Coronavirus restrictions easing: How plans to relax lockdown measures in Scotland and Wales differ

People in Scotland and Wales can look forward to returning social freedoms in the coming days after politicians announced plans for the further easing of lockdown measures.

Restrictions are being lifted.

In Wales six people from different households will be able to meet outdoors from Saturday, while outdoor hospitality can reopen from Monday.

Meanwhile over in Scotland, cafes, beer gardens, shops and gyms are due to reopen on Monday.

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Here is an overview of the state of restrictions across the different parts of the UK:

– What is changing in Wales?

From Saturday, any six people can meet up outdoors, but meeting people from other households indoors is still not allowed unless in a limited number of circumstances.

Current rules allow up to six people – excluding children under 11 – to meet outside, but only from a maximum of two different households.

From Monday, pubs, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality businesses will be allowed to offer outdoor service again.

First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to confirm more relaxations of restrictions at a press conference on Friday.

The planned changes follow the earlier permitted return of close-contact services such as hairdressers, the reopening of non-essential shops, students going back to school and travel from Wales to the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Ireland being allowed.

– What lies further ahead for Wales?

Earlier this month, the Welsh government announced it would lift restrictions on indoor household mingling earlier than planned, on May 3 instead of May 10, following a better-than-expected drop in coronavirus cases.

The reopening of gyms and leisure centres has also been brought forward by a week to May 3.

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