News

Coronavirus cases in Wales still lowest in UK says Health Minister

Published

4 years ago

June 8, 2021

Tom Sinclair

WALES continues to have the lowest rate of coronavirus cases in the UK, Welsh Health Minister Eluned Morgan said today.

The minister said the number of confirmed cases in Wales is currently 9.3 per 100,000 people.

Eluned Morgan said: “The number of people in hospital with coronavirus is at the lowest level since the start of the pandemic. We have recently seen a period of 10 days where no new deaths from the virus were recorded – sadly Public Health Wales reported one death yesterday.

“These achievements reflect the hard work of people throughout Wales to keep themselves and their families safe.

“Over recent weeks we have however seen very troubling developments in relation to the so-called India variant of concern – or as the World Health Organisation has re-named it, the delta variant. This is further proof that coronavirus has not gone away.

“We have been carefully monitoring this new variant, which appears to be spreading in many parts of England. We have identified a growing number of cases here in Wales, including a large cluster of cases in Conwy which is under close investigation.

“This delta variant has the potential to become the next dominant strain of the virus in the UK. We hope we can contain cases and prevent this variant spreading further but we expect the number of cases in Wales will continue to increase.

“Whilst the public health situation therefore remains good in Wales, the delta variant brings a new level of uncertainty. It was in this context the most recent review of the coronavirus restrictions took place on 3 June.

“Whilst Wales is moving to alert level one as previously signalled, we will now do this in a phased way.

“Changes to the regulations from 7 June therefore focused on easing restriction on outdoor events and activities. The risk of transmission is much lower outdoors and these changes will allow people to take advantage of the summer.”

Up to 30 people can now meet outdoors, including in private gardens, outdoor hospitality and public places.

Larger outdoor organised gatherings and events for up to 4,000 people standing and 10,000 people seated can also now take place. This includes concerts, football matches and sporting activities, like organised running groups. All organisers must undertake a full risk assessment and put in place measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including social distancing.

Finally, provision now allows for extended household to be made up of three households who can meet and have contact indoors. This is an increase from two households previously.

We will consider further changes to the regulations on indoor activity later in the month, if public health conditions allow. In line with the coronavirus control plan, at alert level one this would mean the rule of six would apply for meeting indoors in private homes and in holiday accommodation.

We will also consider increasing numbers for indoor organised gatherings and restarting indoor events.

This phased approach will provide time for more data on the impact of the delta variant to become available. It will also allow time for more people to be vaccinated, which remains our best route out of the pandemic.

I am extremely grateful to Health Board vaccination teams, local partners and the many volunteers across the country for the incredible progress of our vaccination programme.

At this rate, and subject to supply, we expect to have offered all adults 18 and over their first dose by early next week and to have hit our 3^rd milestone of an uptake of 75% in all of the age ranges by the end of June, a month earlier than expected. In reality, the percentage of people who have taken up their offer of a vaccine is far higher, which was always our aim.

We are currently recognised as the world Leader amongst countries over 1 million inhabitants. We have vaccinated more than 86.5% of the adult population with their first dose and nearly half have completed the two-dose course.

Yesterday I published an update to our COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy.

The updated strategy looks back at what has been achieved to date and sets out preparations for what comes next, potentially including a booster for our most vulnerable citizens and a vaccine for children and young people. We are also planning to reoffer the vaccine to those who did not take up the original offer. The roll out of second doses will also continue.

To underpin this delivery, an online system will be established in the Autumn to allow people to book appointments convenient for them. This system could potentially be used for other vaccinations moving forward.

Wales’ successful Test, Trace, Protect service was established a year ago. The Welsh Government has allocated an additional £32m to health boards and local authorities to extend contact tracing until the end of March 2022. This increases the total Welsh Government investment in contact tracing this financial year to £92m.

On 2 June we also published a refreshed Test, Trace, Protect strategy setting out how the service will adapt and respond to the pandemic in the months ahead. This includes strengthening and enhance the tracing of variants of concern, as well as the management and quarantine of people returning to Wales from red and amber-list countries.

On 20 May I set-out plans for a £100m investment to kick-start the health and care system’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This money will provide for new equipment, staff, technology and ways of working to help health boards increase capacity and cut waiting times.

As we begin resuming non-emergency care following the pandemic we have an opportunity to create a health and care system fit for the future.

Following the three week review of the restrictions on international travel, we are following the same traffic-light approach to international travel as the rest of the UK.

From today Portugal has been moved from green to the amber list. This decision follows increased concern in the spread of variants, including a mutation of the Delta variant, and the risk posed of bringing these back to the UK if people are not required to quarantine.

Seven countries have also been added to the red list, including Egypt and Sri Lanka.

I have today described some of the most recent developments in our ongoing efforts to tackle coronavirus. It remains vital we continue to work together to keep each other safe and to keep Wales safe.

Charity

Call for Welsh charities to join new volunteering revolution

Published

1 hour ago

June 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New digital platform aims to boost volunteer numbers across Wales

CHARITIES of all sizes across Wales are being urged to sign up to a new digital volunteering platform designed to make it easier for people to give their time and support vital community causes.

Created by the Royal Voluntary Service, with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the platform will help connect charities with would-be volunteers in their local areas. It is free to use and aims to modernise how volunteering is accessed and managed.

Voluntary organisations across the country have struggled in recent years with declining volunteer numbers. But research by Royal Voluntary Service suggests this trend could be reversed. In Wales, 45% of people said they would be more likely to volunteer if they could do so flexibly via an app or online platform.

Motivation to contribute remains strong, with many citing a desire to support their local community as a key reason to volunteer. The new platform aims to tap into this enthusiasm by making it easier for people to find roles that suit their lifestyles.

Launching to the public this autumn, the platform will allow users to browse, filter and apply for volunteering roles with just a few clicks. In the meantime, charities can sign up and begin uploading roles from June onwards to test the platform.

It is hoped the platform will become a central hub for flexible, accessible and digitally enabled volunteering in Wales. Charities from all sectors—whether in sport, the arts, health, environmental work or animal welfare—are encouraged to register and offer a diverse range of roles.

Making opportunities inclusive and varied—from one-off remote roles to team-based or traditional placements—will help widen access to volunteering and inspire a new generation of community contributors.

As well as improving recruitment, the platform aims to reduce the administrative burden for charities. Volunteers will complete a one-time onboarding and identity check, enabling them to switch between roles and organisations without repeating basic steps. Free criminal record checks will also be introduced in future.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said:

“We’ve developed this platform in partnership with charities large and small to ensure it’s genuinely useful across the board. By breaking down the barriers to volunteering, we’re helping more people fit it into their busy lives. Thanks to the support of People’s Postcode Lottery players, we’re on the brink of a volunteer revolution, and we want as many Welsh charities as possible to be part of it.”

Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, added:

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many charities. This platform will help new generations find opportunities that suit their lives—whether locally or online. We’re incredibly proud to support Royal Voluntary Service in delivering this initiative.”

Local charities have also welcomed the platform.
Damian Golden, Accessible Vehicle Co-ordinator for Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO), said:

“Volunteers are the heart of our community transport network. We’re hopeful this platform will help us connect with more passionate individuals and extend our reach across Pembrokeshire.”

The platform is free for charities and includes identity checks for volunteers. Organisations interested in registering or taking part in upcoming workshops and webinars can find out more at www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

Entertainment

Welsh National Theatre sets up home in Swansea

Published

4 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Michael Sheen’s company to debut first production in the city next January

SWANSEA has been named the official home of the newly founded Welsh National Theatre.

The company, established earlier this year by actor and director MICHAEL SHEEN, will be headquartered at Swansea’s Civic Centre overlooking Swansea Bay — a symbolic location, connecting Welsh storytelling to both its roots and the wider world.

The company’s first production, Our Town, will premiere at the Swansea Grand Theatre from January 16 to 31, 2026, before touring Wales and concluding its run at the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames. The production is directed by Swansea-born FRANCESCA GOODRIDGE, with fellow Swansea native RUSSELL T DAVIES serving as creative associate.

Sheen, who serves as artistic director, said: “My theatrical journey began in Swansea as a member of the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre, so it feels fitting to return and establish Welsh National Theatre here. Swansea is a place of creativity, resilience and inspiration. This isn’t just about securing office space — it’s about building a cultural hub for artists, producers and writers to collaborate and create before the work even reaches the stage.”

He added: “In just seven months, a Swansea audience will be the first in the world to experience a Welsh National Theatre production live. The countdown is truly on.”

Welsh National Theatre’s founding chief executive SHARON GILBURD praised the city’s support: “There’s a real sense of partnership here. Swansea Council has shown a genuine commitment to fostering a thriving cultural scene — not just for today, but for future generations.”

Following Our Town, Sheen will take to the stage once more in November 2026 to play Owain Glyndŵr in Owain & Henry, a new work by playwright GARY OWEN, produced in collaboration with the Wales Millennium Centre.

The decision to base the company in Swansea was welcomed by Council Leader ROB STEWART, who described it as “a proud moment for the city”.

“Having Welsh National Theatre based in Swansea shows how far we’ve come as a creative city,” he said. “This bold move will help raise the profile of Welsh storytelling globally and strengthen Swansea’s role as a national and international hub for creative talent.”

He added: “This will bring real opportunities for local actors, musicians, artists, writers, and technicians to be part of something world-class — and to create new work that’s rooted in Wales. The impact will be transformative.”

The move follows several months of discussions between the company and Swansea Council.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, ELLIOTT KING, said the theatre’s decision reflects years of sustained investment in the local arts sector.

“Swansea is now home to everything from major venues like the Swansea Arena to community-led theatre projects like Grand Ambition,” he said. “Our creative industries are flourishing, and with Welsh National Theatre joining that ecosystem, Swansea is well-positioned to make a lasting mark on the international stage.”

Charity

Call for Welsh charities to join new volunteering revolution

Published

7 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New digital platform aims to boost volunteer numbers across Wales

CHARITIES of all sizes across Wales are being urged to sign up to a new digital volunteering platform designed to make it easier for people to give their time and support vital community causes.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We’ve developed this platform in partnership with charities large and small to ensure it’s genuinely useful across the board. By breaking down the barriers to volunteering, we’re helping more people fit it into their busy lives. Thanks to the support of People’s Postcode Lottery players, we’re on the brink of a volunteer revolution, and we want as many Welsh charities as possible to be part of it.”

Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many charities. This platform will help new generations find opportunities that suit their lives—whether locally or online. We’re incredibly proud to support Royal Voluntary Service in delivering this initiative.”

Local charities have also welcomed the platform.

Damian Golden, Accessible Vehicle Co-ordinator for Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO), said: “Volunteers are the heart of our community transport network. We’re hopeful this platform will help us connect with more passionate individuals and extend our reach across Pembrokeshire.”