Coronavirus: People shielding in Wales allowed outdoors from Monday

Vulnerable people in Wales who have been shielding from coronavirus can exercise outdoors from Monday.

They can also meet people from another household outdoors, as part of an easing of some restrictions for the wider community announced on Friday.

The advice also says they should not go into another house or share food.

Wales' chief medical officer said people shielding should "exercise at times that are less busy, so the risk of contact with others is reduced".

• How will children cope with social distancing?

• How do we protect care homes as lockdown eases?

Dr Frank Atherton said: "We have advised everyone in Wales to maintain social distance of two metres and keep good hygiene when meeting outdoors. For those who are shielding, strictly following these rules is vital."

From Monday, people will also be allowed to travel about five miles, with the message changing from "stay home" to "stay local".

It has been illegal for groups of more than two people to meet since lockdown began in March.

From Monday, the advice for those who have been shielding during the pandemic says:

• Outdoor exercise is unlimited, as long as individuals strictly follow social distancing rules and hygiene practices

• Those who are shielding can meet outside with people from another household - but should not go into another person's house or share food with them

It follows similar advice being issued to vulnerable people in England.

There are around 130,000 people in Wales who are currently shielding and all are due to receive a letter from the chief medical officer for Wales over the next fortnight setting out the next steps.

People enjoying the sunshine in Cardiff Bay on Saturday

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: "We recognise how challenging these last few months, with minimal face-to-face contact with others, has been.

"I am pleased that so many have been shielding so diligently - not only protecting themselves but also helping to protect our NHS."

It follows scientific advice on how the virus survives far less time in sunlight and the policy would continue to be reviewed.

Mr Gething said it was still really important to follow the rules, particularly regarding social distancing and that there were still significant restrictions for shielded people.

"Shielded people are still in the highest risk group and that's why the only restrictions being lifted are going outside to meet people at a distance, from one other household," Mr Gething told BBC Wales.

"We're still not saying shielded people should do their own shopping or attend a workplace."

• THE R NUMBER: What it means and why it matters

• LOOK-UP TOOL: How many cases in your area?

• EXERCISE: What are the guidelines on getting out?

• RECOVERY: How long does it take to get better?

• SCHOOLS: When will children be returning?

Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell said "questions must be asked on why the advice is changing for this extremely vulnerable group of people whilst the virus is still at the same rate of transmission as it was a few weeks ago".

"Letters should have been sent to keep shielding people updated weeks ago, so that they could prepare for any changes," she said.

And Darren Millar MS, Welsh Conservative spokesman for Covid Recovery, said: "While good news for some, this decision rubs salt into the wound for hundreds of thousands of less vulnerable people who still can't see their families because of the five-mile cruel rule."