Summary

  • Restrictions on travelling more than five miles in Wales will end on 6 July, if coronavirus rates are at a manageable level

  • Caravans and self-contained holiday units can reopen on 13 July if the outbreak gets no worse

  • Non-essential retailers can reopen on Monday if they can provide socially-distanced shopping

  • Anglesey council will not take part in the reopening of schools on 29 June due to a spike in Covid-19 cases

  • Several councils abandon plans to extend the school term by a week. citing the failure of ministers to reach agreement with trade unions on the idea

  1. Goodbyepublished at 19:05 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    That’s all from our live page coverage of coronavirus in Wales today.

    Here’s a recap of the main developments:

    • Restrictions on travelling more than five miles in Wales will end on 6 July, if coronavirus rates are at a manageable level
    • Caravans and self-contained holiday units can reopen on 13 July if the outbreak gets no worse
    • Non-essential retailers can reopen on Monday if they can provide socially-distanced shopping
    • Anglesey council will not take part in the reopening of schools on 29 June due to a spike in Covid-19 cases on the island
    • Several councils have abandoned plans to extend the school term by a week, citing the failure of ministers to reach agreement with trade unions on the idea

    Click here for continued coverage of the coronavirus pandemic around the world.

  2. Five-mile rule 'should have been scrapped' says Plaid Cymrupublished at 19:03 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    BBC Radio Wales

    Plaid Cymru's spokesperson for the economy said the five-mile travel rule should have been scrapped as part of today's easing of lockdown restrictions.

    First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that the current travel restrictions would be ended on 6 July, as long as coronavirus is still under control.

    Helen Mary Jones told BBC Radio Wales: "I know the first minister said the five-mile rule is just guidance but that's not how people are interpreting it - that five-mile rule really should have gone."

    With non-essential businesses able to open from Monday, Ms Jones said they urgently needed "more detailed advice about how they can open safely" and called for the furlough scheme to be extended for those worst hit.

  3. Archbishop of Wales praises return of private prayerspublished at 18:50 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    The Archbishop of Wales has welcomed the news that places of worship in Wales can reopen for private prayer from Monday.

    Although the Welsh Government announced an easing of lockdown restrictions today, all churches will remain closed for services, including weddings, funerals and baptisms.

    John Davies said: “We are grateful for the permission which has been given to open churches for private prayer where it is both safe and practical to do so.

    "This will bring spiritual comfort and support to many people, particularly in these tense and anxious days.

    "While we are still unable to hold services, it is a hopeful sign that we are coming though this pandemic.

    “We are very grateful to our clergy and volunteers who will now be working hard to ensure the churches that can open can do so safely by meeting our robust criteria.”

    Archbishop of Wales John DaviesImage source, The Church in Wales
  4. Several councils drop plan to extend school term by a weekpublished at 18:16 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Several councils in Wales have said they will not be extending the school summer term by a week as outlined in Welsh Government plans to see children back in classrooms from 29 June.

    Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, external, Newport, external and Wrexham, external are amongst the authorities who have confirmed term will end as planned on Friday 17 July.

    Monmouthshire said on social media that plans to extend term by a week had been abandoned due to the failure of ministers and trade unions to agree to the idea.

    Giving the same reason, Wrexham council said it was taking the decision not to extend term.

    "This isn’t something that can be left until the last minute, and it’s only fair – to staff, parents and pupils – that we make a decision for the whole of Wrexham now," the council said in a statement.

    However, Conwy county borough confirmed today it would extend term by a week, external to 27 July.

    The Welsh Government has been asked to comment.

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  5. Localised outbreaks 'a concern', says Public Health Walespublished at 17:36 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    The high number of Covid-19 cases found at two factories in Anglesey and Wrexham does not signify a worrying increase across north Wales, says Public Health Wales.

    But in an interview with BBC Wales, Covid-19 incident director Dr Giri Shankar said the confirmed cases at the 2 Sisters factory in Llangefni and the Rowan Foods factory in Wrexham were examples of localised outbreaks in clusters that "definitely are a concern".

    "That is why we want to take this very seriously and put in all the control measures that we possibly can to prevent a further rise in the number of cases," he said.

    The 2 Sisters plant - where 61 workers have tested positive for coronavirus - has been temporarily closed by the company, while Rowan Foods remains open after 38 staff were sent home after positive tests.

    Dr Shankar said officials from the Health and Safety Executive and Wrexham council were visiting the site to see if any further action should be taken.

  6. Summer term not extended for Monmouthshire childrenpublished at 17:24 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Schools in Monmouthshire will not extend their summer term for pupils when they return to class after the coronavirus lockdown.

    Children in the border county will only go back to school on 29 June to "check in" for the three weeks before the end of term on 17 July.

    It comes after a disagreement between the Welsh Government and teaching unions on whether the term can be extended to allow more time for children to catch up.

    Unions have raised concerns that extending the term to Monday 27 July causes major problems relating to staff contracts.

    "Ministers and Trade Unions have not reached agreement on the school term extending into the summer holiday period," Monmouthshire council tweeted, external.

    "Consequently schools in Wales will now open for 3 weeks rather than the 4 weeks we had all hoped and the school term will end on 17 July."

    A classroomImage source, Getty Images
  7. Anglesey schools will not open on 29 June as Covid cases risepublished at 17:09 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Anglesey schools will not open on 29 June, the date the Welsh Government wants children to start returning to the classroom.

    The county council decision has been taken in light of the recent increase in coronavirus cases on the island and the closure of the 2 Sisters plant in Llangefni, where 61 workers have tested positive.

    Council leader Llinos Medi said: “I have always emphasised that the health and safety of our children, staff and communities must come first.

    “The growing number of positive cases on the island and yesterday’s news about the 2 Sisters factory in Llangefni has created a great deal of uncertainty and concern on the island.

    “It is, of course, possible that we could see an increase in community transmission of the virus.

    "I am not, at present, willing to see classrooms reopened to Anglesey children.

    “Given the current uncertainty, I believe that this is the right course of action, and the best decision in respect of the safety of our children, all school staff and wider communities.”

    ClassroomImage source, Getty Images
  8. Business leaders say 'vigilance is key'published at 16:59 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Easing lockdown measures in Wales comes as a "relief" to businesses, but caution needs to be taken when reopening, says CBI Wales.

    First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed that non-essential retailers could open from Monday as part of the latest relaxation of restrictions.

    Outdoor tourist attractions and firms offering self-contained accommodation have been told they can prepare to open on 13 July.

    CBI Wales Director Ian Price said: “The publication of an indicative timetable for the reopening of non-essential retail and tourism, as well as proposals to end the five-mile rule, are hugely welcome.

    "This gives firms the opportunity to plan for reopening, while protecting staff and customers.

    “While in the early stages, vigilance is key. Firms recognise that health remains the number one priority and that timings may need to shift to prevent a potential second increase in transmission.”

  9. St David’s Centre adds new reopening safety measurespublished at 16:47 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    St David's Centre director James WaughImage source, St David's Centre
    Image caption,

    Centre director James Waugh said: “Safety is our highest priority."

    The St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff has introduced a number of additional health and safety measures to prepare for the reopening of non-essential retailers in Wales from Monday.

    The following measures have been introduced:

    • Hand sanitiser points will be located throughout the centre
    • A one-way system will be in place to ensure social distancing, and signs and floorstickers will be in place to remind shoppers
    • A queuing system will be introduced for entry and capacity will be limited
    • All centre staff will be provided with masks

    Centre director James Waugh said: “Safety is our highest priority.

    "We’ve been working hard to ensure we adhere to all government guidelines at St David’s and will be taking a robust approach to cleanliness and hygiene.

    "From this weekend, guests will be able to check which stores are open on our website, external and we will list FAQs there too.

    "We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests back on Monday.”

    Staff preparing to reopen St David's Centre in CardiffImage source, St David's Centre
  10. Nurseries chief concerned by 'very short notice' to reopenpublished at 16:32 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Nurseries in Wales should have been given more notice that they will be allowed to reopen fully from Monday, according to the chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association Cymru.

    First Minister Mark Drakeford announced an easing of lockdown restrictions today that included childcare providers.

    “Although this opportunity to accept more children will be welcomed by many nurseries, especially those who have been open only for key worker childcare, it really is very short notice," said Purnima Tanuku.

    “A great deal of planning and work needs to be done to prepare nurseries and their staff so that they can welcome children back into an environment that is familiar, but also as safe as it can be.

    "Giving providers just a weekend to get ready is not sufficient time, especially when nurseries were working towards reopening on 29 June."

    NurseryImage source, Reuters
  11. Holiday park boss fears it's too late to recover lossespublished at 16:22 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Tourism operators in Wales have welcomed the prospect of taking bookings for self-contained accommodation from 13 July, but one sector leader fears it could be too late to make up for lost income.

    Huw Pendleton, who runs three holiday parks in Pembrokeshire and is vice chair of the UK Holiday Parks Association, said businesses were "never going to recover that lost ground", after missing out on four bank holidays.

    "Up until yesterday, we still had people phoning to cancel bookings because they were going to go to England as they had dates and we didn't," he said.

    "So that was unfortunate given the news we've had today, but we've now got some light at the end of the tunnel.

    "It would have been great to have an indication of likely opening dates a bit earlier than we have had - to at least do what the other nations have done. They've had clarity a lot earlier than we have.

    "We've got a very short window now to try to recover some ground to enable us to survive the winter.

    "Winter is always bearable but having lost a large chunk of that summer season with two major bank holidays, this winter will be very challenging, no matter how good the summer is."

    Tenby, PembrokeshireImage source, Oksana Photo / Getty Images
  12. Army to assist with virus testing at Wrexham food factorypublished at 16:04 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    An army medical unit will arrive in Wrexham this evening to assist with the operation to test workers at a food factory for coronavirus.

    It was confirmed yesterday that Rowan Foods had 38 cases of Covid-19 among its staff, although the firm said there was aid there was "no clear evidence to suggest that there is a spread of the virus within the site".

    A meeting between PHW, the Health and Safety Executive and the local authority is taking place at the plant this afternoon, to decide if any further measures are needed.

    Rowan Foods, which is owned by Oscar Meyer Quality Foods, makes ready meals for companies including Aldi, Asda, and Sainsbury's.

    Rowan Foods, Wrexham
  13. When can I go on holiday in the UK?published at 15:50 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Person holding an ice cream on a UK beachImage source, Getty Images

    The chance of having a summer break abroad in 2020 seems remote - with the Foreign Office still warning against non-essential travel, and quarantine rules making many trips impractical.

    However, the holiday industry in parts of the UK looks set to start operating again during July, although guidelines and timings may differ across the four nations.

    Read our explainer here.

  14. Primark stores not reopening on Monday in Walespublished at 15:46 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Primark will not open any of its stores in Wales on Monday, despite non-essential businesses having been given the green light to reopen by the Welsh Government.

    The clothes store chain - which does not sell online - has started trading again in England and Northern Ireland, although stores in Scotland also remain shut for the time being.

    A Primark spokesperson said: “We are still working through our plans for reopening in Wales and can confirm that we have not announced an official reopening date.

    "Nothing matters more to us than the health and well-being of our employees and customers. That is why we will only reopen our stores in Wales once we are convinced that it is safe and right to do so.

    "We are closely following all safety advice from government and will treat this as the minimum standard across all our stores."

    Primark stores have reopened in England and Northern IrelandImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Primark stores have reopened in England and Northern Ireland

  15. Return of bowls welcomedpublished at 15:39 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    BowlsWales has welcomed news that the sport will be allowed to resume in Wales from Monday.

    “It is essential that we all continue to adhere to the government’s restrictions and keep ourselves and everyone else safe at all times," the organisation said in a statement.

    “We have developed our own set of guidelines to assist clubs and players on our return to the green and to ensure that we adhere to the continuing social distancing restrictions.”

    Action from a game of bowls in WalesImage source, Lawrence Hourahane
  16. First minister 'keen' to allow support bubblespublished at 15:19 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Support bubblesImage source, Getty Images

    First Minister Mark Drakeford has said he is “keen” to allow for household support "bubbles" in Wales and has promised to look at it at the start of next week.

    Wales is the last part of the UK not to allow single adults living alone - or single parents whose children are under 18 - to form a support bubble with one other household, with whom they can visit and stay overnight.

    During his press conference on Friday, Mr Drakeford suggested such arrangements could be allowed after the next review in three weeks.

    But in an interview with BBC Wales, he said he would not wait an “artificial” period of time to make the announcement.

    “We did work quite hard to see whether we could make that announcement part of this three-week review,” he said.

    “We don't need to wait three weeks to do it. We can announce it as soon as we think we have got everything in place.

    “I’m certainly keen to do it, which is why we'll concentrate on it next week."

    Mr Drakeford also said that Welsh Government advisers will look “carefully” at the UK government’s review of the two-metre social-distancing rule.

    “If their advice changes and it's safe to reduce the two-metre rule, and of course that's what we will do, but it's not safe enough at the moment,” he said.

    Support bubblesImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Such a change could allow people to visit relatives who live alone, such as a grandparent

  17. Daily Covid-19 death rate continues to fall in Walespublished at 15:10 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Another four people have died with coronavirus in WAles, taking the official Public Health Wales total to 1,475.

    This graph shows the total number of deaths by the day they occurred, rather than the day they were announced.

    The 7-day average continues to fall from its peak in mid-April.

    Graph showing number of Covid-19 deaths in Wales
  18. Elite athletes can resume trainingpublished at 15:01 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Elite athletes will be able to resume training in Wales following the latest Welsh Government review of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

    Only professional athletes in Wales had been permitted to restart activity under Wales' previous guidelines.

    From Monday, all Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls will be able to resume training.

    Outdoor sport courts can also reopen for all, providing social distancing is maintained.

    But contact or team sports below elite level is not permitted.

    Tennis will be able to resume in Wales having been allowed elsewhere in the United Kingdom since last month.

    However, there is no lifting of restrictions in terms of indoor sports facilities, including swimming pools, although this does not apply to elite level athletes.

    Outdoor sport courts can reopenImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Anyone for tennis? Outdoor sports courts in Wales can reopen on Monday

  19. Where in Wales people have died with Covid-19published at 14:53 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Four more people with coronavirus are reported to have died in Wales, taking the official total to 1,475.

    Public Health Wales (PHW) figures also showed there were 31 new cases reported, meaning 15,001 people have tested positive for Covid-19.

    The health board with the largest number of deaths of people confirmed to have had Covid-19 is Betsi Cadwaladr in north Wales.

    Map showing deaths in Wales with coronavirus by health board area
  20. Changes for shops, housing market and worship in Walespublished at 14:51 British Summer Time 19 June 2020

    Media caption,

    Coronavirus: Changes for shops, housing market and worship

    Wales' first minister has announced a lifting of restrictions for shops, the housing market, outdoor activities and worship.

    Mark Drakeford said from Monday retailers can open with social distancing measures in place.

    He also said private prayer could take place in places of worship and non-contact sports will be possible on outdoor courts.

    House viewings in vacant properties and home moves will also be allowed.