May 29, 2020 - 2674 views
Welsh Government have confirmed today that people from two different households can now meet up outside in Wales from Monday, in a small advance towards easing lockdown in the country.
However, there is a stipulation that any get togethers need to happen locally and ordinarily this should be in an area which is no more than 5 miles away. The all-important 2 metre social distancing rule will remain in place.
Critics today seized on the announcement to say that families in rural communities will be disadvantaged by the 5 mile rule and that many families will still not be able to see loved ones.
In response Mr. Drakeford explained that the 5 mile rule was "rule of thumb" and that families should use their own judgement but "seriously and soberly".
Weddings and civil partnerships will now permitted but only in circumstances where the groom or bride is terminally ill.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said that shops and businesses should begin preparing to open possibly in three to four weeks time but added that Welsh Government was unable to grant this request from Monday and a final decision would be made at the next 21 day review scheduled for June 18th.
He added that businesses could prepare for any decision by preparing measures and systems to ensure that workers and customers are kept safe through social distancing proceedures.
Mr. Drakeford explained that Wales' response to easing the lockdown was limited because the R number - a measure given to how many people are infected by new cases - has not fallen in the past three weeks.
