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Plans to further ease the coronavirus lockdown in Wales have been announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford.
The measures would see Wales’ lockdown reduced from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3.
If the coronavirus situation in Wales continues to improve, Wales’ lockdown will be fully reduced to Alert Level 3 by May 17.
As part of plans set out by Mr Drakeford, pubs, cafes and restaurants could reopen outdoors from April 26, while gyms and leisure centres could reopen from May 10.
Mr Drakeford said: “Thanks to a real team effort across Wales, coronavirus cases remain stable, and the vaccination programme continues apace. As a result, the Welsh Government has the headroom to continue its careful, step-by-step approach to relaxing restrictions.
“The review we have concluded this week, means we can continue with our programme of further reopening of the economy and loosening the restrictions in place.”
He added: “The sacrifices we have all made are having a positive effect in the battle against coronavirus. This last year has been incredibly difficult for all of us and again I want to thank everyone for their efforts.
“These efforts have allowed us to gradually ease the restrictions, to gradually introduce more elements of normal life.
“With the weather improving, with more opportunities to see family and friends, there are reasons for optimism. However, we can’t let our guard down yet. We all still need to be vigilant, we still need to do our part to keep this deadly disease at bay.”
The next Welsh Government review will take place on April 22.
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Lockdown easing
Thursday, April 1
- Shielding advice ends
Monday, April 12
- Schools and colleges return to in-classroom teaching
- Universities can reopen for blended face-to-face and online learning
- All non-essential shops and close contact services allowed to reopen
- Travel into and out of Wales from anywhere within the Common Travel Area (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) allowed
- Viewings at wedding venues could resume
- Outdoor canvassing for elections could be allowed
Thursday, April 22
- Welsh Government review
Monday, April 26
- Pubs, cafes, restaurants could be allowed to reopen outdoors
- Outdoor attractions such as funfairs and theme parks could reopen
Monday, May 3
- Organised outdoor activities involving up to 30 people could be allowed
- Wedding receptions could take place outdoors, but limited to 30 people
Monday, May 10
- Leisure centres and gyms could reopen, but only for individual or one-to-one training – exercise classes will not be able to resume
- Two households could be allowed to form an extended household
Thursday, May 13
- Welsh Government review
Monday, May 17
- Children’s indoor activities could resume
- Organised indoor activities for adults involving up to 15 people could be allowed, excluding exercise classes
- Indoor hospitality and visitor accommodation could reopen ahead of the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May
The Welsh Government has said these are ‘indicative dates’ to give sectors time to plan and prepare, with full confirmation made nearer to the time, based on the impact of relaxing restrictions and the coronavirus situation at the time.