First Minister announces lockdown will be extended in Wales – some “modest changes” announced

The lockdown is being extended for a further three weeks in Wales, however restrictions on exercise will be eased.

First Minister Mark Drakeford explained the outcome of his cabinet’s decision during the regular weekday lunchtime briefing session.

In his announcement the first minister said the stay at home regulations must remain in place until the next review date in three weeks time.

Some “small and modest adjustments” will be made on Monday, including things that can be done “safely”

These include a change to the once a day exercise rule to allow people to go outside to exercise more than once a day, but strengthened to make sure it’s local. It should not involve any significant travel away from home.

The second will be to allow garden centres to open providing social distancing can be applied. It also includes enabling local authorities to begin the process of planning how to safely reopen libraries and municipal recycling centres.

It is intended these adjustments will come into force on Monday, so Wales moves in step with the rest of the UK.

He said: “All of us must travel only when necessary and all of us must continue to observe two metre social distancing and wash our hands and take basic hygiene precautions.”

Mr Drakeford said the measures have helped slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives.

He added that the “Expert advice is too soon to lift thee restrictions and if we did would see return of the virus”.

Two slides were referenced in the briefing, showing the different “R” number models used by Welsh Government.

More from the briefing shortly…