Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are reopening today in Wales as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

Organised children’s indoor activities and indoor adult fitness classes can also resume and two households can form an exclusive bubble to meet indoors.

The next review of restrictions is due by 13 May – a week after the Senedd elections on 6 May.

The current plan is for indoor hospitality and tourism accommodation to reopen from 17 May but this will need to be confirmed by whoever forms the next government.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said last week that the public health situation in Wales was continuing to improve and that the vaccination programme “remains a success”.

“Thanks to the efforts of people across Wales, we are in a position to further ease the restrictions, in the way we have previously signalled, to allow more elements of normal life to return.

“However, the virus has not gone away.

“We all still need to take those vitally important steps, that we are now all so familiar with, to protect ourselves and each other from this dreadful virus – by self-isolating if we have symptoms, by taking up the offer of a COVID vaccine, washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces, following social distancing rules, limiting the number of people we meet socially outdoors, and only meeting with those we live with indoors.

“By working together, by following these rules, the quicker we will return to normality. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe.”

Wales has case rates below 15 per 100,000 – the lowest level of infection in the UK.

It is third in the world in terms of vaccine delivery.

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