The Welsh Government has announced that it will be accelerating elements of its programme to relax COVID-19 restrictions. The Welsh Government took the first step to easing restrictions on 27 March when caravan parks and other self-contained accommodation were able to open to people living within Wales.
People living across the Welsh border were then allowed to return to holiday parks and drive to touring parks across Wales, bringing a welcome boost to the tourism economy. The reopening of holiday parks coincided with the second week of the Easter half-term school holiday in England.
From Monday 12 April, the following relaxations were in place:
- People were permitted to form an extended household, visit the gym or take part in organised outdoor activities a week earlier than planned.
- All remaining shops reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail
- All remaining close contact services open, including mobile services
- Travel restrictions on travelling into and out of Wales are lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse remain in place.
Further easements to restrictions in the coming weeks will be subject to the public health situation remaining favourable. These will be confirmed at the next three-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations on 22 April.
On Monday 26 April:
- Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, will be allowed to reopen
- Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain closed except for takeaways.
On Monday 3 May (previously Monday 10 May):
- Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes.
- Two households can meet and have contact indoors.