Thank you, acting Deputy Presiding Officer. I move the motion before us on the two sets of amendment regulations before us today, the first of which is the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Restrictions) (Amendment) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2021. These amend both the international travel restrictions and the more general coronavirus restrictions No. 5 regulations. Members will be aware that a new variant of COVID-19 was recently detected in Brazil. This follows the earlier discovery of a new variant of a strain of the virus in South Africa. These strains are different to the UK Kent variant, but may share similar properties in terms of a higher transmissibility. To help prevent these new strains entering the UK, these amendment regulations suspend all travel corridors.

Those wishing to travel to Wales will now need to provide a negative test before travelling, and quarantine for 10 days. This is line with similar action being taken in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Brazil has strong travel connections with a number of countries from across south America, including Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia, Chile, Suriname and French Guiana. The regulations also remove the sectoral exemptions for travellers arriving from those countries. All travellers arriving into Wales who have been in these countries in the previous 10 days will be required to isolate for 10 days, and will only be able to leave isolation in very limited circumstances. These tighter isolation requirements will also apply to all members of their households. Direct flights from these countries will no longer be able to land in Wales.

The second regulations are the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. These ensure that retailers are required now to take steps to make their premises as safe as possible for both shoppers and their employees alike. This includes having measures in place for controlling entry and limiting the number of customers who are on the premises, ensuring hand sanitisation products or hand-washing facilities are in place for customers, and reminding customers of the need to maintain a 2m distance and to wear a face covering. Whilst these measures already appear in guidance, including them on the face of the regulations will both reinforce their importance and make them more easily enforceable. Many, of course, are already operating to these high standards, but we need to raise the bar for those who could and should improve.

I know Members across the Chamber will have had anecdotal examples from their own constituents raising concerns about these very issues. All businesses and premises are now also required to carry out a specific COVID risk assessment and for that to involve consultation with staff and representatives, and to be made available to staff. This will complement existing occupational health and safety laws. These amendment regulations also require the proprietors of all schools and further education institutions not to permit learners to attend the premises from 20 January. However, the regulations permit that in certain circumstances pupils can remain attending schools and further education institutions. Placing this requirement on a statutory footing will ensure consistency and clarity across Wales. I ask Members to support these regulations, which the Government believes are an essential part of how we can help to keep Wales safe.