Coronavirus: People from two different households can meet outside from Monday

People from two different local households will be able to meet up outside from Monday, the Welsh Government has said.

Wales’ First Minister is expected to officially announce the changes to Wales’ lockdown at a press conference later today.

In a statement released to the media late last night, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We know people have missed seeing their families and friends over the last three months while the stay-at-home regulations have been in place.

“From Monday, people from two different households in the same local area will be able to meet up outdoors. They must continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene.

“We are also asking people to stay local – by local we mean, as a general rule, not travelling more than five miles from home to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading as people begin to travel more.

“There will be exceptions – for example, travelling to work, to seek care and shopping for essentials if they aren’t available locally.

“Staying local will help keep Wales safe.”

The Welsh Government has clarified households can meet up with more than one other – but it has to be one at a time. So for example, members of three households are not allowed to meet.

Five-mile rule “arbitrary”

The Welsh Conservatives have said the five-mile rule is “arbitrary” and needed to be scrapped.

Senedd Member Andrew RT Davies, who speaks on rural affairs for the party, said: “The First Minister is in danger of giving with one hand and taking away with another by imposing this arbitrary five mile travel rule. It must go.

“Not everyone in Wales lives in a town or city close to family and friends and this will unfairly impact on those in our rural communities.”

Plaid Cymru welcomed the cautious approach but said a clearer plan was needed to get Wales out of lockdown.

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Plaid Cymru health spokesman, said: “Key to lifting of restrictions, of course, will be the robustness of the Welsh test and trace scheme, due to start next week.

“We’ll be watching closely to gauge its effectiveness. Welsh Government must get that right, or the relaxing of restrictions puts people at renewed risk, and they need to be ready to backtrack if there are negative consequences.”