As the First Minister announced on 18 June, and reiterated in his press conference last Friday, we have agreed to pause any major relaxations until the 15 July review. This is a result of the increase in coronavirus cases across the whole of Wales, and continued uncertainty about the delta variant. Similar approaches have been adopted across the United Kingdom. This delay is important for two reasons. First, it will allow us to vaccinate more people. We will focus on second doses, which we know provide a high degree of protection against the delta variant. Secondly, it will give us more time to understand the impact of vaccination on the link between cases, hospital admissions and deaths.

While we have decided to delay the full move to alert level 1 until at least 15 July, we have made some minor adjustments to the regulations to make them easier to apply and to understand. The No. 13 amendment to the regulations before us today permits the number of people allowed to gather at a wedding or civil partnership reception or a wake to be decided according to the size of the venue. The maximum number of people attending will be determined by a risk assessment. We recognise that these are really significant moments in people's lives, and we've tried to prioritise them during the pandemic where we can. We have also clarified in the regulations that small grass-roots entertainment—such as music and comedy—venues can operate in alert level 2 or lower. This will bring them into line with the wider hospitality sector.

To do this, we have included an exception to the events restrictions, which could otherwise prevent them from opening with more than 30 people present. We have clarified our rules on the measures that must be put in place by a person responsible for a regulated premises, like a restaurant or a pub. In particular, we have clarified that a person responsible for a premises does not need to ensure 2m distancing within a group of six people. This will apply in premises outdoors or indoors and in places such as on a train or at events. We still advise people to practise social distancing where possible and refrain from hand shaking and hugging. Regulated premises will also be responsible for undertaking a risk assessment and putting into place any measures identified to minimise the chances of exposure to coronavirus at these premises. The same regulation on the measures businesses are expected to take has been redrafted to reflect the latest evidence on managing risks. This includes considering ventilation as an important mitigation. We’ve published refreshed statutory guidance to provide further explanation of these changes.

And finally, primary school children will be allowed to stay overnight in residential outdoor education centres—a crucial part of their education experience. This is going to be a phased approach but, from 21 June, children in their school contact groups or class bubbles will be allowed to stay overnight at these centres. It is important we remove restrictions as soon as they aren't proportionate, given the significant social and economic impact they have on people and businesses in Wales, and for that reason I urge Members to support these amendments. Diolch, Llywydd.