Press briefing begins.........
First Minister announces changes to lockdown
The First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced the changes to lockdown measures in Wales.
The changes
From next Monday, people from two different households will be able to meet up as long as they are outdoors, maintain social distancing, and follow hand-washing advice.
That five mile guidance - and Mr Drakeford stresses guidance, not regulation - will have to be applied carefully and sensibly by "people using their own judgement" in the different geography of Wales.
Mr Drakeford seems to be suggesting the guidance will be more flexible for more rural areas.
12:38pm
Cont
https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18483256.coronavirus-latest-first-minister-explains-easing-lockdown-rules-wales/This strikes me as contradictory ........... So after months of "shielding" it is considered safe for the carer, to meet others.
On the people who are shielding
Mr Drakeford said: "We have asked people to shield until the middle of June. We hope to be in a position in the second half of next week for the Chief Medical Officer giving them advice going forward.
"We are very aware of the struggles these people are going through.
"They have not been forgotten and remain part of our thinking."
12:56pm
and a bit later........
On living with people on the shielding list
He said: "People living with people on the shielding list are allowed to go out and meet other households under the new guidance. "
Mr Drakeford said they are continuing the guidance they have given to people in that situation.
"You would expect that person would think very carefully about they act," he said.
"It's not an invitation, we are not asking people to go out and meet other people.
"Please think about it, and the risks of meeting up.
"It remains the safest way to contact loved ones via telephone.
"This is for the next three weeks, and if we can do this well, we will have the headroom to ease the lockdown further.
"If everyone follows the guidance properly, we can do more for people who are not able to do things under Monday's guidance.
