The Welsh Government has said people will be able to form an extended household, visit the gym, or take part in organised outdoor activities a week earlier than it had planned.
The public health situation has improved to such an extent the Government has said it can move forward some planned reopening dates.
Last week, it was announced that on May 3 organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions could take place again. Those will be now be allowed from April 26.
And, from Monday, May 3, a week earlier than previously suggested, gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities will be able to reopen for individual or one-to-one training.
Extended households will also be allowed again, so two households can meet and have contact indoors.
Last week, there were 37 cases per 100,000 people, this week, it is fewer than 21 per 100,000.
The pressure on hospitals also continues to ease with confirmed cases in hospital beds continuing to fall. It is 26% lower than last Thursday.
The figure of 89 is the lowest position since 22 September 2020.
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First Minister Mark 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.
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“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.”
These are now the things confirmed ahead of the next Welsh Government review:
From April 12:
- Schools can fully re-open to all pupils following the Easter break while all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres and university campuses will be able to open for blended face-to-face and online learning for all students
- All remaining non-essential shops can re-open
- Close contact services like massage therapists and tattooists can open again and this includes mobile services
- Travel into and out of Wales from the United Kingdom and Common Travel area (the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland) is once again permitted but travel to any other country requires a reasonable excuse, such as work or compassionate grounds
- Viewings at wedding venues can resume by appointment
- Outdoor canvassing for elections can begin
- Driving lessons can resume
Further easements to restrictions in the coming weeks will be subject to the public health situation remaining favourable. These will be confirmed at the next three-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations on 22 April.
From April 26:
- Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, would be allowed to re-open
- Hospitality can resume outdoor service including at cafes, pubs, and restaurants but indoor hospitality will remain restricted
- Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can take place (previously Monday, May 3)
- Weddings receptions can take place outdoors but will also be limited to 30 people (previously Monday, May 3);
From May 3 (previously Monday, May 10):
- Gyms, leisure centres, and fitness facilities can re-open. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes
- Extended households will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors