MORNING SERIAL
IT is easy to laugh at conspiracy theorists (and this is certainly what they deserve) but they have such potential to become something much worse. This was the case in America where in states totally overwhelmed by the virus, people would still refuse to wear masks because it was part of some deep state plot. If these people were only hurting themselves they could be left to it, but as with the growing ‘anti vax’ movement, it is just as likely to harm others.
With England having announced a route out of lockdown, pressure was mounting on the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay to do the same. People needed to know the way out. Not just those trying to plan for businesses and jobs, but everyone. Parents were desperate to know at what point schools could reopen, families when they might be reunited, people of faith when they could return to worship, and when someone could have a kick about with their friends.
On Friday May, 15 Mark Drakeford unveiled the new traffic light system for Wales. With four levels (lockdown, red, amber and green) it applied to eight areas of life affected by lockdown: reopening schools and childcare facilities, seeing family and friends, getting around, playing sport games and relaxing, working or running a business, going shopping, using public services and practising faith and special occasions.
It is not necessary to explain every single one but by way of example the sport section was:
■ Lockdown: Exercise once a day outside of the house on your own or with your household.
■ Red: Exercise more than once a day and incidental activity locally. Outdoor sports courts to open. Elite athletes resume some activity.
■ Amber: Team and individual sports, non-contact sport and games in small groups indoors and outdoors. Some outdoor events with limited capacity and events behind closed doors for broadcast.
■ Green: All sports, leisure and cultural activities open, with physical distancing. All events resume with limited capacity.
When Wales moved to a different colour in one group it didn’t necessarily have to move in the others.
CONTINUES TOMORROW