Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres to reopen in Wales on 10 August

Video report by ITV News journalist Kate Lewis

Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres will be able to reopen in Wales on 10 August so long as the virus remains under control, the First Minister has confirmed.

The Welsh Government has been under a lot of pressure to reopen fitness facilities with Mark Drakeford previously saying they were "very keen" to allow gyms to fully open again.

Speaking on BBC 5Live, Mr Drakeford said: "A week from Monday we will reopen swimming pools, gyms and leisure centres."

He added, "It is a very careful balancing act. The virus in Wales continues to fall."

Gyms have been closed since the start of lockdown in Wales - although outdoor facilities were able to open on the 20th July.

Owen Hathway from Sport Wales called the announcement "great news."

Writing on Twitter he said: "It's been a difficult but sensible approach to get to this point. Huge amount of credit to the sector and Welsh Government for how it has been focused on doing things in the right way, for the long-term approach."

Rhys Jones, Manager at Better Cardiff - who run leisure centres in the city, said: "This announcement will be welcomed by people in Wales who have been waiting patiently to return to their community leisure centres to play sport, enjoy a swim, do an exercise class or visit the gym. 

"At last, we can work again on maintaining the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the nation."

Pubs and restaurants have already been given the green light to open indoors from Monday 3 August. Groups of up to 30 people will also be able to meet outdoors in Wales after the weekend following the easing of lockdown.