At the end of last week we saw another great increase in the number of vaccines being administered across Wales, as supplies have grown after a planned dip due to improvements being made by the manufacturer.

This meant that in our corner of the country, Betsi Cadwaladr UHB has now administered over 300,000 doses of the vaccine. The health board has confirmed they are making good progress with priority groups five and six, and believe they are on track to vaccinate all of the priority groups by mid-April.

I’ll continue to share regular, factual information on my Facebook page – Hannah Blythyn MS – and would encourage anyone with any queries to get in touch.

Friday also marked the latest three-weekly review, outlining the steps which will be taken in the coming weeks to ease restrictions, as long as circumstances continue to improve. Part of this review included the decision to lift the “stay at home” guidance and replace it with a “stay local” message.

With regard to the “stay local” guidance, five miles has been referred to, but that might vary depending on where you live and it is about us all exercising our own judgement. The idea is for “Stay Local” to be a step in continuing to reduce the spread of virus, ahead of hopefully a further easing of restrictions as we head to the Easter period. It is hoped that self-contained accommodation can also reopen at this point in time.

The First Minister also outlined that whilst barbers and hairdressers could open from Monday this week, there would be further gradual easing of restrictions for other non-essential retailers and close contact services. Should the situation continue to improve, then we would see all non-essential retail open in line with our neighbours in England on Monday 12 April.

Due to the gradual approach which is being taken, the Welsh Government has made £150 million available to support businesses who pay non-domestic rates and are unable to open this week. This will be distributed in grants of either £4000 or £5000 depending on the rateable value of the property and will be paid out automatically by Flintshire County Council.

For any business across our area who has any questions or queries about this grant, please get in touch as soon as possible, so I can help to make sure those who are eligible for support don’t miss out.

Though coronavirus continues to play a large part in lives, I am continuing to champion our corner of the country and represent constituents on a number of issues, from housing and transport, to health and education.

If you or a loved one has an issue I may be able to help with, please let me know by emailing me at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales or calling 01352 762102.