North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called on the Welsh Government to listen to RNIB Cymru and ensure that improved coronavirus safety measures in supermarkets cater for the needs of blind and partially sighted people.
Welsh Government officials are currently working with supermarkets to enhance Covid safety measures and RNIB have been contacted by members who are worried about how the changes will affect them.
Speaking during yesterday’s Business Statement in the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood highlighted their concerns and called for a Welsh Government Statement on the matter.
He said:
“Proposed measures include systems to manage the number of customers in-store, more visible signage and hygiene stations and increased social distancing markers.
“RNIB Cymru have been approached by a number of their members, worried about what these new restrictions might mean for them.
“Social distancing is near-impossible for blind and partially sighted people, and navigating queues and altered store layouts has been extremely challenging for them throughout the whole pandemic.
“RNIB Cymru are therefore calling for guidance to be issued to supermarkets and essential retailers to make staff aware of the types of assistance and adjustments they can offer to blind and partially sighted customers.
“Blind and partially sighted people need to know both: how the Welsh Government intends to address the issue of access to supermarkets for them, and what guidance will it be issuing to retailers to raise staff awareness and make sure vulnerable people are not disadvantaged even further. I call for a Statement accordingly.”
Responding, the Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans MS, said she will ensure that the Health Minister reviews the new measures “with a view to exploring what more we can say to ensure that people aren't disadvantaged and that awareness is heightened as much as possible.”
