Lock-down has been tough on all of us across Wales and at last there is some light at the end of the tunnel, things are going better than expected.
Pressure on hospitals also continues to ease with confirmed cases in hospital beds continuing to fall. Now 26% lower than last Thursday now at of 89 which is its lowest since 22 September 2020.
What does that mean for us?
People will be able to form an extended household indoors, visit the gym or take part in organised outdoor activities a week earlier than planned.
The Welsh Government has said the public health situation has improved to such an extent that it can move forward some planned re-opening dates.
May 3 you would be able to organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions could take place again.
These both will be now be allowed from the 26th of April.
And, from Monday 3 May, a full week earlier than previously suggested, gyms, leisure centers and fitness facilities will be able to re-open for individual and one-on-one training.
Extended households will also be allowed again, so two households can meet and have contact indoors.
The current First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The public health situation in Wales continues to improve thanks to everything you are doing to help us control this awful virus. Cases of the virus are falling and our incredible vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength.
“Last week, we set out our programme to further re-open the economy and relax the restrictions we have lived with for so long, as part of our careful, step-by-step approach to keeping everyone safe. This week, because of the improvements we continue to see, we can bring forward some of our plans. This is only possible because of the efforts everyone is making to protect themselves and their loved ones.
SO From April 12:
- Schools can fully re-open to all pupils following the Easter break while all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres and university campuses will be able to open for blended face-to-face and online learning for all students
- All remaining non-essential shops can re-open
- Close contact services like massage therapists and tattooists can open again and this includes mobile services
- Travel into and out of Wales from the United Kingdom and Common Travel area (the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland) is once again permitted but travel to any other country requires a reasonable excuse, such as work or compassionate grounds
- Viewings at wedding venues can resume by appointment
- Outdoor canvassing for elections can begin
- Driving lessons can resume
From April 26:
- Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, will be allowed to re-open
- Hospitality can resume outdoor service including at cafes, pubs, and restaurants but indoor hospitality will remain restricted
- Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can take place
- Wedding receptions can take place outdoors but will also be limited to 30 people
From May 3:
- 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