Obviously, things have moved on since this was tabled, but it's clear in the events of the last few days that Wales continues to face an unprecedented health crisis. And I, of course, welcome this debate coming about, because it is—it might be a bit behind now, but it is important that we have this opportunity to raise our questions and our concerns on what is a worldwide health crisis. 

Many aspects of our economy have opened up, and we need to ensure that we do everything we can so that businesses can continue to trade safely so as many workers as possible can provide for their families. It is vital that businesses and others adapt to the new normal to minimise risk to as safe a level as possible in order to eliminate risk—it's impossible to eliminate risk, sorry—otherwise we'll never leave our homes, never drive anywhere, but risks need to be managed effectively. 

The local lockdown in Caerphilly, in my electoral region, with another now being imposed in Rhondda Cynon Taf, clearly demonstrates that the threat still remains, and I'm sure the situation in Merthyr Tydfil and Newport is being monitored closely by Ministers' officials. In fact, the rate of positive cases in Caerphilly per 100,000 is now higher than it was in the first wave, back in the spring. Our local authorities across my region in south-east Wales that I know of have done such great work in adapting and reacting to this crisis, and they deserve our credit and thanks for all that they've done, but maybe now, Minister, we need to work closely with our local authorities—more closely with our local authorities—and police to make sure that they are able to enforce these Government rules in a better way and prevent further lockdowns.

We all accept that local lockdowns may be necessary to deal with spikes of COVID-19, but measures should be proportionate. Preservation of life has to be the No. 1 priority, but we can't neglect the impact that prolonged periods of lockdown has on people's mental health, children's well-being and people's livelihoods. I do, therefore, welcome the education Minister, in her statement yesterday, being so determined that our schools will keep open throughout these localised lockdowns.

My concern is that Welsh Government's approach has been confused by mixed messages and a lack of clarity. As our leader, Paul Davies, earlier pointed out, in May, the finance Minister stated that the Welsh Government was not considering local lockdowns, as differing rules could cause a great deal of confusion, and then went on to claim that one of the strengths of the Welsh Government message, as was said, was that a very clear message applies equally across Wales. Indeed, when Wrexham saw a spike in coronavirus cases in July—incidentally, the second-largest increase in the UK at that time—a local lockdown was not even considered. This, I believe, is indicative of the Welsh Government's inconsistency of approach in controlling the virus. 

The confusion over wearing face coverings has exemplified the Welsh Government's approach. I, of course, welcome now the change in policy. It's very important that we wear face coverings, and I approve that the Government now has extended the mandatory wearing of them. Face coverings have been mandatory in England for months and, given that the Ministers have access to the same expert scientific and medical advice as Ministers in other parts of the UK, I don't understand why a different decision was arrived at. Was this just another example of Welsh Government trying to be different from England for the sake of it? Surely this crisis demands that party politics be put to one side.

The Welsh Government has a duty to improve its communications of local restrictions. Following the lack of clarity and some confusion over the rules recently imposed in Caerphilly and now pending in RCT, local residents and businesses have sought clarity on the new rules. Exactly what constitutes a 'reasonable excuse' to leave and enter the county? It is confusing. Even Caerphilly council had to wait for more detailed guidance from the Welsh Labour-led Government, implying a need for better communication between central and local government. Concerns were raised that some people in Caerphilly were unable to access COVID-19 tests, with the queues at the pop-up centre described by the chairman of the British Medical Association as 'horrific'. In his statement earlier today—. I do commend the health Minister for the positive steps that he is taking, but please can he keep us updated on any progress that he is making in increasing the testing capacity in Wales, because it's so important, with cases still rising across my region and across Wales?

The fact that we're now seeing more localised lockdowns begs the question as to whether there was a failure to properly communicate and enforce the previous iteration of COVID measures and precautions. What lessons has the Welsh Government learnt, and how would you act differently in the future to prevent more localised lockdowns? Some businesses in my area have complained that some businesses are not bothered with track and trace. It is clear that local authorities and police forces need more support and guidance to better enforce current rules to prevent the need for more local restrictions. 

I welcome the steps the Minister is now taking after his statement today, but perhaps the Minister in his reply can explain what actions the Government will be taking to improve messaging, and the speeding up of guidance that follows and consequently public compliance. I very much welcome Andrew R.T. Davies's suggestion earlier today that we break down the information given out into wards. I think that's a really good idea and it will make sure that we get the right information to the right people more quickly.