What will reopen in Wales after the 'fire-break' lockdown ends?

Shops, gyms and pubs are all currently closed to customers. Credit: PA Images

The 'fire-break' lockdown in Wales has forced the closure of businesses including non-essential shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants, hotels, gyms and beauty salons.

The Welsh Government says the 17-day lockdown is designed to be "short but sharp" to have a maximum impact on tackling coronavirus rates.

It came into force at 6pm on Friday 23 October and will end on Monday 9 November.

First minister Mark Drakeford has outlined a new set of national rules to come into force on that date, once the fire-break ends.

These will apply to the whole of Wales and will replace both the current fire-break rules and the previous local lockdown rules.

Some of the new measures are still being finalised, following the announcement over the weekend about the month-long lockdown in England.

Here's what we can expect to happen in Wales after 9 November:

Most shops across Wales are closed and the streets deserted. Credit: PA Images
  • Shops and services

The Welsh Government has confirmed that all businesses can reopen when the fire-break ends on 9 November.

Currently, all non-essential shops and services are closed and supermarkets are not allowed to sell certain items, such as clothing and bedding.

After much controversy, including one example where a customer was refused period products, the Welsh Government announced a list of items that supermarkets can sell during the fire-break.

  • Bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes

Venues serving food and drinks are currently only allowed to open if they can safely operate a takeaway service.

From Monday, groups of four people from up to four different households will be allowed to meet in a café, restaurant, bar or pub, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

Ministers had already said that hospitality venues will be able to reopen when the fire-break ends on 9 November, but the terms have not been outlined until now.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "The regulations will allow groups of up to four individuals to meet in a regulated setting, such as a restaurant, café or pub. 

"But this is subject to strict protections discussed with the hospitality sector, including advance booking, time-limited slots and verified identification."

Children under the age of 11 do not count towards the four-person limit.

The limit does also not apply to people who share the same household or 'bubble' - in that instance, more than four could sit together - but they will have to prove they share an address.

The four-person allowance is dependent on how big the pub or restaurant is, and whether it can accommodate a party of four whilst adhering to coronavirus safety regulations. The Welsh Government is encouraging people to keep groups as small as possible.

  • Gyms

Gyms are among the facilities currently closed to the public.

The Welsh Government says people 'will be able to exercise and train in gyms' after the fire-break ends.

Gyms will be able to reopen after 9 November. Credit: PA Images
  • Churches and places of worship

Churches and places of worship will be able to reopen and resume services after 9 November, it has been confirmed.

Congregations of people are not allowed during the fire-break. The Welsh Government has said it recognises how hard this is for individuals who wish to worship together in person, but the current restrictions must be adhered to for everyone's safety.

Small wedding ceremonies and funerals have been permitted throughout the 17-day period.

  • Workplaces

The requirement to work from home wherever possible will remain, with people asked to minimise contact with others and avoid travel.

  • Tourism and travel

There will be no legal restrictions on travel within Wales for residents, but people cannot enter or leave Wales without a reasonable excuse, such as work.

International travel - including entering or leaving Wales for a holiday - is also banned, except for essential reasons.

  • Local authorities

Local authority services will resume and community centres will be available for small groups to meet safely indoors.

  • Organised activities

Up to 15 people can take part in an 'organised indoor activity' and up to 30 in an 'organised activity outdoors', providing all social distancing, hand hygiene and other Covid-19 safety measures are followed.

The first minister defined an 'organised activity' as a body or an individual who can be held to account for complying with the law. Examples would include a sports club or community centre activity.

Mark Drakeford said he had agreed to this because there is a need for more indoor activities in the colder winter months.

  • Extended households

Two households will be able to meet to form a 'bubble' from 9 November.

People should only meet with their chosen 'bubble' at home and it must not exceed two households. If one person from either household develops symptoms, everyone should immediately self-isolate.

  • Social distancing and face coverings

The need to maintain two-metre social distancing and wear face masks in enclosed public places, including on public transport and taxis, will continue.

People are also asked to continue to practise good hand hygiene.


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