Coronavirus: When will gyms in Wales get go-ahead to reopen?

Gyms have been shut in Wales since the start of lockdown

The Welsh Government is "very keen" to allow gyms to reopen, the first minister has said.

Mark Drakeford promised the sector an announcement on Friday.

Gyms have been shut in Wales since March, and although they can now offer services outdoors no date has been given for when they can fully restart.

"For lots of people going to the gym, having that bit of fitness is a really important part of their lives," Mr Drakeford said.

"We are very keen to be able to allow that sector to reopen."

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Speaking to Capital South Wales radio, the first minister added: "We know that coronavirus thrives in noisy places where people are expelling air, where it's hot and it's sweaty and all of that.

"We've been working hard with the gym sector over the last couple of weeks. I'll be making announcements on Friday."

Outdoor gyms were allowed to reopen in Wales earlier this month. The UK government gave the go ahead for indoor gyms on Monday.

Warning to holidaymakers

During the interview Mr Drakeford also warned holidaymakers to "just be careful" if they head abroad.

His government, together with the rest of the UK, implemented new quarantine rules for Spain earlier this week.

"Wales is a very good place to go on holiday," he added.

The first minister called for employers to take a "sympathetic view" to those who find themselves having to quarantine, "to allow people to work from home as much as possible" and "to be willing to go on supporting people otherwise".

Many of Wales lockdown rules have been slowly eased over the last few weeks