Welsh restaurants reopen following lockdown

Restaurants in Wales are reopening today following a 17-day firebreak lockdown that saw businesses shutter across the country in order to stop the sharp rise in Covid-19 infections.

As is currently the case in England, people in Wales were told to stay at home, while hospitality operators and other non-essential companies closed.

Groups of four people from different households can now meet inside or outside at restaurants - following standard Covid-19 social distancing and hygienic practices. 

First Minister Mark Drakeford told BBC Wales Breakfast the firebreak had aimed to "turn back the tide" of rising cases and hospital admissions, but the impact would not be visible for some weeks.

"I am confident we will see the impact of what we have done over the last 17 days in the weeks that now follow," he said.

"Although people can travel from today, the very clear message from the government is only travel if it's really necessary. 

"The fewer people we meet, the fewer journeys we all make, the more we work from home, the safer we will all be."