The uncertainty and unpredictability of the Kent Covid-19 variant mean that ministers are adopting a more cautious approach to relaxing restrictions, but lockdown in Wales eases. Please continue for an easy-to-read guide to the next few weeks.
The updated Coronavirus Control Plan sets out the following phased steps for moving from alert level 4 into alert level 3:
March
From Monday 22nd March:
- First phased opening of non-essential retail. There will be a lifting of restrictions on the sale of items lifted for shops that are currently open.
- Garden centres re-open.
Next week, Ministers will confirm if the conditions allow for the following relaxations to come into force:
From Saturday 27th March:
- Stay local requirement lifted, moving Wales into alert level 3.
- The first phased opening of the tourism sector as self-contained accommodation opens.
- Organised outdoor children’s activities resume.
- Limited opening of outdoor areas of some historic places and gardens.
- Libraries re-open.
April
From Monday 12th April (if conditions allow):
- Full return to schools, colleges and other education.
- All shops to open.
- Close contact services to open.
Thursday 22nd April review cycle
The following areas will be considered as part of the review on Thursday 22nd April 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.
First Minister Mark Drakeford added:
“Just as we are rolling out vaccinations, we are facing a very different virus in Wales today. The highly-infectious Kent variant is now evidently dominant in all parts of Wales. This means the protective behaviour we have learned to adopt is even more important than ever. Getting tested and isolating when we have symptoms. Also, we need to continue keeping our distance from others, not mixing indoors, avoiding crowds, washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings.
“The pandemic is evidently not over. Spring and summer undoubtedly give us hope of more freedom as rates of infection fall and more people are vaccinated. But we need to be careful. You certainly can’t rush the process of relaxing restrictions and risk a resurgence of the virus. We will revisit this plan after all eligible adults have had their vaccinations – currently scheduled for the end of July – and when more evidence and data about its impact will be available”.
Love Wrexham hope you found “Lockdown In Wales Eases” useful. To read more of our Covid-19-related stories, please click here.
Main photo by Álvaro Serrano on Unsplash.
