Here's the latest Argus column by Newport East AM John Griffiths:

THESE are hugely difficult and worrying times - in Newport, across Wales, the rest of the UK and worldwide.

The coronavirus presents us with a public health pandemic unprecedented in modern times.

Our response must be equal to the challenge.

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Thankfully here in Newport the Welsh Government is working with the UK Government, Newport City Council, the voluntary sector and our communities to come together and support our vital public services, as part of the UK wide response.

I want to thank our NHS, social services, supermarket staff and other sectors who are working tirelessly at present - but we also have a responsibility.

That’s why I support the measures set out by Welsh Government to slow the spread of the virus.

You should only leave your house for one of four reasons:

  • Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
  • One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
  • Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
  • Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

We all have to change and adapt to a new way of living in the weeks and months to come until we turn the corner and get on top of this terrible virus.

It is the only way to keep ourselves, loved ones and the wider community safe.

In the meantime we can still get out to exercise once a day.

And it will be vital that we keep in close contact with family and friends using the wonders of modern technology as well as telephoning, making sure we include those living on their own.

Many people and businesses are understandably worried and anxious at this time of uncertainty - concerned about their health, jobs and income.

To find out more, go to the Public Health Wales website at publichealthwales.wales.nhs.uk/ or for business support call Business Wales on 0300 060 3000.

As our first minister Mark Drakeford said last week, “together we can beat the Coronavirus”, but we can only do this if we all play our part by helping one another and keeping people safe.

  • You can contact Mr Griffiths on 01633 222302 or john.griffiths@assembly.wales