Welsh government says public should not travel more than five miles from home as lockdown measures eased
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford will flesh out the plans in Friday’s press conference.
2 min read
First minister Mark Drakeford has urged the Welsh public to “stay local” by avoiding trips more than five miles from the home as the country prepares to ease some of its lockdown measures.
The Welsh leader said people should, “as a general rule”, avoid travelling more than five miles away from where they live unless heading to work, seeking care or buying in essentials if they were not available locally.
The plans are expected to be fleshed out at the Welsh Government’s coronavirus press conference on Friday, and they come after England and Scotland moved to loosen their own restrictive measures.
Mr Drakeford is expected to say: “We know people have missed seeing their families and friends over the last three months while the stay-at-home regulations have been in place.
“From Monday, people from two different households in the same local area will be able to meet up outdoors. They must continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene."
He will add: “We are also asking people to stay local – by local we mean, as a general rule, not travelling more than five miles from home to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading as people begin to travel more. There will be exceptions – for example, travelling to work, to seek care and shopping for essentials if they aren’t available locally.
“Staying local will help keep Wales safe.”
On Thursday Boris Johnson confirmed a string of changes to England’s on lockdown curbs, including the return of non-essential retail from mid-June, the return of some Primary school pupils from Monday, and moves to allow groups of up to six people will be able to socialise together in parks and gardens from the same day.
Nicola Sturgeon meanwhile said groups of up to 8 in Scotland will be allowed to meet as long as they stay outside, as she confirmed the first stage of her own four-step "routemap" for easing the lockdown, which comes into force from Friday.
And she said the "careful and cautious" steps would see Scots allowed to spend more time outside, including taking part in sports such as golf, tennis and fishing.
Speaking on Thursday, Mr Johnson said: “Although all parts of the UK are moving in the same direction, it is important to note that health is devolved and different parts of the UK are quite properly moving at different speeds.”
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