The Welsh Government was consistently clear in how we were to release restrictions following lockdown and our top priority was always to enable children to return to face-to-face learning. The last Senedd approved previous amendments to the regulations that began the cautious, step-by-step move to alert level 3. Amendment regulations numbers 6, 7, 8, and 9, which are before us today, continued this incremental move to alert level 3 that was completed on 3 May. These have meant significant relaxations to the restrictions on people and businesses across Wales. These include removing the 'stay local' requirements, providing for all retailers and gyms to reopen, and making it possible for extended households to be formed between any two households.

The continued improvements in the public health situation mean we can currently move between the alert levels in single steps. The amendment No. 10 regulations moved Wales directly to alert level 2 from 17 May. This included allowing up to six people from different households to meet indoors in pubs, cafes and restaurants. Now, clearly there is a need to continue to closely monitor increasing reports in England of cases of the so-called Indian variant. The public health conditions, including the latest advice in relation to this worrying new variant, will determine whether we can move to alert level 1 after the next review of restrictions, due by 3 June. Now, any move to alert level 1 would primarily increase the size of gatherings permitted. This would include providing for the rule of six, to enable more indoor mixing in each other's homes.

All amending regulations to the coronavirus restrictions have been subject to the made-affirmative procedure for reasons of urgency. The No. 9 amendment regulations were made whilst the Senedd was dissolved for the elections, and they were laid as soon as possible after the formation of the new Senedd. Now, we're very aware that the restrictions in place have often been very challenging for families and businesses, and I'm really grateful to the people of Wales for all their hard work, which means that currently we have the lowest rates of coronavirus in the whole of the United Kingdom. Coupled to this, our vaccination programme continues to make remarkable progress. These conditions have enabled us to ease restrictions in a cautious manner. Now, the Welsh Government will continue to carefully review these regulations, guided by scientific and medical advice, to ensure that we keep Wales safe. Diolch, Llywydd.