Up to six people can meet outdoors, while pubs, restaurants and cafes to reopen

Up to six people from different households will able to meet up outdoors from Saturday (April 24), the Welsh Government has announced.

Currently, six people from no more than two separate households can meet up outdoors, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Children under the age of 11 and carers are not included in the number of people allowed to meet.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford said: “The public health context in Wales remains favourable, with cases falling and our vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength.

“Because meeting outdoors continues to be lower risk than meeting indoors, we are able to bring forward changes to allow any six people to meet outdoors.

“This will provide more opportunities for people, especially young people, to meet outdoors with their friends. This will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on people’s wellbeing.”

However, people are still advised to social distance with others from outside their household or support bubble.

No changes have been made to restrictions on meeting indoors.

Outdoor hospitality

It has also been confirmed that pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to open outdoors from Monday (April 26).

Mr Drakeford said: “These changes will help the hospitality sector recover after a difficult twelve months.

“It is thanks to the continuing efforts of people across Wales we are able to introduce this change. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe.”

On Friday (April 23), further measures to relax Wales’ lockdown will be announced by the First Minister.

What other measures could be relaxed?

Earlier this month, the Welsh Government unveiled its roadmap towards downgrading Wales’ lockdown from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3.

The roadmap sets dates for possible reopening of certain industries, which Welsh Government says is to give the industries time to prepare for reopening. However, these dates are not set in stone and can change based on how the coronavirus situation is unfolding.

Monday, April 26

• Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, would be allowed to reopen;
• Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain closed except for takeaways;
• Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place;
• Wedding receptions can take place outdoors for up to 30 people;

Monday, May 3

• Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes;
• Extended households could be allowed again, meaning two households would be able to meet and have contact indoors.