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Dawn Bowden is the Labour Senedd Member for the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency.

Light at the end of the tunnel

We approach the end of a very difficult year with a glimmer of good news for the year ahead. As you will have heard on the news a vaccination programme has now started to hopefully help us contain the Covid-19 virus. There are still many difficult months ahead but the vaccine is our best hope of gaining some normality over the course of 2021. 

A mass vaccination programme is a huge undertaking and in the meantime we must continue to social distance, wash our hands frequently, wear face coverings and follow all the other advice that seeks to keep us safe from the virus.

Keep safe This Christmas

However, the current situation remains tough. So we are all being asked to think very carefully about how we act over the short Christmas period. With the virus spreading rapidly each one of us has a responsibility to keep our own family members, and our friends, as safe as possible.

Local hospitals under huge pressure

In recent weeks our local hospitals have been under huge pressures and intensive care beds are becoming full. It is a really tough time as we approach the New year – a time of the year that normally adds even more pressure to the health and care system.

Local schools

I would like to thank the local schools, all the staff and pupils for their work this year. It has been important to maintain learning in school for as long as possible as that provides support to our children. But in the face of the infection rates, schools moved the end of term online while still supporting the children of key workers.   

To better times

It has been said many times but I repeat it here, 2020 is a year like no other. At the end of the year I would normally be busy with school concerts, choirs and so on. Sadly we have missed all  this traditional fun due to the virus.

Huge thanks however go to all the frontline workers, public service workers, key workers, carers and volunteers who have helped so much during this difficult year.

I will think of you over this Christmas period and my dearest wish is that we all have a better year in 2021. 

Christmas arrangements

While my constituency office will be closed in line with Government guidance, my staff team are working from home and emails will be monitored for urgent casework and recorded phone messages will be received. 

Please take care and best wishes to you all.