RESTRICTIONS TO LOOSEN

FOR the entirety of 2021, cafés, pubs and restaurants have been closed in Wales.

Last week, England re-opened hospitality outdoors, leading to much consternation from business owners in Wales furious at the delay and a perceived lack of clarity over re-opening.

From next Monday, April 26, Wales is due to follow England with the green light for outdoor hospitality, including at cafés, pubs and restaurants, to resume.

Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, will also be allowed to re-open, and organised activities for up to 30 people, which were previously due to start on Monday, May 3, can take place again.

Wedding receptions can take place outdoors for up to 30 people too – previously May 3.

Providing there no sudden increases in Covid-19 rates these changes are very likely to go ahead.

They will, however, be confirmed by the First Minister at a press conference this Friday.

Pubs and restaurants re-opened outdoors in Wales last year on July 13.

The Covid situation in Wales on July 13 was:

■ Infection rate per 100,000 was 4.4; and,

■ The test positivity percentage was 0.8%.

The Covid situation in Wales right now is:

■ Infection rate per 100,000 is 17.9; and,

■ the test positivity rate is currently 1.8%.

On May 3 – previously Monday, May 10 – gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities are set to re-open. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes.

Extended households will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors.