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Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister

First published:
17 July 2020
Last updated:

This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (the regulations) place a series of restrictions on gatherings, the movement of people, and the operation of businesses, including closures. They also impose requirements on businesses, which are open to take reasonable measures to ensure physical distancing between people. They are designed to protect people from the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 

Under regulation 4, Welsh Ministers are required to review the need for the requirements and restrictions in the regulations, and their proportionality, every 21 days. The next 21-day review of the regulations will take place by 30 July.

My Written Statement on 10 July set out my intention to take a week-by-week approach to use the headroom we have to further lift the restrictions in Wales over this three-week period. 

During this second week, we will remove the current restrictions on playgrounds and outdoor gyms. Given the medical and scientific advice shows coronavirus is continuing to decline in Wales, these places will be able to reopen from 20 July. The removal of restrictions enables these places to reopen but does not require it. The specific timings for reopening may vary from place to place as local authorities and other operators ensure risk assessments and measures are in place to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus.

Funfairs – indoors and outdoors – have taken appropriate steps to enable them to reopen. The regulations will be amended to remove the restrictions on funfairs from 20 July, following the earlier reopening of indoor and outdoor attractions in recent weeks. 

We will revisit the evidence again next week to confirm whether we are able to reopen close contact services, indoor cinemas, museums, galleries, archive services and fully reopen the housing market.

I would again like to put on record my thanks to the people of Wales for helping to keep Wales safe.

https://gov.wales/cmo-advice-indoor-gyms-indoor-and-outdoor-playgrounds-and-funfairs