HOUSEHOLD LIMIT ON RULE OF SIX TO BE DROPPED
Outdoor mixing rule change as beer garden reopening confirmed
SIX people from any number of households will be able to meet outdoors in Wales from Saturday. The current rule is that six people from a maximum of two households can meet outside.
SIX people from any number of households will be able to meet outdoors in Wales from Saturday.
The current rule is that six people from a maximum of two households can meet outside.
From Saturday, it is being widened – which Welsh Government say will enable young people, in particular, to meet with friends once again.
The six does not include children under 11 years of age or carers.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed that outdoor hospitality will be allowed to open from Monday.
He had already published the date of April 26 as the date venues should be working towards – but he has now confirmed they can go ahead and open their doors again.
People meeting outside will have to follow social distancing rules.
No changes are being made to meeting indoors.
Further rule changes are expected to be announced on Thursday, ahead of a press conference by the First Minister on Friday.
As it stands, it is expected that he will announce that from April 26:
■ Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, will be allowed to reopen
■ Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can take place
■ Wedding receptions can take place outdoors but will also be limited to 30 people
The Welsh Government had already brought forward some easing of restrictions in relation to forming extended households, visiting the gym and organised activities.
The infection rate across Wales now stands at 15.9 cases per 100,000 people for the seven days up to April 14, a drop from 17.9 on Sunday.
Mr 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.
“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, April 26.
“These changes will help the hospitality sector recover after a difficult 12 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.”
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.”