Families to be reunited as Wales eases coronavirus lockdown from Monday

Wales will ease its coronavirus lockdown from Monday, with families and friends able to reunite next week.

First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to use a lunchtime press conference today to announce restrictions will be relaxed.

Two different households will be able to meet outdoors in unlimited numbers – as long as they remain socially-distanced, the Mirror understands.

But they will not be allowed to travel more than five miles to meet.

It means cross-border reunions are still banned, with the Welsh Government issuing a “stay local” message to replace “stay home”, which has helped enforce the Covid-19 lockdown.

Mr Drakeford is set to say: “We know people have missed seeing their families and friends over the last three months while the stay-at-home regulations have been in place.

“From Monday, people from two different households in the same local area will be able to meet up outdoors.

“They must continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene.

“We are also asking people to stay local – by local we mean, as a general rule, not travelling more than five miles from home to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading as people begin to travel more.

“There will be exceptions – for example, travelling to work, to seek care and shopping for essentials if they aren’t available locally.

“Staying local will help keep Wales safe.”