The key lockdown changes and dates you need to know in Wales

The First Minister announced a new set of regulations in Wales on Friday, including plans to reopen non-essential retail stores.

Mark Drakeford MS also said that whilst the message is still for everyone to 'stay local' within a five mile radius for the next two weeks, people can travel outside of their local areas to see loved ones 'on compassionate grounds'.

So what changes have been announced in Wales?

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  • Non-essential retail stores will be able to reopen along with the housing market:

The First Minister announced that non-essential retail stores in Wales will be able to reopen from Monday 22 June, providing that social distancing measures can be maintained within the stores.

He also announced that the housing market would be able to begin to reopen, with viewings being able to take place in vacant properties. House sales which were postponed due to the pandemic will also be able to go ahead.

Outdoor markets and sports courts will be able to reopen - but not for contact or team sport just yet.

Restrictions will be lifted on places of worship, where they will be able to reopen for private prayer.

The Church in Wales said precise opening hours for private prayer will vary depending on each church’s capacity to open safely. It also said a 'significant factor will be the availability of volunteers to monitor social distancing and ensure churches are kept clean'.

The First Minister also said that childcare facilities will reopen 'on a phased basis' to help support people returning back to work.

Children in Wales will return to school on June 29 to 'check in, catch up and prepare for the summer and September'.

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  • 'Stay local' for the next two weeks - but people can travel outside their local area on 'compassionate grounds':

Mark Drakeford MS said that "coronavirus is not over" and that people are still required to stay local within five miles from their home over the next two weeks.

People must still continue to work from home wherever possible, avoid unnecessary travel, maintain social distancing, wash their hands often and only meet one other household at a time outdoors.

However, the First Minister mentioned that people may be able to travel further than their local area to visit loved ones on 'compassionate grounds'.

He said the "five miles is advice and not a rule" and that if the effects of coronavirus are having an impact on someone's wellbeing that there are compassionate grounds for people to be able to travel to see them.

If you are visiting someone from another household, this must be done outdoors and you must maintain social distancing.

The First Minister also reiterated that whilst people will have to interpret what that means in their own circumstances', fines will still be issued during the next two-week period whilst everyone is encouraged to stay local.

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  • Tourist attractions, national parks and local authorities can reopen:

If the number of coronavirus cases in Wales continues to fall, the Welsh Government says it will look to lift the stay local requirement on July 6.

This would mean that people would be able to travel to tourist attractions across the country.

The First Minister said tourist attractions, national parks and local authorities will need to use the next fortnight to 'plan to welcome visitors again from July 6 in a safe manner.'

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  • Hair salons and owners of self-contained accommodation need to prepare to reopen:

Hair salons will need to use the next three weeks to prepare to reopen with the First Minister stating salons could be allowed to open again from July 13.

Hair salons will need to be open by appointment only and will need to have safety precautions in place.

It was also announced today that owners of self-contained accommodation could open from July 13.

Any accommodation that is entirely self-contained with its own kitchens and bathrooms, which no other guests use, fall into this category.

This also includes hotels and B&Bs with ensuite rooms, which provide room service meals and caravan parks where accommodation is entirely self-contained.

Businesses can take bookings for the week beginning 13 July, but this will 'be at their own risk'.

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  • Households may be able to 'bubble up' soon:

The Welsh Government says that whilst it doesn't have 'all the advice' when it comes to households being able to 'bubble up', it is something that it will be looking into within the next week.

Households 'bubbling up' would mean two households would be able to form a social support bubble, similar to measures seen in England recently.