Who Am I Allowed to Meet up with Socially Indoors?

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 18:08 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) ; REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: Re: Andrew RT

No.

Thanks

Kind regards

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 11:01 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: tomorrow presser

Hi - It will be FM

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 15:33 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: Households mixing

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Just seen your piece on the blog re: households mixing. This is already banned in Wales.

Who am I allowed to meet up with socially indoors?

You can only meet socially indoors with people who you live with (your household) and members of your extended household if you have formed one. As of 14 September, meetings or gatherings indoors even within your extended household must be limited to 6 people (not including any children aged under 11).

This applies in places like pubs and restaurants as well as in people’s homes.

Thanks,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 12:09 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: Welsh Government Statement: Post-COBRA readout

A Welsh Government spokesperson said:

“The First Minister took part in a UK-wide COBRA meeting today, chaired by the Prime Minister, and attended by the First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland and the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.

“The meeting discussed a series of UK-wide actions in response to the increase in Covid19 transmission, some of which, such as the need for people to work from home wherever possible, are already in force in Wales. The First Minister will set out which further measures will be implemented in Wales later today.

“The First Minister also welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to having a regular and reliable rhythm to UK-wide decision making – with the devolved governments having a clear and important role in that process.”

ENDS

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 14:52 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: Bus Funding

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

210920 Bus services supported with a further £84.6m to meet challenges of coronavirus.docx This is the announcement. Shared at this point strictly for planning purposes obviously.

We had planned this for tomorrow. I’m just double checking we can hold until Thursday, will confirm asap.

Best wishes,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 12:05 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Stats

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) – we’ll publish the LA-level data on attendance on our website at 9:30am tomorrow (should be in the same place as the other stats).

Diolch

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 15:11 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: media enquiry - sex education

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

We’ll decline the interview bid for the Education Minister but I’ll send you a response to your questions this week.

Thanks

REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 10:24 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: Rhaglen Dros Ginio 22.09.20

Haia REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Gyda’r cyfweliad nes mlaen…. Gai checio mai cwestiynau ar sector y Celfyddydau ayb – a’r hyn sydd o fewn portffolio y Gweinidog fydd o dan sylw.

Yn amlwg mae yna dipyn o newidiadau yn mynd ymlaen ar hyn o bryd – ond ni fydd y Gweinidog mewn sefyllfa I ymhelaethu ar agweddau o’r cyfyngiadau sydd yn cael ei cyflwyno.

Ydy hynna’n iawn?

Diolch, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 11:18 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: Rhaglen Dros Ginio 22.09.20

Diolch am gadarnhau REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Pob hwyl

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 12:36 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: Rhaglen Dros Ginio 22.09.20

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Wedi cael neges wrth y gweinidog yn dweud nad ydy e wedi gallu cysylltu gyda chi ar y link zoom – (ar gyfer trail run am 12.30) oes yna broblem – oes well neud y cyfweliad ar y ffon am 1.15?

Os wyt ti am fy ffonio dwi ar REDACTED SECTION 40

Diolch I ti

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 14:16 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE Fans returning to sporting events

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

We have no reaction to the Gove statement as such, we had already taken the decision and told interested parties.

Statement below.

“Our plans to expand on the three pilot events held in Wales have been put on hold – the public health position takes precedence.”

I lead on culture and sport, feel free to contact me directly in future.

Diolch, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 14:22 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE Fans returning to sporting events

And to you

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 14:57 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: BBC Radio Cymru

Diolch am hwn REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Wyt ti gwybod pwy bydd yn gofyn cwestiynau I’r gweinidog plis a hefyd ydy FaceTime yn iawn neu ffon?

Pwy arall sydd mynd I fod ar y rhaglen?

Diolch REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 16:19 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) CC: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications); REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: BBC Radio Cymru

Diolch REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) , we will be in touch soon

Regards REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) ______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 16:43 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC); REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) CC:, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: BBC Radio Cymru

Unfortunately neither Jeremy Miles or Eluned Morgan are available for this.

Diolch, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 15:02 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: BBC RADIO WALES DRIVE: Bid for Ken Skates

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Thanks – would straight after REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) interview work for you, so it would be around midday on Friday over skype?

Thanks REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) ______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 15:15 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) S DRIVE: Bid for Ken Skates

Thanks REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)– would you mind testing the line on skype please, if it connects to my address REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) then it will connect to the Minister’s on Friday.

Thanks, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) ______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 15:32 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: BBC RADIO WALES DRIVE: Bid for Ken Skates

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)– That’s absolutely fine – thanks.

Thanks, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 15:29 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC); REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Statememnts

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Which statements specifically?

Thanks, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) ______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 15:34 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC); REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Statememnts

Thanks REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Adding in REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) as well from our team as I am finishing before these are due to be delivered.

Thanks, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 15:48 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC); REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Statememnts

Here’s the Health Ministers… please double-check against delivery but it seems accurate.

***

Llywydd, a week ago I made a statement to this Senedd to inform Members about the developing situation in Rhondda Cynon Taf and the need to introduce local restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus and protect people’s health.

Today, I want to update you about the latest action the Welsh Government is taking, working in partnership with local authorities and public health experts. We will be introducing local restrictions in four more areas of South Wales because of a rapid increase in cases of coronavirus.

From 6pm tonight, new restrictions will come into force to control the spread of the virus for everyone living in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport.

This will mean:

• People will not be allowed to enter or leave these four local authority areas without a reasonable excuse, such as travel for work or education. • People will only be able to meet people they do not live with outdoors for the time being. They will not be able form an extended household for the time being. • All licensed premises in these areas will have to close at 11pm. • Everyone over 11 must wear face coverings in indoor public places – as is the case throughout Wales.

We will also extended the 11pm licensing restriction to Caerphilly borough.

These restrictions are the same as those introduced in Rhondda Cynon Taf last week. From 6pm tonight the same local restrictions will be in place in all six local authority areas in South Wales.

This will mean a large proportion of the population of South Wales will be living under local restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus.

We will hold a meeting later today with local authority leaders, health boards and the police throughout the wider South Wales region to discuss the developing coronavirus situation, particularly for those areas where rates are lower.

We will discuss whether further measures are needed to protect the wider population as we prepare to see students start and return to university.

A similar meeting will be held in North Wales to bring together leaders of the local authority, health board and police to discuss the situation, if we see rates rising rapidly across the region.

We have had to take the difficult but necessary decision to introduce these restrictions because we have seen a sharp and swift rise in cases in these areas since the end of August.

There are many similarities between the cases in each of these six areas – we have seen a rise and spread of coronavirus case associated with people socialising without social distancing; meeting indoors in other people’s homes and with people returning from holidays overseas.

In Rhondda Cynon Taf, the number of positive cases and the incidence rate has continued to increase – this is to be expected and follows the pattern we saw in Caerphilly borough in the days immediately after restrictions were introduced.

We are seeing many small clusters throughout the local authority area, which, because of a lack of social distancing, have led to community transmission.

Initially, most cases were in younger age groups, but we are now seeing infections in all age groups. And, particularly worrying, we have 34 cases of coronavirus in people in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

Bridgend is a growing concern for us because there has been a sharp rise in cases in a short space of time. We have identified a small number of clusters in the borough. But we are worried the pattern is similar to what we have seen in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Mobile testing will be introduced this week.

In Blaenau Gwent, we have seen cases linked to pubs and a lack of social distancing but there have also been cases in care home staff and in secondary schools in the area. In Newport, the rise in cases appeared to start with a house party at the end of August and was subsequently linked to a number of pubs. But we are now seeing a wide spread of cases across the city, which are not linked to a particular cluster or showing links with existing cases

But there are also some differences.

In Merthyr Tydfil, the incidence rate is very high, the cases appear to be mainly focused around two distinct clusters, linked to a large employer and a pub. Two new, smaller clusters have also been identified.

The restrictions will be kept under close review in each of these areas and will be formally reviewed in two weeks’ time.

This week, we will carry out the first formal review of the restrictions in Caerphilly borough. I am cautiously optimistic that they are having a positive impact on cases of coronavirus in the area – we have seen a significant fall in the incidence rate.

From being the highest rate in Wales at 119 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days, the latest figures show this rate has fallen to 77.9 cases per 100,000. This is still high but is evidence that the restrictions are controlling the spread of the virus.

I want to thank the residents and businesses in Caerphilly borough for their help, co- operation and patience – this shows what we can do when we work together.

I hope we will see similar reductions in the other five local authority areas in South Wales which are subject to local restrictions and together we can keep Wales safe

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 17:23 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: Interview Request - Live, Newyddion S4C

He’s just declined, sorry REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC). We’re out of Ministers tonight, just too much going on. Sorry for keeping you waiting

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 17:28 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: Interview Request - Live, Newyddion S4C Yes, sorry I thought someone came back to you from Eluned’s team – she’s not available.

The FM’s statement is going to be delivered in Welsh also.

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 10:34 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC); REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: BBC Dros Ginio - Urgent Bid for interveiw

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 – neither are available today I am afraid, just too much going on.

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 10:45 To: c; REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: BBC Dros Ginio - Urgent Bid for interview

No he has FMQs from 13.30 til 14.15 but I think Vaughan Gething has a statement around three on the announcement he made yesterday

Diolch, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 18:38 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) CC REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications); REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: 5Live has moved

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

5Live have kindly agreed to move the interview to 0820, which has freed up time for 0840. Shall we do 0840 – 0846?

FM’s diary is very tight so would be great to get confirmation as soon as poss.

Thanks so much,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 19:07 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) CC REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: 5Live has moved

Thanks REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

If you call my mobile on REDACTED SECTION 40 on FaceTime audio, back up REDACTED SECTION 40

If you want video (not sure if you’re doing social?) then the address is REDACTED SECTION 40

Have a lovely evening,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 19:03 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) CC REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Radio 1 Newsbeat

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Great to hear from you. FM can do 0850 - 0858 tomorrow morning.

If you want video, can you call us on FaceTime video (would be great to get clipped for social) - REDACTED SECTION 40

Or else you can catch me on my mobile on FaceTime audio - REDACTED SECTION 40

I know you're driving now, so let's firm up video v audio tomorrow. My colleagues REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) and REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) (cc'd) will also be on hand tomorrow too.

Thanks so much, REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 17:07 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) CC REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: BBC 5 live Breakfast: First Minister, Mark Drakeford

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) He is available. Let me get back to you RE time… ______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 16:30 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) CC REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: BBC Breakfast bid

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

I’m so sorry for the delayed response! Could you send a camera or do it via FaceTime video by any chance?

Also- that time works for us

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 12:13 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: Welsh Government Statement: Post-COBRA readout

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

As promised, WG statement post-COBR below…

A Welsh Government spokesperson said:

ENDS

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 10:45 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Subject: RE: Bid for First Minister Interview - Post Cyntaf 23.09

Hi REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Thanks so much for your bid and sending it in this format.

I likely won’t have an answer for you on this until much later this afternoon as there is so much going on – but I think it will be likely – if not at the specified time – and I will let you know as soon as I know.

Thanks a million,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 17:27 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) CC REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Phone-in show tomorrow

REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) -I’m afraid we don’t have anyone from Welsh Government to put up for the morning phone-in show tomorrow.

Thanks,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) ______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 16:28 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Thursday - NHS Covid app

REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) -– We are putting the Health Minister up for interviews on this – what time ae you looking at?

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) ______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 16:41 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) ; REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Thursday - NHS Covid app

Thanks, we’ll get back to you tomorrow on this one

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

______

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 14:10 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Subject: RE: Request for a WG response.

REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) – Dyma ti

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “At the outset of the pandemic, we acted swiftly to protect the public and take measures to ensure our NHS was able to cope with an increase in seriously ill people. Our testing capacity was targeted towards the most vulnerable and at-risk – people living and working in care homes; people admitted to hospital with suspected coronavirus and healthcare and critical workers.

“In the initial phases of the pandemic, widespread testing and contact tracing was not routinely recommended, because the majority of people were staying at home. Contact tracing was introduced in Wales in June, as coronavirus restrictions were gradually relaxed. It has been very successful at identifying clusters and outbreaks because it is both a public service and locally delivered.

“We continue to be concerned about the possibility of an increase in coronavirus over the autumn and winter and have introduced measures across Wales to prevent the virus’ spread, while simultaneously increasing testing and contact tracing capacity, and ensuring the NHS has the capacity it needs.”

Diolch,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 11:35 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) >; REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

Subject: FW: Stillbirth rates during lockdown

REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) – The data for 2020 is not due to be published until summer 2021. We only have data for 2019.

Thanks,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)

From: REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications) Sent: 22 September 2020 11:01 To: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) Cc: REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC)

Subject: RE: Msg from REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) re COVID

REDACTED SECTION 40 (BBC) -- Yes I’ll set up the meeting and sent round invitations.

Thanks,

REDACTED SECTION 40 (OFM - Communications)