Welsh Government must stop “lagging behind” and follow up to date scientific evidence on face coverings says Plaid Cymru Shadow Health Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth MS

The Welsh Government should “embrace” scientific evidence and make masks mandatory in shops, Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Health Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has said.

Although face coverings are now mandatory on public transport in Wales, there is still no requirement to use them in any other public spaces.

Last week, England joined Scotland in making face coverings mandatory in shops.

Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Health Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said the Welsh Government’s decision making over face coverings “contradicts the cautious approach they’ve been following until now”.

Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Health Minister added that with advice from the WHO, the president of the Royal Society, and various scientific publications including from Oxford and Washington Universities have been explicit about the effectiveness of face coverings in preventing the spread of covid-19.

Plaid Cymru Shadow Health Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said,

“The Welsh Government really needs to update its policy on face coverings and embrace the latest scientific advice that suggests it can make a real difference in decreasing transmission of the virus. Instead, they’re lagging behind.

“Their reluctance to do so contradicts the cautious approach it has been following until, and frankly puts its citizens more at risk.

“The Welsh Government must urgently follow the overwhelming advice from sources including the WHO, the president of the Royal Society, various publications including from Oxford and Washington Universities, and many, many more.”

“Everything that helps combat the risks should be embraced. We’re seeing from a recent increase in cases in the Wrexham area, for example, that the risks of increased transmission are still very much present.”