Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd. I move the motion before us. 

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 put in place the legislative framework for the alert levels described in the coronavirus control plan. In the autumn and winter update of this plan, which we published on 8 October, we set out what we expect to keep as a baseline measure in place over the autumn and the winter. Some of the key defences that will keep us safe over winter are in the regulations. They include the fact that businesses must carry out a COVID risk assessment and put in place reasonable measures to minimise risks; wearing face coverings in indoor public places; the requirement to isolate after a positive test; the use of the NHS COVID pass to gain entry to certain events and venues. 

The current regulations expire on 26 November. On 29 October, draft amended regulations were laid that will extend the expiry of the regulations for a further three months to 25 February, which will take us through to the beginning of spring. As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, the regulations will be reviewed every three weeks and measures that are no longer proportionate will be removed.

Separate legislation, the functions of local authorities regulations, confers powers on local authorities in Wales to respond to serious and imminent threats posed by coronavirus in their areas. This is also due to expire on 26 November and the draft amended regulations also extend the expiry date of these regulations until 25 February. The functions of local authorities regulations are designed to do three things if localities are faced with a serious coronavirus outbreak: firstly, they empower local authorities to close or impose restrictions on specific premises or public places; secondly, they allow them to stop events from taking place or impose requirements on them; and thirdly, they permit local authorities, national parks and Natural Resources Wales to close public paths and restrict access to land.

Llywydd, let me be clear: as we move into winter, the measures in the regulations will help us keep Wales safe and take further action if necessary at a local level. I'm very pleased we have the opportunity to debate this motion today, and I look forward to hearing and responding to Members' contributions. I urge Members to support the motion.