The easing of lockdown measures in Wales is to be accelerated after case numbers in the country continued to fall.

People will be able to go to the gym and form an extended household a week earlier than originally planned – although those hoping for a quicker return to the pub must still wait until April 26 for beer gardens to reopen.

Cases in Wales have fallen to 21 per 100,000 people this week, prompting First Minister Mark Drakeford to announce the accelerated programme of reopening.

The news means:

  • The planned date for organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions moves forward from May 3 to April 26.
  • Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities will reopen from Monday, May 3, rather than May 10.
  • Extended households can be formed, allowing two households to meet and have contact indoors from May 3, rather than May 10.

Mr 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.”

The move comes as the pressure on hospitals also continues to ease. Confirmed cases in hospital beds continue to reduce, and now stands at 89.

This is 26 per cent lower than last Thursday and is the lowest position since September 22, 2020.

WHAT YOU CAN DO FROM APRIL 12:

  • The full return of children to schools for face-to-face education, all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres, and university campus’ will be able to open for blended face-to-face/online learning for all students;
  • All remaining shops will reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail;
  • All remaining close contact services will open, including mobile services;
  • Travel restrictions on traveling into and out of Wales will be lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. The Common Travel Area means the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland;
  • Wedding ‘show-arounds’ by appointment are allowed;
  • Restrictions on political canvassing are removed, subject to canvassers doing so safely.

WHAT YOU CAN DO FROM APRIL 26:

  • Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, would be allowed to reopen;
  • Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain closed except for takeaways;
  • Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place (previously Monday, May 3);
  • Weddings receptions can take place outdoors for up to 30 people (previously Monday, May 3).

WHAT YOU CAN DO FROM MAY 3:

  • Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes;
  • Extended household will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors.
  • As set out in the revised Coronavirus Control Plan, a small number of outdoor pilot events of between 200 and 1,000 people are also being planned.