Latest figures from Public Health Wales show that the seven-day case rate in Wales between January 7 and 12 was 306.1 per 100,000 population. Lockdown restrictions are announced for Llanelli, Cardiff and Swansea. That is the date that we've been given with no justification. From 1 March, licensed wedding venues will be able to reopen, in line with current rules for register offices. “One of our homes initially had three staff test positive but on subsequent testing of the whole home, the three then tested negative, along with all 68 residents and 130 other staff. Full lockdown will start on December 28. Rainbow hospitals set up in Deeside, Bangor and Llandudno, North Wales. Welsh Conservatives have today confirmed the provisional dates they would release lockdown measures in Wales if … Then from 29 March, people in England will be able to meet in groups of up to six people from different households, or two groups from two households. "If we can vaccinate this group, it would protect the people most at risk of serious illness and harm if they catch coronavirus," said Health Minister Vaughan Gething. This is the largest vaccination programme Wales has ever seen, in a race to protect and save lives. Mobile testing centres in Hightown and Caia Park. At this stage, a cluster of 70 cases was identified. The restrictions come in as the second wave of coronavirus hits, with 98 people in intensive care in Wales suffering from the illness. The minister also announced that an extra 900 teaching posts are to be created in Wales to help pupils catch up on their studies. More than 150,000 people have now received their first jab of the vaccination in Wales, despite the rows about delays to the roll-out. But many people have raised questions including when they will be able to receive the vaccination? Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething. First Minister Mark Drakeford has outlined Wales' first steps out of lockdown, which starts with lifting the stay at home order from tomorrow (13 March 2021). Off-licences including supermarkets will also be stopped from selling alcohol at the same time. The Welsh Government lifts its restrictions on wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, allowing them to take place again. England is currently under its third national lockdown, with measures very close to those that were in place under the first lockdown in March 2020. The First Minister said that it would be ‘foolish’ to end the lockdown before it was safe and waste the efforts of the UK public in the past few weeks. This has since run for several months and shared lovely messages from the friends and family of more than 200 local people. Wales sees its first local lockdown brought into force in Caerephilly. On this day the Clap for our Carers campaign began, kicking off a weekly national applause for frontline workers. Wales’ education minister Kirsty Williams made an announcement that all schools in Wales will reopen from 29 June. Do you think Wales needs a tougher lockdown? “The new national measures are designed to protect people’s health and limit the harm from the … Ahead of the Easter weekend, Mark Drakeford confirmed that the Welsh Government would be extending the lockdown measures for Wales. Uncertainty arose after the UK Prime Minster Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Sunday, May 10, speaking about the UK approach and his ‘roadmap’ to bringing the country out of lockdown as some restrictions were eased. the largest vaccination programme Wales has ever seen, Mark Drakeford defends decision to hold back thousands of doses of Covid vaccine, Vulnerable 88-year-old in covid vaccine plea as pressure mounts on Welsh Government over delays, Universal Credit £20 rise still at risk of axe as Boris Johnson fails to guarantee its future, Latest North Wales coronavirus figures as 369 new cases recorded in 24 hours, Behaviour of some Welsh supermarket shoppers has 'really upset' government minister, The parts of the country where covid cases are still rising - and most are in North Wales, Driver travelled 270 miles from Portsmouth to North Wales to collect car bumper, North Wales' beauty spots deserted as coronavirus lockdown message hits home for most, Mark Drakeford on whether people in England will be allowed to holiday in Wales at Easter, Self-contained accommodation is set to be reopened - but only for people who already live in Wales, Wales lockdown update: What 'stay local' rule actually means and when it will end, The Welsh Government's strict "stay at home" rules will come to an end on Saturday, Welsh teacher had ‘open can of Stella in her classroom’ and was 'so drunk' she fell over, Angela Simonson denied being under the influence of alcohol and blamed her behaviour on taking medication, Welsh Government sets dates for 'non-essential' retail reopening, Hairdressers and barbers can take bookings from Monday but other shops and stores will have a longer wait, Coronavirus LIVE: Mark Drakeford to confirm lockdown changes at press conference, The First Minister will confirm a number of changes to the rules, including to schools, meeting loved ones and shops, Child sex offender caught out by CCTV as he topped up credit on phone he used in crimes, Andrew Cuckson, 53, thought he was communicating with a 12 -year-old girl but it was in fact a decoy, Latest North Wales coronavirus cases, deaths and infection rates on Friday, March 12, Dozens of coronavirus cases reported across North Wales as Anglesey's infection rate jumps, How long pubs, restaurants and cafés will have to wait before their reopening is considered, There is set to be a longer wait for such facilities to get up and running again, First Minister gives update on gyms and leisure centres as outdoor sports facilities reopen in Wales, Outdoor sports including golf, tennis and basketball can reopen from Saturday, March 13, Tui cancels more flights and holidays in 'urgent update' for customers, The travel operator pulled the plug on a tranche of flights from the UK, Mark Drakeford outlines the rules around meeting friends and family in gardens, Up to four people from two households will be allowed to meet from Saturday, BREAKING: Found body is Sarah Everard's confirm police, A man remains in custody on suspicion of her murder, Supermarket non-essential sales ban dropped but retailer anger at delayed reopening, Welsh Government has today announced its plan to slowly ease Wales out of lockdown, Mark Drakeford explains 'stay local' rule and what it actually means for people, Police stop election candidate's leaflets being delivered in Covid guidelines mix up, Conwy Council candidate Adam Turner had paid a mail delivery service to distribute leaflets on his behalf - but they were stopped from doing so, Mark Drakeford on the chances of a 'return to normal' this year, The First Minister is set to announce changes to the coronavirus restrictions on Friday, Two people seriously injured after A483 crash, The accident happened at the junction for Ruabon, Positive coronavirus cases confirmed at two schools sees 53 pupils and staff self-isolate, Parents and carers have been informed and the schools in Denbigh and Rhyl will remain open. ©Copyright 2001-2021. However, health officials have raised concerns that residents without coronavirus are unable to be vaccinated against it due to outbreaks at their homes. Due to the coronavirus preventing the show taking place in its usual Australian setting, ITV revealed today that the 20th series of “I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!” will be filmed in Abergele’s Gwyrch Castle after much speculation. Schools also reopened to all pupils for three weeks ahead of the summer break. [PICTURE: Google Streetview]. Beauty salons, tattooists, nail bars, spas, tanning shops, cinemas, museums and beauty salons were added to the list of venues that were allowed to reopen. - which is currently only offered to healthcare workers, those over 80 and those deemed vulnerable. Alert Level 4 lockdown measures came into force on December 20 across Wales. Welsh Government shifts from daily updates to weekly updates. // Wales’ national lockdown extended for another 3 weeks One care home director in Cardiff had plans to vaccinate all 68 residents but three members test positive for coronavirus. At least 327,000 doses have been delivered in Wales to date and less than half have been put in someone's arm. Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and funfairs are allowed to reopen under the latest easing of lockdown measures. The message from Welsh Government will be replaced with 'stay local' as part of its phased approach to lifting restrictions. "Everybody is working flat out from the manufacturers through to the people who do the vaccination at the practical end, and when you are trying to do everything on a mass scale, and at such speed, there are going to be moments when not everything goes to plan. Welsh Government also made changes to the regulations to allow larger gatherings of up to 30 people outdoors. Lockdown exit dates in Wales demanded from frustrated business sector. In response, Dr David Bailey, chairman of the BMA in Wales said: "I’m deeply concerned by the comments I've heard and advise Welsh Government to look again at the roll-out strategy. In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday, First Minister Mark Drakeford said the supply of the Pfizer vaccine had to last until February and was not being used all at once. People will be told to stay at home and pubs, restaurants, hotels and non-essential shops must shut. This means using GP practices for a lot of our national delivery and they will be a key focus as the roll-out progresses. This is in line with the target set by the UK Government to inoculate the first four priority groups. Q&A: What are Wales' lockdown rules? The outbreak declared at Anglesey’s Twi Sister’s plant was ruled to be over. Six months has passed since lockdown was first imposed on the UK. Garden centres were also permitted to reopen. Wales’ 17-day “firebreak” lockdown, which started on 23 October, has now come to an end. We have looked back to March 23 when the UK … Health minister Vaughan Gething announces that, further to the relaxing of rules outlined by the First Minister, that the shielding community of Wales would also benefit from the new rules – under the assumption they maintained social distance. By the end of January 100 to 250 GP surgeries across Wales will be able to offer the coronavirus vaccine to registered patients. Invalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later. Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: "The roll-out of these vaccines to every eligible adult in Wales as quickly as is safe to do so is truly an example, once again, of our inspiring healthcare workforce coming together as one. Mark Baker, Chairperson for Gwyrch Castle Trust. Also, on this day, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the furlough scheme, which was supporting 7.5 million jobs in the UK, would be extended until the end of October, but employers will be expected to pick up a share of the bill from August as the economy reopens. A spokeswoman for the Welsh Government said: "As of today all frontline staff at the Welsh Ambulance Service have been offered a vaccination. " Swimming pools, gyms, leisure centres and indoor play areas were allowed to reopen from today. That's around 1.7 million people in Wales. Outdoor attractions were also permitted to reopen their doors and two households permitted to meet up indoors from today. Anglesey, Conway, Denbighshire and Flintshire are named in a list of areas moved into the ‘amber’ alert zone for Public Health Wales and risk facing a local lockdown if conditions continue to get worse. According to vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi this is the date immunity from the first round of vaccines will 'kick in' for all of the first cohort - the most vulnerable. Welsh Government health minister Vaughan Gething gives a coronavirus press briefing. What can you expect from the Wales lockdown review? Wrexham Maelor Hospital paid tribute to paid to a ‘much-loved’ theatre assistant who died after testing positive for coronavirus. Current lockdown legislation in Wales expires on March 31. The 51-year-old died having been treated at the hospital’s critical care unit over the last few weeks after contracting the coronavirus. Also, the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford signed into law new public health regulations strengthening police enforcement powers in Wales. Something went wrong, please try again later. First Minister Mark Drakeford will today announce the … This is a race against the virus to save as many lives as possible. Two Sisters site in Llangefni. Mr Drakeford said if the cases continue to head in the right direction over the next two weeks then the Cabinet will decide whether there is any "headroom for us to begin the process of lessening the current level of restrictions we all face". There will … "We would have to be certain that the improvement is reliable and sustainable for us to begin the journey of lifting the restrictions. Lockdown restrictions are announced for Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport. The UK Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme launches, offering half-price meals to diners during August. Hairdressers ad barber shops reopen for the first time in four months following the relaxation of social distancing measures in Wales. The First Minister and NHS Wales appealed to the Welsh public to download a new COVID Symptom Tracker app to help the NHS response to COVID-19 in Wales. In total, 217 coronavirus cases were found among the 560 staff. As many as 42 per cent of exam results were below predictions. The health board paid tribute in the days that followed which was met with much sympathy by our readers. Wales' national lockdown - its third one to date - first came into effect on December 19. Our priority is to ensure that our frontline NHS health care workers are vaccinated as soon as possible. Dr Dai Hickman, a GP partner at Avenue Villa Surgery in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, said he isn't able to order any jabs until January 25. June 1: Primary age children in specific year groups are the first to return to school post lockdown. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. It is estimated that taken together, these at-risk groups represent around 99% of preventable deaths from Covid-19. Mr Drakeford told Sky: "We were due to get four batches of the Oxford vaccine into Wales this week. Here are some of the key dates for Wales since lockdown began: The nation hears from the Prime Minister that lockdown measures are coming into force. "Vaccination is lifesaving and, in this pandemic, it could be life-changing for all of us. Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised millions of pounds for the NHS doing laps of his garden before reaching 100-years-old, is knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle. Friday 19 June 2020, 4:45pm The First Minister announced a new set of regulations in Wales on Friday, including plans to reopen non-essential retail stores. This means that you can only leave your home for ‘essential’ reasons, such as shopping for food, working if you absolutely can’t do so from home or attending medical appointments. Also, the temporary Dragon's Heart Hospital opens at Cardiff's Principality Stadium to admit its first patients. The Leader publishes its first ‘Thank You to Key Workers’ feature piece, celebrating the efforts of local community members that continued to work in essential roles during the height of the pandemic. The education minister Kirsty Williams says that all state schools in Wales will reopen in September with limited social distancing for groups of pupils, but adults will have to maintain social distance regulations. To date, 150,000 have been given a vaccine, meaning there is still a long way to go. Government leaders and health officials alike are calling for the public to get their vaccine when appointments are offered to help stop further spread of the virus. This is the date the current lockdown legislation in England expires. Tributes were paid to Glan Clwyd nurse and dad-of-two Rizal Manalo, known as Zaldy to his friends and colleagues. The Welsh Government announces that A-level and GCSE results in Wales will be based on teachers' assessment. Mobile testing units are introduced in Hightown and Caia Park, Wrexham. People across Wales were asked to log their daily symptoms to help build a clearer picture of how the virus is affecting people. A second local lockdown is imposed in Wales – now in Rhondda Cynon Taf – which took effect the following day. Wales' coronavirus vaccine strategy, which was published last week, sets three key milestones. We want to do that as soon as it is safe to do so. "This is a welcome change from the very worrying position we were facing just before Christmas," he added. The Welsh Government also set out its programme for easing lockdown restrictions that included allowing retailers to reopen and lifting restrictions on outdoor sports. And when will restrictions be relaxed? The facility also closed for a two-week period for a deep clean. It stated people should stay at least 2m away from each other at all times, adding that individuals would only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes: • Shopping for basic necessities and supplies, which should be as infrequently as possible, • One form of exercise a day - for example, a run, walk or cycle - alone or with members of their household, • Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, and. "These milestones depend on Wales receiving regular supplies of the vaccine to match our ambitions," said Mr Gething. ", The autumn: All adults will be offered the vaccine. Indoor visits to care homes are permitted. The coronavirus outbreak at Wrexham Maelor Hospital was been declared closed, bringing the outbreak in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s East area to an end. The Welsh Government announces that the wearing of face coverings in shops and other indoor spaces will become compulsory. ", Mid-February: All healthcare staff and the most vulnerable offered a vaccine. An outbreak control team is set up to deal with the incident developing at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital which saw a spike in COVID cases admitted. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Time is of the essence. Pints are poured and meals are served as planned when lockdown restrictions eased across Wales to allow pubs and restaurants to open up the outdoor spaces to customers. Face coverings became mandatory on public transport in Wales. THIS CHRISTMAS only two families should meet in Wales, as First Minister Mark Drakeford has advised, as he brings in tougher restrictions. When is the next review of lockdown rules in Wales? All Welsh Ambulance Service staff and other emergency care staff, who have played a crucial role in this pandemic will receive the vaccine. When announcing the first steps in easing lockdown measures, First Minister Drakeford is expecting to say; "We are taking a phased approach to unlocking each sector – starting with schools. Everything you need to know about gyms, schools, travel and more Wales will go into a "short, sharp" national lockdown from Friday until 9 November. [Images: Public Health Wales]. On this day in Anglesey, the Two Sisters site had confirmed that the total number of infections stands at 200. Over the last week, local authorities have averaged 10,000 vaccinations a day and that work will gather pace throughout this month and February. But we all need to continue this effort. Campsites are permitted to reopen in Wales. Here, Miss Vogue’s advice on successfully navigating a first date in the second lockdown. January 29: Next review of lockdown restrictions in Wales The restrictions in place across Wales will be reviewed by the Welsh Government on January 29. … A Gannett Company. The anxious director said: “We are in a desperate predicament, with our residents in the highest priority coronavirus risk category, yet we are unable to access the lifesaving vaccinations they need. The difference in Wales and England's planned routes out of lockdown. Public Health Wales declare that "no evidence of widespread transmission" following testing results in Caia Park and Hightown. The Welsh Government announces that two households in Wales can form an "extended household" or “support bubble” from July 6. Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressing the nation about COVID-19. Lockdown rules in Wales have been reviewed every three weeks, with the previous announcement coming on Friday 19 February. However, the storage and transportation issues associated with the Pfizer vaccine, which must be stored at -70C means it is not as easy to transport compared to the Oxford equivalent to be approved. That is well below the peak in the second wave which reached more than 600 cases per 100,000. “Despite this, Public Health Wales still insisted on yet another round of testing and will not vaccinate residents until it is done, putting their welfare at serious risk. In Wales that equates to around 700,000 people. "We also want people to feel comfortable to be vaccinated and to do this as conveniently as possible, especially for those most at risk from the harms of coronavirus. "The sensible thing to do is to use the vaccine you've got over the period that you've got it for so that your system can absorb it, they can go on working, that you don't have people standing around with nothing to do.". We want people to come to Wales when the threat of coronavirus has passed.”. However, the dates for stages two to four are not set in stone, as four conditions must be met before proceeding to … HP10 9TY | 01676637 | Registered in England & Wales. We are asking the Welsh Government to stop sitting on supplies and get on with it.". Andy Treble sadly passed away on the Critical Care Unit on Wednesday, April 15 after testing positive for COVID-19. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here. We were told that we would be able to order from January 11 but then that was changed quite late last week. A second outbreak is declared in North Wales, this time in Wrexham at the Rowan Foods facility. The First Minister of Wales extends the lockdown restrictions for a further three weeks but with brings in some minor changes, allowing people to exercise outside more than once a day and gives local councils the green light to begin planning for the reopening of libraries and recycling centres. However, not all matters were made clear and caused some confusion for those living in devolved nations such as Wales where these rules did not apply. Guidance at the time included the ‘Stay Local’ rule – a legal requirement to remain within a five-mile distance of your home address unless there was a permissible reason to go further such as key working. Mark Drakeford announces further easing of the lockdown restrictions for Wales soon allowing the members of two households to meet up outdoors. While there is hope that restrictions may be eased as numbers continue to fall, there is a possibility that the current lockdown will be extended or measures may even be tightened further. explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. "I cannot stress enough, your local healthcare workforce are doing absolutely everything they can, and to them, I am immensely thankful. First Minister Mark Drakeford announces that small-scale outdoor theatre and sporting events involving audience of up to 100 will be trialled, with three events to initially take place including one at Flintshire’s Theatr Clwyd. Another key date in the Wales roadmap will be 22 March when non-essential retail will gradually start re-opening, along with garden centres. Over 1 million people in Wales have had at least one vaccine dose against COVID-19 - around 40% of Wales' adult population. March 8. They were to be open for all pupils, but only a third of students will be in school at any one time with the summer term extended by a week. People can be expected to be asked to attend either a mass or community centre, hospital, GP practice, pharmacy or mobile unit. Today also marks two weeks since Public Health Wales last reported a coronavirus-related death. WALES is set to lift its coronavirus lockdown from tomorrow – with barbers and schools to open next week. June 15: Non-essential retail is allowed to reopen following ‘COVID secure’ guidelines. But it looks like this date will be delayed into March. The restrictions in place across Wales will be reviewed by the Welsh Government on January 29. Subject to supply issues, Wales should expect every eligible adult to have received the coronavirus vaccine by the autumn. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. First Minister Mark Drakeford allows driving lessons to resume in Wales. On this day, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Wales is a beautiful country and attracts millions of visitors every year – but now is not the time for unnecessary journeys. A-level results are released to Welsh students and most were unhappy with the downgrading that swept across the country. Wales's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Frank Atherton confirms the 130,000 people shielding in Wales will no longer need to do so from August 16. First Minister Mark Drakeford added: “Everyone in Wales has an important part to play in helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus – we cannot do this without your help. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, stated on Feb 23 that loved ones may be able to hug each other from mid-May, although people must remain "cautious" until this date… "Frontline staff are risking their lives to help others - the priority must be to get the second dose administered to those who have received the first, and to accelerate first doses for all remaining vaccinations to ensure maximum protection for staff and patients. It was announced that the Welsh public will be asked to wear three-layer face covering in situations where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport. His comments were criticised for showing an apparent unwillingness to give out vaccines as soon as they are delivered. He said: "Instead of letting the practices have a small and steady supply from the off, every practice has to apply for stock. Where to meet Public transport is to be avoided right now, but if you and your date live within strolling distance of one another, a park is an ideal place to while away an afternoon – and more romantic than aimlessly walking the streets without a plan. Another marker set by the Welsh Government is to offer vaccinations to all those living or working inside care homes by the end of January. The first is for all care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care staff, everyone over 70 and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable to be offered vaccination by mid-February. "A mix of vaccination sites and centres have been selected to ensure everyone across the country has equal access to vaccination. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. The First Minister has outlined how Wales is going to begin reopening after a strict lockdown that has been in effect since before Christmas.