The First Minister is expected to ease the lockdown in Wales tomorrow, with new rules allowing people to meet up outdoors, the County Times understands.

Rule changes on Monday are expected to mean that people from two different households, and from the same area, will be able to meet each other outdoors – so long as they maintain social distancing and strict hygiene rules.

The changes are set to be announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford tomorrow lunchtime.

The rules, the County Times understands, will also not allow people to travel more than five miles from home, in an effort to stop coronavirus from spreading between parts of Wales.

There will be exceptions, however, including travelling to work, seeking care, and shopping for essentials that aren't available locally.

No details are yet available about what types of workplaces will or will not be open.

The County Times will have full coverage of the latest announcement on lockdown easing as it happens on Friday.

Speaking ahead of the changes, Prof Drakeford said: "I am speaking to you today after the Welsh Government has carried out the third review of the coronavirus regulations, as we are required to do every 21 days.

"I will be setting out the changes we will be making to the rules tomorrow.

"In reviewing the regulations, we have considered the latest evidence from SAGE and the advice of the Chief Medical Officer for Wales."

 

 

We have looked at how the virus is behaving in Wales, at the rate of transmission – which is known as the R rate – at the capacity in the NHS and social care and at the impact of the small changes we have made to date.

The rules in place at present, which were introduced in March, have seen people told to stay home except for work, exercise and shopping for essentials.

The rules will remain more strict than in England, as they will not allow people to travel longer distances.