Here's the latest Argus column by Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay:

THE outpouring of support for our NHS and care workers every Thursday as individuals and families come out on to doorsteps across the country to applaud them, has been truly moving.

They are on the frontline in the war against Covid-19 and we owe them all a debt of gratitude.

We are living through extraordinary events and local people are rising to the challenge. The current situation has brought out the best in people with many of you volunteering to pick up essential supplies for vulnerable neighbours.

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I'm sure the passage of time will gradually reveal numerous individual acts of courage and kindness.

As I write this article, even our prime minister has been in intensive care. We wish him and his family well and all of those seriously affected by the pandemic.

These are worrying times as we all face up to the possibility of losing friends and loved ones. But this will eventually pass and then it will fall to all of us to rebuild and renew.

We are all in this together.

In the meantime we must do all we can to safeguard people and businesses.

I’ve been contacted by many constituents seeking to access emergency funding to see them through these difficult days.

I’ve been pressing the Welsh Government to ensure that businesses receive this support as quickly as possible and I have been assured that this is now an urgent priority.

Time is now of the essence when it comes to protecting jobs and livelihoods.

The UK Government has established a register for shielded people and it’s vital that the Welsh Government also provide similar support.

With the waiting list for online deliveries of essential supplies currently running at three weeks, I’ve been in contact with supermarkets to urge that priority is given to those who most need it.

As with all crises there are lighter moments such as the heart-warming news that a flock of sheep belonging to Raglan Farm Park were spotted literally playing at a deserted children’s play area, some of them even taking turns on a roundabout. Nature does indeed abhor a vacuum.

Hopefully the children will soon return.

Can I take this opportunity to thank the Argus for its vital role in raising morale and promoting the latest government guidelines on how we can all stay safe.

  • As ever should you or your families need assistance, please contact me at nicholas.ramsay@assembly.wales