Latest update from Welsh Government about the covid-19 restrictions
From Monday, June 1st , two households in the same local area are able to meet outdoors. In doing this, however, people must follow social distancing and strict hand hygiene practices to control the spread of the virus.
'Local' means not generally travelling more than 5 miles from home to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading from one area to another.
The changes mean people can meet another household outdoors in their local area but all the other rules to protect people from coronavirus will stay in place for the time being.
Meeting outdoors is key as the science tells us the virus survives only for minutes outside but for hours on indoor surfaces.
The changes follow the third statutory review of the regulations by Welsh Ministers. The review is based on the latest scientific evidence from SAGE and the advice of the Chief Medical Officer for Wales.
Wales has passed the first peak of infection and rates are falling but the R rate remains at 0.8. Both SAGE and the World Health Organisation has advised changes should only be made one step at a time.
The First Minister has signalled that non-essential retail businesses, which can comply with the physical distancing duty, should start to prepare to reopen over the next 3 weeks. A decision about whether non-essential retail will reopen will be taken at the next review on 18 June and will depend on the scientific and medical evidence.
The need to stay local and not mix with others other than in certain circumstances will be subject to exceptions similar to those that currently apply. Guidance will be provided about what staying local means in different circumstances.
- Re-opening non-essential retail
- Increasing capacity for childcare and public transport to support a wider return to work
- Facilitating moving house to boost the housing market
- Re-opening outdoors sites, including outdoor markets, sports courts, outdoor showrooms, and outdoor museums
- Re-opening facilities for non-professional elite athletes to train safely.