Rhun ap Iorwerth responds to the Welsh government strategy for testing for COVID-19 in Wales

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

“I’m looking to Welsh Government to give people assurance at this time, given the spare testing capacity, and especially given what we know about the spread of the virus from asymptomatic carriers.

“What I can’t see in the proposal is how Welsh Government intend to use the spare capacity, and what I instead see, is a reduction in testing in some areas. The talk of a reduction in weekly to fortnightly testing of care home staff at a point that more restrictions are eased is going to be a concern to many.

“I feel strongly that we need to make better use of the testing capacity available, and we need to make sure that those care workers most at risk – either in terms of their own health or the health of others they come into contact with – are tested regularly.

“This must also include carers who visit people’s homes. A carer will visit many people over the course of a working day. Testing is the core of the early warning system that helps nip new outbreaks in the bud to keep people safe.”