Wales to move into Alert Level 2 from Monday

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Wales’ coronavirus lockdown is set to be eased again from Monday – with the country moving from Alert Level 3 into Alert Level 2.

The move was agreed by the Welsh Government on Thursday – the first time it has met since last week’s Senedd Elections.

The easing of restrictions comes just two weeks after Wales moved into Alert Level 3, having been at Alert Level 4 – the most severe set of restrictions – since December.

Making the announcement, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Thanks to everyone’s hard work and ongoing efforts, we can take another step towards relaxing the coronavirus restrictions and move to Alert Level 2 on Monday.

“Indoor hospitality will be able to reopen – a move that will be welcomed by many of us as we look forward to enjoying a drink, a meal and the company of friends and family in a café or pub.

“By sticking with the rules and our successful vaccine programme, we are making really good progress in controlling the virus and keeping rates low.

“But the pandemic isn’t over – the new, so-called Indian variant of concern is another unwanted twist in this pandemic, which we are monitoring closely.”

Meanwhile, a £200m package to support business affected by the pandemic has been announced by the Welsh Government.

What is changing?

From Monday, May 17:

• Pubs, cafes and restaurants can reopen indoors, with up to six people from six different households able to book
• Holiday accommodation can fully reopen
• Entertainment venues such as cinemas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, indoor play centres, casinos, amusement arcades and theatres can reopen.
• Indoor visitor attractions, such as museums and galleries, can reopen
• Up to 30 people can take part in organised activities indoors, with up to 50 outdoors, including wedding receptions and wakes
• International travel will resume, but the Welsh Government is still advising against international travel unless its for essential purposes

The next three-week review will be held by the Welsh Government on June 3.

At this review, ministers will discuss allowing people to meet up at home, increasing the number of people who can meet outdoors and indoors, and allowing larger-scale events to take place both indoors and outdoors.