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Hefin David is the Labour Senedd Member for the Caerphilly constituency.

On Monday, July 26, Wales reached the significant milestone of two million people having received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine. Those still awaiting their second jab will receive it by the end of September.

The First Minister has indicated that if all is well, Wales could move to Alert Level 0 from Saturday, August 7. You can find out more about what this means here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Topic | GOV.WALES

It has already been confirmed that the requirement for fully-vaccinated people to self-isolate, if they are identified as a close contact, will be removed. This change will also take effect from Saturday, August 7. This is also the case for those aged under 18.

Fewer people are being admitted to hospital and there have been significantly fewer deaths, compared to earlier waves. The Chief Medical Officer for Wales is keen to ensure that we balance the risk of harm from coronavirus with the risk of harm to an individual’s mental health; and so he has confirmed that he is not advising people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to shield again at this time. 

He has also indicated that he does not expect to have to advise ‘shielding’ again in the future, based on current evidence. I am hopeful that this will be the case.

I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight some concerning information shared with me by the British Red Cross, in relation to the recent heatwave that we experienced. 

Their recent polls showed that the majority of the public have experienced adverse health effects from hot weather in the UK, and one in twelve have required medical attention as a result. Yet, over a third of UK adults believe heatwaves will be a problem for the UK in the future, not now.

While the majority of adults in the UK see heatwaves as a potential risk to the health of others, those who are vulnerable tend to underestimate the risk posed to themselves.

The groups listed below are most vulnerable when it comes to heatwaves. You can find information on how to help protect them at the following links: 

Heat Wave Safety | Heat Exhaustion Safety | Red Cross

First aid for someone with heat exhaustion | British Red Cross

Good hydration guide – Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (nhs.wales)

• People aged 75+    

• People with chronic and underlying health conditions

• People with a mental health condition

• People who have a severe physical or learning disability or have limited mobility

• People living and working in urban settings 

• People who are homeless 

• People living alone or who are socially isolated

• People who work outdoors

• People living in top floor flats

• People living in care homes

• People who are pregnant

Please be mindful of this over the coming period of hot weather and make sure to check in on your more vulnerable friends and family members.

Wishing you a safe and pleasant summer.