The lockdown restrictions Welsh Government will review this week

The latest three-weekly review of lockdown restrictions in Wales will take place on Thursday.

Minister and experts will take stock of the latest evidence before confirming the next set of changes to further ease the country out of the current lockdown measures.

Evidence will come from the UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), the Welsh Government’s Technical Advisory Cell (TAC) and the advice from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales.

As part of the previous review, the first steps to re-open non-essential retail began, with restrictions on the sale of non-essential items lifted for those shops which have remained open during lockdown.

Organised activities for children can now take place.

The ‘stay-local’ rules were lifted on Saturday and unrestricted travel is now allowed within Wales’ borders.

Self-contained holiday accommodation, including hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, is now open for people from the same household or support bubble – but only for those living in Wales.

Last Saturday we lifted the ‘stay local’ rule and reopened self-contained holiday accommodation for those who live here.

6 people from 2 households can now also meet outdoors.

In this week’s review, the following restrictions will be considered 👇 pic.twitter.com/7l6aYYt7Tb

— Welsh Government #KeepWalesSafe (@WelshGovernment) March 29, 2021

This coming Thursday, Welsh Government Minister will consider whether all remaining shops and close contact services can reopen on the 12th April.

This is in line with planned re-opening of retail in England.

The Welsh Government will also confirm a full return to schools and colleges for all pupils and students from April 12.

Other changes will see close contact services such as beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists and dress fitters, given the green light to reopen.

And travel in and out of Wales will also be permitted from April 12.

The following areas will be considered as part of the 22 April review, if the public health situation continues to remain positive and vaccination rates continue to increase:

-Gyms, leisure and fitness facilities;
-Outdoor attractions;
-Outdoor hospitality;
-Weddings;
-Community centres;
-Organised activities (30 outdoors, 15 indoors);
-Extended households.

In terms of hospitality, First Minister Mark Drakeford said he is “hoping that by the end of April, people will be able to enjoy outdoor hospitality.”

He told the Andrew Marr show, “Meeting indoors, we know is always more dangerous, that’s likely to have to wait until May.”

He said: “I’ll be setting out on Thursday of this week the prospectus through the whole of April, and into May, it will give the (hospitality) sector the certainty that it is looking for.”

“But this is an inherently uncertain time, we study the figures in Wales every single day.”

At the moment, things are heading in the right direction, but we know how quickly this virus can change.” He said.