Mark Drakeford confirms further relaxation of Covid-19 rules

Mark Drakeford has confirmed a further relaxation of Covid-19 rules.

The First Minister announced today that six people will be able to meet outdoors in Wales from Saturday 24 April, as cases of new Covid-19 infections continue to fall.

He also confirmed that outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26 April.

Under the current rules up to six people (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) from a maximum of two households to meet outdoors.

But the new rules that come into force from Saturday will allow six people (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) to meet outdoors.

The Welsh Government has reiterated that people should observe social distancing from people from outside their household or support bubble when meeting others outside. The rules for meeting indoors remain unchanged.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford said: “The public health context in Wales remains favourable, with cases falling and our vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength. Because meeting outdoors continues to be lower risk than meeting indoors, we are able to bring forward changes to allow any six people to meet outdoors.”

‘Wellbeing’ 

He added: “This will provide more opportunities for people, especially young people, to meet outdoors with their friends. This will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on people’s wellbeing.

“I’m also pleased to confirm outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26th April.

“These changes will help the hospitality sector recover after a difficult twelve months.

“It is thanks to the continuing efforts of people across Wales we are able to introduce this change. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe.”

On Friday (23rd April 2021), the First Minister will confirm further relaxations to the Covid rules that will come into force on Monday 26 April 2021.

Responding cautiously to the conformation from the Welsh Government about a further easing of lockdown restrictions, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds said: “This is obviously good news for the hospitality sector which has been so hard hit by Covid especially during this current lockdown.

“I want the Welsh Government to ensure that financial support remains for those bars and restaurants who do not have outdoor seating and am calling for support to be given to those businesses who are only able to partially open.

“As customers we all have a duty to behave sensibly and to follow the rules. If we don’t we face the very real danger of another lockdown.”