Coronavirus pandemic could have 'deeper and more profound' impact in Wales
The coronavirus pandemic may have a "deeper and more profound" impact in Wales than elsewhere according to a Welsh Government minister.
Speaking at the Welsh Government's daily coronavirus press conference, cabinet minister Jeremy Miles said Wales' "older population and economic profile" means the virus could have a greater effect.
Mr Miles said we could not go back to "business as normal" and that Wales needs to plan for the future "guided by social, economic and environmental justice."
The Welsh Government's coronavirus recovery advisory panel, which includes former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, will hold its first virtual meeting on Friday.
Mr Miles said he will report back to the Senedd on the initial round of these meetings next week.
The Welsh Government's online booking system designed to speed up the way in which critical workers can get tested for coronavirus is due to go live in Wales tomorrow.
When asked about this Jeremy Miles told ITV Wales' reporter Owain Phillips, "We’ve been trying to build up our capacity with success. We are keen to make sure people have the best opportunity to take those tests. That will start to be rolled out to the public in the coming days."
Mr Miles was also asked about plans for community testing and tracing of the virus.
He said the Welsh Government is planning to build capacity to that when Wales comes out of lockdown "we are able to ensure that we can say to people in Wales that the steps we want to be taking when the time comes, are ones which are safe.”