Welsh Government confirm latest lockdown restrictions will be eased from Monday
The latest easing of lockdown restrictions, allowing two households to meet indoors and the reopening of gyms, has been confirmed by the Welsh Government.
Last week, First Minister Mark Drakeford proposed the easing of restrictions if coronavirus rates continued to improve.
Case rates in Wales are currently at 12 per 100,000, with 36 new cases and no deaths reported in the latest figures released by Public Health Wales.
The changes being confirmed will happen from Monday May 3, with Wales moving fully into Alert Level 3.
The easing of restrictions include:
Gyms, fitness facilities, leisure centres, spas and swimming pools can reopen.
Extended households will be possible, allowing two households to come together to form an exclusive bubble who can meet and have contact indoors.
Organised children’s indoor activities can recommence, such as sporting, cultural and wider recreational groups and clubs. Children’s birthday parties, or wider gatherings of families and friends in private homes are still not allowed.
Organised indoor activities for adults can also recommence for up to 15 people, including, exercise classes and swimming lessons.
Community Centres can reopen.
Confirming the easing of restrictions, Mark Drakeford said: “The public health situation continues to improve and our vaccination programme remains a success. Thanks to the efforts of people across Wales, we are in a position to further ease the restrictions, in the way we have previously signalled, to allow more elements of normal life to return.
“However, the virus has not gone away. We all still need to take those vitally important steps, that we are now all so familiar with, to protect ourselves and each other from this dreadful virus – by self-isolating if we have symptoms, by taking up the offer of a Covid vaccine, washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces, following social distancing rules, limiting the number of people we meet socially outdoors, and only meeting with those we live with indoors.
“By working together, by following these rules, the quicker we will return to normality. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe.”
Reacting to the news, Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price said: “It is thanks to the collective effort of the people of Wales exemplified by the heroic vaccination rollout by our NHS staff that these relaxations are happening today.
“It remains the case that when further restrictions are eased that businesses must be supported with restart grants after an incredibly difficult start to the year. A Plaid Cymru government will provide Restart Grants of up to £20,000 to businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.''
Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said: "People up and down Wales will be relieved that Labour is at last following the data but as the Welsh Conservatives have advocated, this could have come sooner and not as a last-minute and cynical sop just days before the election."On Thursday, people across Wales have an opportunity to end these political games and can turn the page on 22 years of Labour holding back our country and our economy."
On Monday, restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars reopened across Wales outdoors as part of the last easing of restrictions.
It was the first time hospitality businesses could serve customers with more than just takeaway service since before last Christmas.
The next review of the coronavirus restrictions is due by 13 May, after the Senedd elections.
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