Earlier this summer, I was appointed to the role of Minister for Health and Social Services at a time of challenge for our NHS in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, writes Eluned Morgan MS.

Powys has been hugely successful in delivering our vaccination programme and as we extend the programme to 12 to 15 year olds, I would like to encourage anyone who has not yet stepped forward for the jab to do so now.

The vaccine has successfully broken the link between infection and hospitalisation, but we must continue to be vigilant. Over recent weeks, infection rates across Powys have continued to rise.

As we approach the autumn, we can already see the impact of Covid19 on our public services. Staff shortages due to sickness are severe in some of our front-line services such as social services and social care. Pressure on the NHS is also increasing.

So please continue to do all you can to #KeepPowysSafe. Please continue to practice good hand hygiene, sneeze into your elbow, keep your distance and wear a mask as part of your daily routine. If you feel unwell, seek advice, and get a test if you have Covid symptoms.

For information call 119 or visit www.gov.wales/coronavirus

During the last Senedd term, I campaigned for the introduction of Lucy’s Law – to ban the third-party sale of puppies and kittens in Wales.

Last week, Welsh Labour delivered on our election promise to ensure that animals can now only be sold where they were bred, where they can be seen with their mother or from a rescue or rehoming centre.

I’d like to thank all of those who campaigned alongside me to deliver this important piece of legislation which I know means so much to so many.

Earlier this week, campaigners in support of the River Wye made their voices heard at an event outside the Senedd.

Over the summer, there has been an active campaign to address the issue of pollution in our rivers and waterways and I received hundreds of emails from concerned Powys residents .

I am pleased to have been able to offer an update on the progress the Welsh Labour government is making on introducing new environmental protections and standards to improve water quality.