WALES is tightening their coronavirus lockdown measures even further to stop people staying outside for longer than they need to.
The Welsh government announced today it was cracking down on people lingering outdoors after going out for an essential reason.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Stay at home advice in Wales has been given an added requirement for people “not to leave or remain away” from their homes for too long.
They are still allowed to go out to get food or medicine, do exercise or essential work, but they can’t stay any longer than absolutely necessary.
It comes amid concerns more people are flouting lockdown rules as the weather warms up.
The Welsh government are also considering a fresh crackdown on people visiting their second homes, and they will be asking police if extra restrictions are needed.
Other rules have been formally relaxed, and “click and collect” services are now allowed to open as long as they can apply two metre social distancing rules.
People with particular health conditions or disabilities have also had rules relaxed so they can leave home for exercise more than once a day.
The changes will come into effect tomorrow, as First Minister Mark Drakeford gears up to follow Scotland’s lead by laying down a blueprint for Wales to leave lockdown.
Mr Drakeford will announce the country’s plan for exit later today with seven questions which will determine how and when measures can be relaxed.
Mr Drakeford said: “The restrictions are staying in place, which mean you must stay at home to save lives and protect the NHS.”
“Over the last few months, we have taken unprecedented steps to protect everyone, but particularly those most at risk from serious illness.
“This approach has helped the NHS prepare and cope with coronavirus and it has also helped to save many lives.
“The changes we are introducing supplement the rules already in force but they respond to some challenges being faced in parts of the country and by families throughout Wales.
“Our message has not changed – anyone can get coronavirus, anyone can spread it. So please, stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives.”
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers. The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM. No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here: www.thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal.
People rushed to B&Q after they opened all their stores today. Health Secretary Matt Hancock last night emphasized the importance of a “four nation” approach to easing lockdown restrictions.
He said Scotland’s plan was based off the UK Government’s five key tests that must be met before the lockdown can be relaxed.
The new measures come as Brits start to deal with “lockdown fatigue” and begin breaking social distancing measures by getting in cars and visiting parks.
Traffic on roads continues to rise with thousands of people keen to get out in the sunshine, and new figures show shopping is up 10 per cent.
Some stores have started to open back up, and stores such as B&Q attracted massive queues of people wanting to try their hand at DIY projects.
London’s Hyde Park was packed with young Brits exercising and relaxing in the sunshine, as temperatures soared up to 24C in the capital.
The Welsh government is concerned the warm weather will tempt more people to sneak away to second homes, and if police forces think existing measures need to be strengthened the Welsh government is expected to do so.
Downing Street has continually refused to set out its own exit strategy over concerns it could “muddy the water” and distract people from the stay at home advice.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
