We’ll see some further changes over the next few days, as the cautious easing of restrictions in Wales continues.
After months of strict lockdown, it feels great to be able to do more of the things we used to (and probably took for granted). But we need to stay safe and do things carefully.
We want to thank everyone in Wrexham for their efforts in fighting the virus. It’s been a hard winter and it’s good that summer is now approaching and we can all feel more positive.
But we need to keep working together to keep Wrexham safe.
There are two big changes next week relating to schools and non-essential shopping…
Back to school
Schools in Wrexham and the rest of Wales will reopen to all children – both primary and secondary – this Monday, April 12.
Some schools will have teacher training days next week, but will let parents know if this is the case.
If you’re a parent, please avoid car-sharing, and please don’t hang around at the school gates.
These two simple things can make a big difference.
Shopping in Wrexham
Wrexham town centre will re-open for non-essential shopping this Monday.
This includes the outdoor Monday Market, the indoor General and Butchers markets, and the market and food court (take-away only) at Ty Pawb.
When you come into town to support local businesses, please stick to social distancing, use hand sanitiser in shops, and wear a face mask unless you’re exempt.
Our social distancing champions will be out and about, providing help and assistance.
Apart from the multi-storey at Ty Pawb, all council-managed car parks in the town centre are still free after 11am (although time-limits still apply in short-stay car parks).
Traders ready to welcome visitors back to town centre (12.04.21)
Key dates and changes
Here’s a quick summary of key changes in Wrexham over the next few days…
Saturday, April 10
- Weekend bookings no longer needed at Brymbo Recycling Centre.
Monday, April 12
- All children back in school.
- Wrexham town centre reopens for non-essential retail.
- Wrexham Bus Station concourse reopens (in line with increased bus services along some routes).
- Public toilets at the bus station reopen (toilets at Henblas Street also remain open).
- Cross-border travel between Wales and England is permitted for non-essential reasons.
Last night, Welsh Government also confirmed that some other planned changes will be brought forward.
The planned opening date for organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions will be brought forward to Monday, April 26 (instead of May 3).
And from Monday, May 3 – a week earlier than previously signalled – gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities will be able to reopen for individual or one-to-one training. Extended households will also be allowed again, enabling two households to meet and have contact indoors.
As we continue to carefully lift some restrictions in Wales, please keep following the basics ????
— Welsh Government #KeepWalesSafe (@WelshGovernment) April 6, 2021
Restrictions in Wales and England
From Monday, April 12, you’ll be able to travel in and out of Wales – across the Wales-England border – without restrictions.
Some things will be the same on both sides of the border. For example, non-essential shopping will reopen in both England and Wales.
But some things will be different, and are worth noting to avoid confusion.
The two most notable differences are:
- Gyms and leisure centres in England will reopen, but will remain closed for the time-being in Wales.
- Pubs and restaurants in England will be able to serve food and alcohol outdoors, but will remain closed for now in Wales.
If you do travel over the border, please make sure you understand the rules in both Wales and England.
Coronavirus where you live
Wrexham as a whole is now seventh in Wales, with 22.1 cases per 100k population on a seven-day rolling basis.
If you want to check the figures where you live, visit the Public Health Wales data dashboard and click on the ‘MSOA’ tab.
Vaccination update
Nearly half a million vaccinations have been administered in North Wales.
Over the past few months, the rollout has been focussed on offering first doses to people in Priority Groups 1-9 (aged 50+ or aged 16+ with underlying health conditions), and the local health board is determined not to leave anyone behind.
Aged 65+?
If you’re in Priority Groups 1-5 (aged 65+ or clinically extremely vulnerable) and you haven’t been able to attend an appointment yet, please call the Covid-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004.
Aged 50-64?
If you’re in Priority Groups 6-9 (aged 50-64) and haven’t been able to attend an appointment yet, the health board will be in touch to offer you another one.
Please be patient and don’t contact your GP or the Covid-19 Vaccination Contact Centre unless you need to cancel or change an existing appointment.
Aged 40-49?
Invitations are now starting to go out to people in their forties, as the NHS works towards vaccinating the rest of the adult population before the end of July.
You can read more about the vaccination programme in North Wales on the local NHS health board website.
Have symptoms or identified as a ‘contact’?
If you have coronavirus symptoms – or you’re identified as a ‘contact’ by the Track, Trace and Protect service – please make sure you self-isolate and get a test.
It could be the most important thing you ever do.
Read more on the Welsh Government website.
If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, self-isolate immediately and book a test.
Don’t pop to the shop or go to work. Stay home and stop the spread.
➡️ https://t.co/hgWq6PkCOw pic.twitter.com/IOglTqxG1C
— Welsh Government #KeepWalesSafe (@WelshGovernment) April 8, 2021
Useful sources of information
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website – vaccination updates (North Wales)
- Welsh Government website – FAQs about current restrictions in Wales
- Public Health Wales website – regular statements
