First Minister to publish 'roadmap' out of lockdown for Wales

The First Minister is expected to set out a roadmap which details how his government plans to leave lockdown in Wales.

There is unlikely to be any specific dates attached to the plan, so it will still be unclear for now when people can meet family members again, go back to school, or visit the hairdressers.

Instead, it will use a 'traffic light' system to make it clear when the go-ahead will be given to certain cautious changes and what the conditions need to be in order to trigger each phase of leaving lockdown.

The plan for England, which was published by the UK Government earlier this week, does include dates for the different phases - June 1st and July 4th - but it comes with a warning that those dates are 'conditional' and may not be adhered to.

I understand that Welsh ministers believe that it is impossible to commit certain actions to specific dates. Northern Ireland's leaders also refused to include a timetable in their roadmap published on Tuesday.

That approach is reflected too in the roadmap's title, 'Unlocking our society and economy: continuing a conversation' suggesting that the plan won't be proscriptive.

It will include a reference to schools but there will be a separate document published at the same time by the Education Minister.

Again, do not expect any firm dates about a return to school - but parents and teachers will be promised that they will be given plenty of warning and there’ll be "transparency" in any decision-making.

Kirsty Williams has previously ruled out allowing opening schools to more than the children of key workers on or soon after June 1st.

The First Minister will outline his plans later today

When he publishes his plan at the Welsh Government's daily coronavirus briefing, Mark Drakeford is expected to say:

I understand that the decision-making for the next phases will build on the seven questions first made public back in April when the First Minister set out the thinking behind any decisions his government will make.

Ministers and officials will use these questions to work out whether or not to keep, drop or introduce any particular restriction.

  • 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?

Paul Davies has set out an alternative roadmap including 'milestone' targets Credit: PA

Opposition parties have been offering their advice. The Conservatives say the plan should include a timetable for the 'phased, re-opening up of Welsh society' with 'milestones' including testing capacity to measure progress of the timetable.

The party also says there should be taskforces set up 'along key ministerial and departmental lines' as well as a financial package to help businesses and individuals with the transition to post-lockdown life.

Conservative leader in the Senedd, Paul Davies said:

Adam Price is calling for Wales to adopt a model similar to that in New Zealand Credit: PA

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price says the First Minister should follow the example of New Zealand in its next steps.

"The Welsh Government’s exit strategy should mirror the model adopted so successfully by New Zealand. That means all efforts focused on driving down the R number to reduce the number of avoidable deaths to zero", he said.

The leader of the Brexit Party in the Senedd said the First Minister should go further and faster.