First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that the Welsh Government will lift the “stay at home” requirement in Wales from tomorrow (13th March 2021), and replace it with “stay local”, as part of a careful, cautious and phased approach to relaxing coronavirus restrictions.
What are the First Steps? (source: gov.wales)
From Saturday 13 March:
- No more than 4 people from 2 households will be able to meet in their local area outdoors, including in gardens. Children under 11 and carers do not count towards this limit. There must be no indoors mixing and social distancing should be followed.
- Outdoor sports facilities can reopen, including tennis courts, golf courses and bowling greens. A maximum of 4 people from 2 households can take part in activities using local sports facilities.
- Indoor care home visits can resume for one designated visitor, with the permission of the care home.
From Monday 15 March:
- All primary pupils and those in qualifications years will return. Schools will have the flexibility to bring in year 10 and 12 pupils, to support them to progress to the next stage of their learning, and more learners will return to colleges. There will also be flexibility for in-school check-ins for all other pupils. All learners will return after the Easter break.
- Hairdressers and barbers can reopen by appointment only to cut hair.
From Monday 22 March:
- The first steps to re-open non-essential retail will begin. Restrictions on the sale of non-essential items will be lifted for those shops, which are currently open.
- Garden centres will also reopen.
An additional £150 million will be available to support businesses to the end of March, which are not yet able to open.
The extra funding will see businesses in the hospitality, tourism, leisure and non-essential retail sectors that pay non-domestic rates qualify for an additional payment of up to £5,000.
During the third week of the review period, we will take stock of the latest evidence before confirming changes for the Easter holidays. If the public health conditions continue to be favourable, from 27 March:
- The stay local restrictions will be lifted to allow people to travel within Wales.
- Self-contained holiday accommodation will re-open for one household.
- Organised children’s activities outdoors will restart.
- Libraries will reopen.
The review on 1st April will consider whether all remaining shops and close contact services can reopen on the 12th April. This is in line with planned re-opening in England.
