Two households will be able join together to form a ‘bubble’ from next week, the First Minister has announced.

A series of new measures to curb the spread of coronavirus will come into force after the firebreak lockdown ends on Monday, November 9.

Mark Drakeford said the set of new national measures have had to adapt to England’s “unexpected” announcement of a four-week lockdown.

Details of the new measures were outlined during a Welsh Government press briefing this afternoon.

The First Minister emphasised that he wanted to make it clear that the 17-day firebreak lockdown will end as planned on November 9. He added that the Welsh Government had to consider the impact of England’s lockdown which will run from November 5 until December 2.

With around 150,000 people criss-crossing the border every day for work, family and travel reasons, Mr Drakeford said England’s lockdown will “inevitably” have an impact on people who live in Wales.

What are the new measures?

  • Two households will able to join together to form a ‘bubble’, or an extended household.
  • No travel restrictions inside Wales, however travelling to England is not allowed without a reasonable excuse.
  • Up to 15 people will be allowed to take part in an organised indoor activity.
  • Up to 30 people will be able to meet in an organised activity outdoors.
  • Premises, such as restaurants, cafes, pubs and gyms, will be able to reopen.
  • Schools will reopen in full.
  • Churches will reopen.
  • Working from home, whenever possible, will be “even more important”.