Changes in rules and a way out of lockdown in Wales expected to be announced

You can expect some changes to the lockdown rules here in Wales to be announced today with some becoming much stricter and others being eased.

There is also likely to be the first sight of a Welsh plan for moving on from the strictest rules suggesting that Wales could go it alone if need be in lifting or extending the lockdown.

In the Welsh Government's daily press conference, the First Minister will also announce measures to encourage more businesses to consider reopening as 'click and collect' services.

Where the rules will be tightened is when it comes to non-essential travel.

From Saturday, the restriction will change from a requirement not to leave where you live to a requirement not to leave or remain away from that place.

That may seem a technical difference but it amounts to a ban on leaving your local area except for the essential reasons which are by now well known: food shopping, medical appointments or work if it can't be done at home.

People travelling outside their area to tourist attractions has been a concern. Credit: PA

This is meant to tackle two problems which have been the source of public concern recently: people living in Wales travelling long distances to beauty spots for exercise, and people living outside Walestravelling to holiday and second homes.

The First Minister has already hinted that regulations could be eased for families with children who are autistic or who have other learning disabilities.

Campaigners have argued that lockdown restrictions which are difficult for most people are causing extra problems from such families and they will see changes announced today.

Another apparently technical change and could seem like an extra restriction is actually meant to encourage more businesses to reopen. The two-metre rule which is a Wales-only law, will be extended to firms who operate as click and collect.

That law will also be extended to cafes in public places like hospitals, prisons and armed forces bases. Both moves are intended to make it clear to those businesses that, with some changes to the way they operate, they can reopen.

These are important changes that people will notice very soon - they come into force from midnight tonight.

But something else the First Minister will announce today could have a very significant affect on life in Wales n the coming weeks and months.

The first minister is expected to announce the changes. Credit: PA

There has been much pressure on all governments in the UK to explain their plans for ending the lockdown restrictions and returning to some semblance of normality.

While I don't think there'll be a specific date mentioned today, the First Minister will unveil what's being called a 'framework' to help Wales begin to work its way towards life after the pandemic.

He'll set out 7 key questions to work out whether or not to keep, drop or introduce any particular restriction.

I understand those questions will be:

  • Would easing a restriction have a negative effect on containing the virus?

  • Does a particular measure pose a low risk of further infection?

  • How can it be monitored and enforced?

  • Can it be reversed quickly if it causes unintended consequences?

  • Does it have a positive economic benefit?

  • Does it have a positive impact on people's well-being?

  • Does it have a positive impact on equality?

In the short term, the changes to restrictions will undoubtedly be what will make most headlines but it is the set of questions above which will have a longer-term impact.

Those questions are the tests by which each of the strict lockdown regulations we've all become used to is measured. Some of them will stay or may even be strengthened. But others will pass the tests and be lifted.

They are the start of a plan to lift Wales out of lockdown. The First Minister has said he would prefer to take decisions in unison with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but has also made clear he'll go it alone if need be. Scotland's First Minister has said the same.

No similar tests have been announced yet by UK Government ministers which doesn't mean that they're not thinking about them. But it does make the prospect of different lockdowns in different parts of the UK much more likely.