Restrictions in Wales to ease this weekend

The ‘stay at home’ message has been lifted in Wales as the number of new infections continue to drop.

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that the relaxation in restrictions means four people from two households can meet outside in a private garden from Saturday 13.03.21 under new “stay local” guidance.

Non-essential retail will remain closed until 12th April, but hairdressers and barbers will be open from Monday 15.03.21 for appointments only. Garden centres can reopen from 22nd March and self-contained accommodation will be allowed to reopen from 27th March in time for Easter provided cases remain low.

The “stay at home” rule will switch to “stay local” from Saturday, although guidance is yet to be officially released on what radius the government classes as “local.”

“The rule of thumb is that you should think of local as a five-mile radius from where you live but if you live in a valleys community or a rural area you can exercise your judgement and go a little bit further,” Mr Drakeford said.

What are the rules?

From Saturday 13 March:

• “Stay at home” becomes “stay local”.
• Four people from two different households can meet up outdoors to socialise, including in gardens – children are excluded from the number.
• Outdoor sports facilities such as golf, tennis and basketball will be able to reopen.
• Designated solo visitors can enter care homes.

From Monday 15 March:

• All primary school children and those in qualifications years can return to class.
• Schools will have flexibility to bring back year 10 and 12 pupils and more students will return to colleges.
• Hairdressers and barbers can reopen – for appointments only.

From Monday 22 March:

• Gradual easing of non-essential shopping and non-essential aisles in supermarkets.
• Garden centres to reopen.

From Saturday 27 March:

• Self-contained accommodation in Wales will be able to reopen provided case rates remain low.

From Monday 12 April:

• All shops, including all close contact services, will be able to open – the same date as in England.
• All other pupils will return to school.

Wales is yet to publish a roadmap out of lockdown like England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We will update you with more details as it is announced by government.

Follow the latest news for Wales here.