Covid Update – What Can I Do Now?

We haven’t had a Covid update on the blog for a while. What can and can’t you do now according to the rules? With more places being allowed to open up again, it’s time to have a round up of the situation as it is now (end of April 2021).

I ddarllen yr erthygl hon yn Gymraeg, clicia yma

What am I allowed to do according to Covid rules?

Cafes, restaurants and pubs open outside – With the summer ahead of us let’s hope for good weather until places can start serving inside again. With hospitality being closed for months, and with limited outside seating, it’s very likely that these places will be busy. Check if you need to book before going to avoid disappointment.

Outdoor visitor attractions – Been bored not being able to do anything? As there are no restrictions on travelling in the UK you can look for places to go and things to do. Check out what things are available in your local area (or another area) by asking people for recommendations or by searching an area in Things To Do on TripAdviser. When you’ve seen something you fancy, check out their webpage/Facebook page or call them to make sure they are open.

Meeting up with 5 others – The two household rule has now gone. Up to 6 people from 6 households can meet outdoors (children under 11 or carers don’t count as 1 of the 6)

Sports teams – If your team practices outdoors then there’s nothing to stop you from training.

What can’t I do according to Covid rules?

There are still quite a few things that are not open yet. But the Welsh Government has announced planned dates to reopen some of these.

3 May

• Two households can create a bubble that can meet indoors
• Leisure Centres and gyms with exercise classes and swimming lessons for up to 15 adults
• Group activities for children (like brownies etc.)
• Community centres

17 May

• Cafes, pubs and restaurants can open inside
• All tourist accommodation
• Soft play
• Cinemas, theatres and museums

All current and future relaxations of the rules are dependent on the numbers of Covid cases. It also depends on who will be in Government following the Senedd Elections on 6th May.

What can I do to help?

Lateral Flow Testing – If you’re at school, college, work etc. you may have been offered the opportunity to take lateral flow tests.  The LFT is a twice-weekly home testing kit to test for Covid, which can give results in 30 minutes. It’s great for those that aren’t showing any symptoms as it can help avoid spreading the virus unknowingly. It may feel a little bit uncomfortable, but it usually sounds a lot worse than it actually is. All the instructions you need are in the pack but this video also explains the process:

Wear a mask – You can’t go to indoor public spaces or use public transport without wearing a mask (age 12 upwards unless you have a valid reason). This means that students at secondary schools, colleges and Universities still have to wear masks in classrooms for now. When the rules change to allow indoor eating and drinking again, masks will need to be worn until you are seated.

Keep your hands clean – Use hand-sanitising stations and wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap when you can. This is still one of the best steps that helps to limit the spread of Covid.

Keep a social distance – Another effective way to stop the spread. It can be really hard sometimes to keep a 2-metre distance, but try your best to keep a distance when you can.

Get tested – If you’re showing symptoms then self isolate and get tested. Make sure you listen to all the advice and guidance that the NHS gives you.

For the latest Covid news visit the Welsh Government website.

If you’re showing symptoms check the NHS Wales Covid-19 Symptom Checker.

If you’re fed up, anxious, worried, have a question or just need to talk, Meic is here for you everyday between 8am and midnight, on the weekends and holidays too (even Christmas Day!)