Five-mile rule scrapped in Wales as travel outside local area now allowed

People can now travel further than five miles and do not need to stay local to their homes. Credit: PA Images

The five-mile, 'Stay Local' rule has been scrapped in Wales as of today and people are now allowed to travel any distance, including across the border into England.

This means outdoors tourism businesses in Wales can also welcome back visitors from Monday.

The five-mile rule has previously caused controversy, mostly for those living in rural areas who said it was unfair on them.

In England, people have been allowed to travel any distance to places like beaches and parks since early May.

During Monday's press conference, Mr Drakeford said the Welsh Government will carry out a further review of regulations this week. He told a press conference, if "conditions are right", then self-contained accommodation will reopen on Saturday, and pubs and bars will open outdoors on 13 July.

He said he "remains hopeful" it will be possible to lift more regulations by this Friday, "as we continue to plot our way carefully together towards a safe future in this ongoing pandemic."

Mark Drakeford MS said the Welsh Government were able to lift the five-mile travel restriction because of "the efforts we have all taken together to reduce the spread of the virus."

He added that this does not "mean coronavirus has gone away", everyone must still maintain social distancing and think "carefully about where we go and why."

People in Wales are now able to travel any distance and outdoors visitor attractions are also preparing to reopen from 11 July. Credit: Welsh Government

As people can now travel in and into Wales, Welsh Government have also urged people to keep safe when visiting outdoors spaces and beauty spots.

From Monday 6 July, two households are also able to unite and form one extended household.

Barry Island is ready for visitors with social distancing measures in place.

Lis Burnett from Vale of Glamorgan Council said: "There's plenty of space at Barry Island and we'd love to see people back.

"It's been lovely for the locals to have the beach for themselves but it's time to share it with more people now.

We've taken a lot of time getting prepared for people. there are lines on the floor, signs helping people to socially distance, extra hand sanitiser and all our traders have been brilliant in sorting out queuing systems."