Over the last few weeks I have been out and about across the constituency, visiting play schemes, sports clubs and other organisations, as well as walking around towns and villages chatting to residents and Councillors about local issues. I always try to do my best to be active in all parts of the constituency and to support all of our communities to be better places to live. 

Last week I took the chance to visit Mold Tennis Club to hear about their work in engaging the community in sport, and their plans to work with others to ensure that the club goes from strength to strength. 

Through the visits so far I’ve seen first-hand how different groups and organisations have adjusted over the last year, so that they can safely restart their activities and the amazing efforts that have been made.  

In recent weeks we have seen some changes in the approach to dealing with the continuing coronavirus pandemic. Along with the changes to the requirements to self-isolate which come into effect this weekend, we have also seen further progress with our vaccination programme and an increase in financial support to those who are asked to self-isolate. 

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, 16 and 17 year olds in Wales will be offered the vaccine in the coming months, and work is already underway to ensure that young people are offered a vaccine appointment in the run up to their 18th birthday. Some young people under 18 have already received the vaccine due to medical conditions which they may have. 

Recognising the importance of self-isolating following a positive test, the Welsh Government will be increasing the self-isolation support payment to £750 from Saturday 7 August. The scheme has been extended to March 2022 and almost 15,000 people have received support from the scheme since November. 

I welcome these changes as they show that we must all continue to play our part, whether through vaccination and self-isolation, or simply keeping a social distance and washing our hands regularly, to continue to limit the spread of coronavirus.  

Thanks to our world leading vaccination programme and collective efforts, we are seeing lower levels of coronavirus across Wales and at the end of this week the Welsh Government will complete the latest three-weekly review of the coronavirus situation in Wales. I will of course share the outcome of the review on my Facebook page – Hannah Blythyn MS – and will be available to answer any questions constituents may have. 

Though the Senedd is currently in summer recess I am still on hand to support constituents and businesses with any issues which they may have. Please get in touch if I can be of any help on 01352762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.