The Welsh Government is planning a significant re-opening of parts of the Welsh economy just one week from now.
For the entirety of 2021, cafes, pubs and restaurants have been closed in Wales.
Last week, England re-opened hospitality outdoors, leading to much consternation from business owners in Wales who were furious at the delay and a perceived lack of clarity over re-opening. You can read more about this issue here.
What is opening next?
On Monday, April 26:
- Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, will be allowed to re-open
- Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain closed except for takeaways
- Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place (this was previously Monday, May 3)
- Wedding receptions can take place outdoors for up to 30 people (this was previously Monday, May 3)
When will we know for sure?
Providing there no sudden increases in Covid-19 rates the changes are very likely to go ahead. They will, however, be confirmed by the First Minister at a press conference on Friday, April 23.
Why is Wales going more slowly than England?
The Welsh Government would argue it is not going more slowly than England, and has instead prioritised getting university students back in face to face learning instead. However, there is data that could also have made the Welsh Government hesitant to re-open hospitality at the same time as England.
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.
The test positivity percentage was 0.8%
The Covid situation in Wales right now is:
Infection rate per 100,000 is 17.5
Test positivity rate is currently 2%
This is a complicated issue and you can read more details here.
The rules you have to adhere to over coronavirus:
What will be lifted next?
On Monday, May 3 (previously Monday, May 10):
- Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can 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.
