THE issue of a June 22 reopening of non-essential shops will be considered by the Welsh Government in the coming days - but such a move depends as always on the continued reduction of coronavirus infections.

At the Welsh Government's daily coronavirus briefing, Ken Skates - minister for the economy, tourism and North Wales - said he would "absolutely" like to see such a move, which would provide a welcome boost for the economy.

Non-essential retailers are being encouraged to prepare to reopen, but key to such a move is the 'R' number, the rate of infection.

Though it is currently below one in Wales, there is little room for manoeuvre.

"That is why the people of Wales have welcomed the cautious, sensible approach of the Welsh Government," said Mr Skates.

Consideration of the question of expanding the reopening of the retail sector is likely to be foremost in Welsh ministers' minds when the next lockdown review takes place on June 18 - and the tourism sector could be on the agenda too.

Reopening the latter would also be a welcome move, but Mr Skates said that that would also require that another be taken at the current five-mile travel limit.

"At that point we hope that we will be able to do so in a way that does not put at risk public safety," he said.

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Mr Skates revisited too the concept of building a better, fairer economy for Wales, and said the coronavirus experience should be used as "a moment for fundamental change" in that context.

He praised the ongoing work of a sub-committee on socio-economic issues relating to the black, Asian and minority ethnic community in Wales and Covid-19.

And he said he is "under no illusion that here in Wales in the 21st Century we still have structural and embedded inequalities in our economy" that must be addressed as Wales begins to open up again.

Mr Skates also addressed the issue of the wearing of face masks on public transport, and why this is not to be compulsory in Wales.

There has been criticism from unions that such a move has not been made.

Mr Skates said the Welsh Government does not feel that making this mandatory would either be "viable or sensible".

"Who would carry out enforcement, who would carry out the inspections that may be required?" he said.

“Then there are questions about whether it would lead to individuals thinking that they are safer than they actually are in wearing face coverings.

“It's far more effective to wash your hands regularly and maintain good social distancing if you wish to avoid transmission of coronavirus.”