First Minister of Wales confirms two households can meet outdoors from Monday

The First Minister of Wales says two households in the same local area can meet outdoors from Monday.

Mark Drakeford said the meet ups must take place outdoors and strict social distancing and hand hygiene should be maintained at all times.

Local, in this instance, will mean "not generally travelling more than five miles from home" in order to reduce the risk of the virus spreading from one area to another.

  • Watch as the First Minister announces the changes at the Welsh Government's daily briefing

The Welsh Government says meeting outdoors is key as the science suggests the virus survives for minutes outside but for hours on indoor surfaces.

Wales has now passed the first peak of the virus and infection rates are currently falling, but Mark Drakeford said the R number - which refers to the average number of people that one infected person can expect to spread the virus on to - remains unchanged at 0.8.

"That continues to put a limit on our ability to make too many changes", Mr Drakeford said.

"But the number of new cases has been steadily declining since the beginning of April, even though we are doing twice as many tests."

Both SAGE, the scientific advisory group, and the World Health Organisation has advised that any changes should be made one step at a time.

In another change to the current lockdown rules, the Welsh Government says weddings and civil partnerships will also be able to take place if the bride or groom is terminally ill.

The changes to the regulations will come into force on Monday.

However beauty and tourist spots will remain closed for the time being.

The Welsh Government said the next lockdown review on 18 June will consider options for:

  • Re-opening non-essential retail

  • Increasing capacity for childcare and public transport to support a wider return to work

  • Facilitating moving house to boost the housing market

  • Re-opening outdoors sites, including outdoor markets, sports courts, outdoor showrooms, and outdoor museums

  • Re-opening facilities for non-professional elite athletes to train safely

The First Minister said: “I am signalling to businesses across Wales that they may begin preparations to be ready to resume activity in these areas should the evidence support reopening.

“This will allow us to restart activity as soon as possible if the conditions allow. We will continue to work closely with the public sector, trade unions, businesses, the third sector and others to achieve this.”