Covid: 'Christmas Day' for families as Wales lifts travel ban

Wales has become the first UK nation to lift travel restrictions within its borders.

The "stay local" rule has been scrapped from Saturday in favour of unlimited travel within the country.

But travel outside Wales will not be allowed until a Welsh government review on Thursday, which could see it permitted from 12 April.

Tourism operators offering self-contained accommodation are expecting a busy weekend after a long lockdown.

Six people from two households are able to meet outside, an increase from the current four-person limit.

Organised outdoor activities and sports for under-18s can resume and libraries and archives can reopen their doors.

Rules also allow a limited opening of outdoor areas of some historical places and gardens.

Roads and beauty spots are expected to be busy, with police forces across Wales urging people to "play their part and follow the Welsh government regulations".

Stephanie Evans, transition director at Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, said it was prepared for "significant numbers of people" so there were extra staff at hotspots.

She advised people to maintain social distancing and have a plan B in case places were busy.

"If you're planning it then you can probably think your neighbours are planning it too, so just be very careful, try to disperse and try to avoid the busy places," she said.

Families said it felt "like Christmas Day" as they prepared to visit loved ones or to enjoy a much-needed trip away from home.

Ed Pugh, 55, and his wife Tracey, 56, have not seen their daughter Alys, 23, since December.

The couple are making the two-hour journey from their home in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, on Sunday to meet Alys for a walk on the beach near her home in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion.

"We're a close family... but in the last year we've hardly seen her at all, which has been really tough," said Mr Pugh.

"We can FaceTime each other, but it's not quite the same as sharing that space, enjoying her company, sitting down and having a meal together.

"We've all been responsible citizens. We've all played our part. We knew this day would come and it's been building up to it and thank God, here we are now. So Sunday's going to be like Christmas Day if I'm honest.

"I really can't wait. We've got all her Easter presents to bring her. She'll always be our little girl. It's going to be wonderful."

Kathryn Eastman said it was "exciting" to be able see brother, Peter, face-to-face for the first time in over year as he lives about seven miles from her home in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Ms Eastman, from Church Village, said the "last proper chat" they had was during a pub lunch in February last year, although they have seen each other at a distance when he was able to drive by.

"We get to see each other properly and chat," she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

She said she was also looking forward to be able to see close friends but said she was "not desperate to go back to crowds yet".

Mike Baroth, co-owner of White Wheat Caravan Park in Porthcawl, said he had received "lots of calls" from regulars wanting to turn up early on Saturday instead of the usual noon arrival time.

"We've just said turn up when you want to," he said.

For all the joyful reunions and increased freedom, there was a message of caution for those travelling.

Public health experts warned the easing of travel restrictions could lead to a "resurgence" of the community transition, despite more than a third of Wales' population getting at least their first Covid jab - especially with the school Easter holidays looming and warmer weather forecast.

"You'd expect people to go out and meet people, but everyone shares a responsibility of being cautious," said epidemiologist Dr Philip Anyanwu of Cardiff University.

He said the fact vaccine supplies could be delayed by gave him cause for "concern".

"Ideally vaccination should be increased or at least maintained around lockdown easing," he added.

"But reports of a shortage of vaccine supply coinciding with restrictions being lifted makes me worried if this is the right time to ease lockdown."

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "These further relaxations are part of our careful and phased approach to unlocking the restrictions and enabling people and businesses to resume their activities in the safest possible way.

"We're only able to do this because of the sacrifices everyone across Wales has made over the last few months - everything you are doing to keep your loved ones safe is also keeping Wales safe.

"The public health position remains stable - our incredible vaccination programme goes from strength to strength - we have headroom to make these changes."

Non-essential travel to and from other UK nations will be banned for at least two weeks under the remaining restrictions.

Transport for Wales urged people to follow guidelines, adhere to social distancing and plan their journeys in advance.

It also issued a reminder that there are still restrictions in place cross-border between Wales and England.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were working to "educate those living along the border on the regulations relevant to them", but would not be actively patrolling the border with England.

A Gwent Police spokesman said: "We're continuing to engage with our communities and explain the importance of keeping Wales safe and we ask that people play their part and follow the Welsh government regulations.

"We all have a part to play, we have been and will continue to take enforcement action against those who are blatantly flouting the rules."