Plaid’s 14 proposals for a ‘firebreaker’

A failure of policy has led to an urgent need for a ‘fire break’, a limited period of buying time to address the weaknesses of the test, trace and isolate system, according to Plaid Cymru.

Such a move would ensure a significant reduction in the R number and lay the foundations of a Covid-19 elimination strategy.

As the first party in Wales to advocate a fire break, Plaid Cymru said it remained steadfastly supportive of this proposal. However, it added that there were specific details that it would like to see included in such a proposal if it was to receive the party’s full support and prove an effective way forward. It added that now is the time to come together to once again protect our NHS and save lives.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Health and Care, said:

“I want as few restrictions as possible to be imposed, but properly enforced, and with clear support for people and businesses affected.

“But regrettably, because of the failure of policies by Welsh and UK Governments to date, to reach that point we need a fire break now to get the virus under control and to start afresh.

“The First Minister must urgently publish a detailed plan to address the inadequacies of the current response, including proposals such as those Plaid Cymru is proposing today.

“They include a range of measures to improve our track, trace and isolate system, to safeguard workplaces, and to ensure sufficient financial support for businesses and their employees.

“In light of the advice from SAGE and the record number of Coronavirus cases in Wales last week, the case for a fire break is now overwhelming.

“No one wants to live in a perpetual state of coming in and out of enhanced restrictions. This break has to be the start of a different approach. Action taken now has to make a real difference in bringing down the R number and ultimately saving lives.”