Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Sarah Harvey

Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools reopen in Wales in easing of Covid restrictions

Coronavirus – Tue Mar 23, 2021 (Picture: PA Media)

Gyms leisure centres and swimming pools are reopening in Wales from Monday in a further easing of Covid restrictions.

Organised children’s indoor activities and indoor adult fitness classes can also resume and two households will also be able form an exclusive bubble and be able to meet indoors.

The Welsh Government said the changes meant the country is now in Alert Level 3.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said last week: “The public health situation continues to improve and our vaccination programme remains a success.

“Thanks to the efforts of people across Wales, we are in a position to further ease the restrictions, in the way we have previously signalled, to allow more elements of normal life to return.

“However, the virus has not gone away. We all still need to take those vitally important steps, that we are now all so familiar with, to protect ourselves and each other from this dreadful virus – by self-isolating if we have symptoms, by taking up the offer of a covid vaccine, washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces, following social distancing rules, limiting the number of people we meet socially outdoors, and only meeting with those we live with indoors.

“By working together, by following these rules, the quicker we will return to normality. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe.”

The next review of the coronavirus restrictions is due by May 13, which will take place after the Senedd elections on May 6.

Indoor hospitality and all tourism accommodation can reopen from May 17, subject to confirmation by the party that forms the next Welsh Government.

Wales has the lowest level of virus infections in the UK and is third in the world in terms of vaccine delivery, while case rates are below 15 per 100,000 people.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.