Wales extends coronavirus lockdown

Wales has followed Scotland in extending its lockdown for a further three weeks with minor adjustments, first minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed.

Welsh ministers must review the need for the requirements and restrictions every 21 days. As part of the second review, the Welsh government has decided the lockdown in Wales will continue until the next review period in three weeks’ time.

Small adjustments to current regulations include: • Allowing people to exercise more than once a day, but people should “stay local”. This means any exercise should start and end at home and not involve going a significant distance from home;

• Enabling local authorities to begin the process of planning how to safely reopen libraries and municipal recycling centres;

• Allowing garden centres to open provided they comply with the physical distancing duty.

It is intended these adjustments will come into force on Monday 11 May. The announcement follows first minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon’s confirmation that Scotland would also remain in lockdown for the next three weeks. prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce plans for restarting the UK economy later tonight.

Drakeford said: “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 lockdown, 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.”

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