Non-essential retail to reopen from 22 March in Wales

The "stay at home" order in Wales will be lifted and replaced with a "stay local" message from this weekend, allowing people to socialise outdoors in small groups.

The Welsh Government announced that from Monday 15 March hairdressers and barbers can reopen for appointments only, followed by a gradual easing of non-essential shopping and non-essential aisles in supermarkets from Monday 22 March.

All shops, including any close contact services, will be able to open from April 12, the same date as in England.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the easing of rules in Wales was the start of a "phased approach" out of lockdown.

Non-essential retail will be able to reopen from 26 April in Scotland, whilst the Northern Ireland Executive has not provided a fixed date, suggesting it would follow a data-driven exit rather than dates to work towards.

Businesses in Wales that have been affected by ongoing restrictions will be supported by an additional £150 million in grants from the Welsh Government.

Footfall across the UK is expected to jump +47.9% when non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality reopens, according to retail experts Springboard.