As lockdown restrictions are tightened in parts of Northern England, lockdown restrictions are set to ease further in Wales from Monday, the First Minister will announce this lunchtime.
Last night, it was confirmed that First Minister Mark Drakeford will be announcing that pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants will be able to re-open indoors from Monday 3 August in Wales.
Up to now, these venues have only been able to open outdoor spaces in Wales.
Also from Monday, up to 30 people will be able to meet outdoors and children under 11 will no longer have to maintain a 2m distance from each or from adults.
The changes come following the sixth review of the Coronavirus regulations in Wales and the Welsh Government says they are in line with the latest scientific evidence.
At lunchtime today, it is understood that the First Minister will thank businesses for working to introduce new measures to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, but he will also likely warn that those who don’t comply with measures will be penalised.
Indoor gyms and swimming pools in Wales remain closed, though an announcement on their reopening is expected soon. Such venues started to reopen in England last weekend, with strict COVID-secure measures in place.
First Minister Drakeford is due to address the public and take questions from the media in a press conference at 12:30 on Friday lunchtime.
