Wales faces up to 1,700 ‘preventable deaths’ this winter, warns First Minister Mark Drakeford
Mark Drakeford #MarkDrakeford
Mark Drakeford – 1,000 and 1,700 preventable deaths over the winter if no action taken
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Up to 1,700 people could lose their lives with coronavirus over the winter period, the First Minister has warned.
Mark Drakeford, speaking during the Welsh Government’s press briefing on Monday, said latest modelling suggests the Covid-19 death toll in Wales will continue to soar.
He added that the infection rate has risen from 187 cases per 100,000 people on Friday to almost 210 cases on Monday.
There has also been a further rise in cases among the under-25 age group in 17 of the 22 local authority areas in Wales. More worryingly, he said cases of coronavirus are beginning to rise in the over-60 age group in most parts of Wales.
“Unless we respond now to the growing number of people infected with the virus, the advice we have from our scientific and medical advisers is that by January 12, the total number of people with coronavirus in hospital in Wales could rise to 2,200,” added the First Minister.
“And our modelling suggests that unless we act between 1,000 and 1,700 preventable deaths could take place over the winter period.”
Mr Drakeford announced that as a result of these figures, new restrictions for hospitality and indoor entertainment attractions will be enforced from 6pm on Friday, December 4.
“Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will have to close by 6pm and will not be allowed to serve alcohol. After 6pm they will only be able to provide takeaway services,” he said.
“From the same date, indoor entertainment venues, including cine walesonline mas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, soft play centres, casinos, skating rinks and amusement arcades, must close.
“Indoor visitor attractions, such as museums, galleries and heritage sites will also have to close. Outdoor visitor attractions will remain open.
“The rest of the national measures will remain the same – there will be no changes to household bubbles, how many people can meet in public indoor or outdoor places or restrictions on other businesses.”
Mr Drakeford added that a £180m package has been announced specifically for tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses to cope during this period. This is in addition to the various support schemes available from the UK Government.
In light of the fact the English lockdown will end Wednesday, the First Minister said he is looking at travel restrictions in and out of Wales and will make a further announcement later this week.
Meanwhile, he added that more than 10,000 people have been tested in the first eight days of mass testing in Merthyr Tydfil.
“The strong sense of community responsibility has been very evident in that terrific response,” he added.
Mr Drakeford said that rapid-result, lateral flow tests will be introduced in some care homes this week to help reunite families who have been separated for many months.
New advice has also been released today about relaxing visiting in hospitals which will allow both parents can be more involved in their baby’s antenatal care. More information can be found here.
“So even as we face real challenges now, there are possibilities that, if we continue to pull together and make the difference we need to see in the here and now, as far as coronavirus is concerned, 2021 could be a better year for us all,” he concluded.