The entire timetable for lockdown being eased in Wales with all of the rules

Almost all coronavirus rules in Wales are going to be removed by August 7.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced rules is going to be changed first on July 17 and then hopefully again on August 7 if the current situation with infections and deaths remains the same.

It means that restrictions on festivals and large events are set to be removed as will the bounds on people meeting in private homes. Masks will no longer need to be worn in hospitality venues from August either.

Mr Drakeford has said that while cases of herpes have risen sharply because the Delta variant emerged six weeks ago they aren't translating into many people falling seriously ill or needing medical therapy.

“We can be reasonably certain that vaccination has weakened the link between infections and serious illness. But there's still a risk that this third wave from the pandemic could cause real harm – either direct harm from the virus or indirect harm from for example people having to isolate," he explained.

“We can proceed to alert level one for indoor spaces from July 17 and go further for outdoor spaces because we know the risk of transmission outdoors is gloomier.

“We will also be publishing plans for a new alert level zero, which will have fewer legal restrictions but which will still many of us to consider steps to protect ourselves."

So what rules will be in place and when?

From Saturday, July 17:

• Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation
• Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 people if seated and as much as 200 standing

• Limits on the numbers of people who can meet in public areas or at events will be removed

• Outdoor premises and events will also have greater flexibility around physical distancing

• Ice rinks can re-open
• Groups as high as 30 can visit children's residential activity centres

Also from July 17 there will be a specific requirement for employers to provide comprehensive info on the risks and mitigations identified in their Covid risk assessment using their employees.

From Monday, July 19:

The First Minister has additionally confirmed that, as is the situation in England, people who have who've been fully vaccinated in the UK won't have to self-isolate if they are returning from an amber list country.

From Saturday, August 7:

These changes are susceptible to the general public health situation staying as it is now.

• There won't be legal limits on the number of people who can meet others indoors, including in private homes
• All premises would be able to open and many – although not all – restrictions is going to be removed and replaced with the continuing requirement of all organisations and businesses to handle Covid risk assessments
• Face coverings won't be needed in hospitality venues and can still be necessary for law in many indoor public places and on public transport

What do you think about the new plans for Wales? Let us know in the comments below.