Any six people will be able to meet outdoors in Wales from Saturday 24 April.

The change is a relaxation of the current rule where up to six people from two households are able to meet outdoors.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said it was being allowed as cases of coronavirus were “falling and our vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength.”

Children under 11 years of age or carers aren’t included in the six and the rules for meeting indoors have not changed.

The First Minister also confirmed that restaurants and pubs can open and serve outdoors from Monday 26 April.

He said: “The public health context in Wales remains favourable, with cases falling and our vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength. Because meeting outdoors continues to be lower risk than meeting indoors, we are able to bring forward changes to allow any six people to meet outdoors.

“This will provide more opportunities for people, especially young people, to meet outdoors with their friends. This will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on people’s wellbeing.

“I’m also pleased to confirm outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26 April.

“These changes will help the hospitality sector recover after a difficult twelve months.

“It is thanks to the continuing efforts of people across Wales we are able to introduce this change. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe.”

The Welsh Government reminded people to observe social distancing when meeting anyone outdoors from outside their household or support bubble.

Photo credit

Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels