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 minor tweaks to restrictions on exercise are being made.
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 was clearly stated that such exercise should not involve any significant travel away from home.
The second will be to allow garden centres to open providing social distancing regulations 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 added: “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: “As a nation we have pulled together to tackle this virus, which has moved quickly around the world with tragic results. I want to acknowledge the loss some families have experienced. The actions we have taken to protect everyone, but particularly those at risk from serious illness, have been unparalleled.
“I want to thank everyone in Wales for this collective effort. Together we are helping to reduce the speed and spread of the virus. The result is a decreasing number of new cases and a reproduction rate that is going down.
“The Welsh Government is guided by the latest scientific evidence, advice from our Chief Medical Officer and the latest public health advice. The virus remains a very serious threat to us all and we cannot be complacent in any way. For that reason, the stay-at-home regulations will remain in place in Wales.
“Our preference remains a four-nation response to coming out of lock-down, and we remain in consultation with all parts of the UK. Our duty is to the people of Wales, and our decisions will be based on the evidence and specific circumstances of Wales.”
Two slides were referenced in the briefing, showing the different “R” number models used by Welsh Government.
You can view the full stream of the briefing today – along with the Q&A session after on the below video link:
— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) May 8, 2020
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