shows Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock MP (right), with Shadow Health Minister Angela Burns AM (centre), and Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart MP.
