Wales unlocking: What restrictions are lifting today?

First minister Mark Drakeford says restrictions may be eased earlier, depending on election results on 6 May

Mark Drakeford suggested indoor hospitality may be able to reopen on May 17 (Welsh government)

Six people from any number of households can meet outside in Wales from Saturday, as lockdown measures continue to be eased across the country.

The new ‘rule of six’ does not include children under the age of 11 or carers from those households and comes amid relatively low case rates in Wales.

The Welsh government also confirmed pubs, restaurants and cafe can reopen outdoors from Monday, as well as outdoor swimming pools, funfairs and theme parks.

It comes as first minister Mark Drakeford suggested indoor hospitality may be able to reopen on 17 May, as is currently the plan in neighbouring England, with dates being moved forward.

This means Wales will have completed the move from ‘Alert Level 4’ to ‘Alert Level 3’ by May 3 – two weeks earlier than planned.

However, any decision will not be taken until the Senedd elections 11 days before and a government is formed, with the next review due to take place on 13 May.

Mr Drakeford WalesOnline: “The sacrifices we have made continue to show results. By us all working together and sticking to the rules, combined with our vaccination programme, mean we continue to make progress.

6 people from any 6 households will be able to meet outdoors from Saturday.

From Monday outdoor hospitality including cafes pubs and restaurants, and outdoor attractions, such as funfairs and theme parks, will be able to reopen.

— Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) April 22, 2021

“Rates of the virus continue to fall and the public health situation is improving. Due to these efforts we are able confirm more easing of the restrictions from April 26 and for early May we are again able to bring forward some of our plans.

“However, this progress is dependent on all of us continuing to work together to keep Wales safe. At the last three-week review, I set out a forward-look of how the restrictions could continue to be lifted in the weeks ahead, if the public health situation remains stable.”

When are restrictions being lifted in Wales?

24 April

• The rule of six changes to allow six people from any number of households to meet

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 closed except for takeaways
• Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place (previously May 3)
• Weddings receptions can take place outdoors for up to 30 people (previously May 3)

3 May (previously 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