8. What consideration does the Welsh Government give to improving mental health in Wales when deciding to ease lockdown restrictions? OQ56482

Well, I thank the Member for that very important final question. Llywydd, the past 12 months have been different and challenging for many people in Wales, with consequent impacts on mental health and well-being. As we move out of lockdown, securing positive impacts on mental health is directly considered by the Cabinet at each three-week review, while always keeping Wales safe.

Thank you. First Minister, the benefits of sport and physical activity to mental health are something that I've talked about a lot in the Chamber since I joined not that long ago. The link between the two are well known, and, I believe, will play a pivotal role in the recovery stage of this pandemic. On 1 February, the mental health Minister said fitness facilities and swimming pools were crucial for the nation's health. So, you can understand the surprise and anger of our physical activity operators across Wales at your decision to push back the reopening of gyms just weeks after the Minister promised that health clubs and leisure centres would be amongst the first businesses to reopen. You've said that you will now revise the decision on 22 April, which is welcome, but more certainty is needed, First Minister, for these companies, these businesses, to prepare for reopening, ironically, so they are COVID-safe, as well as obviously preparing grounds, facilities and that sort of thing. Don't you agree, First Minister, that the benefits of them opening cannot be overlooked?

I certainly don't intend to overlook the benefits of them reopening, Llywydd. I know the Member will have welcomed the decision to allow the resumption of children's outdoor activities during the Easter holidays, and, of course, outdoor gyms are already open here in Wales. The Member will be aware of the technical advisory cell report that rehearsed the risks that enclosed indoor spaces where people exercise continue to pose during a global pandemic. We hope that the conditions in Wales will be sufficiently improved after 12 April that the reopening of gyms and leisure centres can be considered, and I've already said that it will be one of four things that will be on the list of things that we will consider for that next three-week phase. That is a recognition of both the physical and the mental well-being benefits that come from people being able to use those venues, but it has to be balanced against the risks that are posed. Those risks are real, and they're set out in the TAC report. I'm afraid that if you're making responsible decisions in Government, you cannot afford just to shrug off advice that you don't find appealing or palatable. We will reopen the sector. We'll do it carefully. We'll do it in line with advice. We'll do it as soon as the public health position in Wales makes it safe to do so, but not before. 

Thank you, First Minister.