Revealed: The full timetable for reopening in Wales including indoor pubs, gyms and extended households

The First Minister has revealed the dates by which he will reopen pubs, gyms and allow indoor extended household in Wales.

It includes reopening indoor pubs and bars and tourist accommodation before the Spring Bank Holiday on 31 May.

All the changes depend on Covid-19 cases continuing to fall over the next weeks and months, Mark Drakeford said.

On Monday 12 April:

• The full return of children to schools for face-to-face education, all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres, and university campus’ will be able to open for blended face-to-face/online learning for all students;
• All remaining shops can reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail;
• All remaining close contact services can open, including mobile services;
• Travel restrictions on traveling into and out of Wales will be lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. The Common Travel Area means the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland;
• Viewings at wedding venues can resume by appointment;
• Outdoor canvassing for elections can begin.

On Monday 26 April:

• Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, would be allowed to reopen;
• Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain restricted.

On Monday 3 May:

• Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place;
• Weddings receptions can take place outdoors, but will also be limited to 30 people.

On Monday 10 May:

• Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes;
• Extended household will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors.

On Monday 17 May:

• Children’s indoor activities.
• Community centres;
• Organised indoor activities for adults, limited to a maximum of 15 people. This includes exercise classes.

End of May:

• Indoor hospitality and remaining visitor accommodation to reopen in advance of the Spring Bank Holiday.

‘Sacrifices’

Mark Drakeford again set out the priority placed on ensuring all children and students in Wales will return to face-to-face education on Monday 12 April.

“Thanks to a real team effort across Wales, coronavirus cases remain stable, and the vaccination programme continues apace,” he said.

“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 re-opening of the economy and loosening the restrictions in place.

“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.”