Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:40 pm on 19 May 2021.
Thank you very much, Llywydd. In the last but one meeting of the fifth Senedd, which was the last time Members came together to discuss these coronavirus regulations, we had just marked a year since the beginning of the pandemic. That was a day of deep reflection, remembering not only those who had lost their lives to this terrible virus, but the bravery and strength shown by so many people the length and breadth of Wales.
As the situation regarding public health improved, we took the first steps out of the travel restrictions, moving from 'stay home' to 'stay local'. Hairdressers and barber shops had been open for a little over a week, and we were at the first stage of reopening businesses selling non-essential goods. Outdoor sporting facilities were also open for the first time.