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The end of the 17-day firebreak lockdown in Wales will see non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes reopen, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said.

The First Minister also confirmed gyms and leisure centres would reopen from November 9 – the day the Wales-wide lockdown is set to end.

Speaking to WalesOnline, Mr Drakeford said these establishments would reopen “essentially on the same terms as they traded before the lockdown”.

However, he said restrictions around travel and household gatherings are “the trickiest to resolve”, but added: “There is a lot of discussion to be had, but I’m keen that we resolve it by the end of this week or the beginning of next week to give people as much notice as we can”.

Lockdown restrictions have been in place across Wales since Friday, October 23.

As part of the firebreak lockdown, supermarkets have been banned from selling non-essential items.

The rule was met with confusion over what is and what isn’t classed as essential.

Welsh Government has since released a list of essential items to clarify the current restrictions, following discussions with supermarkets and trade unions.

A Welsh Government statement read: “We are hopeful this provides a workable solution for retailers and customers.

“However, we cannot move away from the central principle that retailers must restrict the sale of non-essential goods for the duration of the firebreak.

“We continue to work closely with the sector and would stress that these restrictions are in place to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives.”

The statement also said: “A sensible system should be introduced whereby customers can ask to buy non-essential items by exception under the regulations.”

What items can be sold during the firebreak lockdown?

• Food and drink
• Products used for the preparation and storage of food, such as kitchen foil, food bags and cling film, as well as products necessary to prepare and eat food
• Cleaning and household products such as washing-up liquid, batteries, light bulbs and fuel
• Toiletries and cosmetic products, including toilet roll and sanitary products
• Pharmaceuticals
• Newspapers and magazines
• Stationery and greeting cards
• Pet food and other pet supplies
• Products for the maintenance of bikes and cars

Responding to the guidance, Plaid Cymru’s shadow health minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said: “This really has been a reminder to Government that building public trust in Covid measures is vital.

“Steps they take not only have to be effective, they have to be seen to be proportionate and communicated as such. The last thing Government wants to do is to create resentment in public health measures.”

What can and can’t we do?

• People must stay at home, except for very limited purposes, such as for exercise.
• People must work from home wherever possible.
• People must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with either indoors and outdoors.
• No gatherings will be allowed outdoors, such as Halloween or fireworks/Bonfire night or other organised activities.
• All non-food retail, hospitality businesses, including cafes, restaurants and pubs (unless they provide take-away or delivery services), close contact services, such as hairdressers and beauticians, and events and tourism businesses, such as hotels must close.
• Community centres, libraries and recycling centres will be required to close.
• Face coverings must be worn in indoor public spaces, which remain open, including on public transport and in taxis.

During this time:

• Adults living alone or single parents will be able to join with one other household for support. These people will be able to form a ‘bubble’ with households outside their council area.
• Primary and special schools will reopen as normal after half-term.
• Secondary schools will reopen after the half-term for children in years seven and eight and most vulnerable children. Pupils will be able to come in to take exams but other pupils will continue their learning from home for an extra week.
• Universities will provide a blend of in-person and online learning.
• NHS and health services will continue to operate.
• Local parks, playgrounds and outdoor gyms will remain open.