Welsh Government called to review two-metre rule as England relaxes social distancing restrictions
The Welsh Government face calls to review the two-metre social distancing rule as Boris Johnson announces England will relax the rules to ''one metre plus.''
The prime minister said on Tuesday that the easing of the rule would allow the hospitality sector, including pubs and cafes, to reopen in early July.
The Welsh Conservatives are calling for the first minister to follow England to allow more businesses to reopen.
Shadow Minister for Covid Recovery Darren Millar MS said: ''These are safe and sensible measures which will come as a huge relief to those parts of society and economy which would otherwise be unable to function and it is great to see them attracting cross-party support.
''We encourage the Welsh Government to urgently review the restrictions here as soon as possible in order that a similar lifeline can be thrown to people and businesses across Wales.
The call from the Welsh Conservatives is echoed by Danny Field-Thomas, who runs the Crwys pub in Cardiff.
''It makes a massive difference,'' Danny said.
''Not just in how many people can fit in an area but you need staff to be able to move around.
''Working in the kitchen or for staff behind the bar, it makes a big difference to what we can and can't do.
''We just want the information so we can plan and open safely.''
Speaking at the Welsh Government's daily coronavirus briefing, the health minister said he understood the anxieties of businesses who want to reopen.
Vaughan Gething said the Welsh Government have not seen the evidence which has led to England relaxing its social distancing rules.
''We will need to look at that evidence and decide what is the right thing to do here in Wales,'' he said.
''This government takes a deliberately cautious approach. We want to see more economic activity restart and we will do so when it is safe and in a way that allows us to understand the impact of the changes we're making.''
Elsewhere, there continues to be support for some other Welsh policies that diverge with England.
From July 6 in England people who are shielding can meet outdoors in groups of up to six.
Rachel Meredith is approaching her 100th day of shielding. She lives with her grandmother Anna who has been staying at home too.
''It seems to be a bit too quick as if it's all gone away when we know it hasn't,'' Rachel said.
''People are still dying and there are still new cases. That kind of worries me, I personally wouldn't be doing that.
"I'm happy to be what they say is lagging behind, if it means we're not going to get as many cases, as many deaths - isn't that what the goal is? Rather be safe than sorry"