‘I could cry’: Families and friends reunite in Wales as ‘stay local’ rule is dropped

“The travel ban has been lifted here in Wales and honestly I could cry,” one Welsh local said

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

People are meeting up with friends and family outside their local area in Wales for the first time since December, as the country’s “stay local” rule is lifted.

The change only applies to those living within Wales, who can now venture further afield for an outdoor, socially distanced meet up with up to six people from two households.

Wales is the first of the home nations to ease lockdown restrictions to this extent. Groups of six from multiple households can meet outdoors in England from Monday, but people will still be urged to stay in their local area.

The easing of restrictions has been welcomed by many.

One Twitter user wrote: “The travel ban has been lifted here in Wales and honestly I could cry. We’re still going to be cautious and avoid crowded areas, but we’re so excited to wander again.”

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Another added: “Whilst not everything is open yet, just the idea of going somewhere, anywhere, is thrilling. I’ve literally just booked a visit to one of our local National Trust gardens.”

A third wrote: “Travel restrictions lifted here in Wales. Signs of normality are appearing.”

From today, people in Wales can also begin holidaying in self-contained accommodation, such as hotels and cottages, with their household or support bubble as the domestic tourism industry begins to reopen ahead of the Easter weekend.

Libraries are also allowed to reopen and outdoor children’s activities can resume. People meeting up with their loved ones may do so in private gardens, but not inside a house.

The Welsh government has urged people to “think about what is the most sensible thing to do to protect yourself, family, friends and your community rather than thinking about what you are – legally – allowed to do”.

Public Health Wales’s Covid response director Dr Robin Howe said: “This slight easing of Covid lockdown rules is encouraging, however, while the number of cases is declining overall, there are still several areas which have significantly higher rates.

“This is a stark reminder of the need for everyone to maintain constant vigilance.”

The next review of coronavirus rules in Wales is set for 2 April.