GYMS and leisure centres will reopen from May 10, first minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

The news follows the Welsh Government's earlier announcement that all non-essential retailers would be able to reopen from April 12.

Ahead of speaking at the Welsh Government press conference on Thursday, the first minister has outlined more details of how Wales will come out of lockdown.

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Mr Drakeford said: “Thanks to a real team effort across Wales, coronavirus cases remain stable, and the vaccination programme continues apace. As a result, the Welsh Government has the headroom to continue its careful, step-by-step approach to relaxing restrictions.

“The review we have concluded this week, means we can continue with our programme of further re-opening of the economy and loosening the restrictions in place.

“The sacrifices we have all made are having a positive effect in the battle against coronavirus. This last year has been incredibly difficult for all of us and again I want to thank everyone for their efforts.

“These efforts have allowed us to gradually ease the restrictions, to gradually introduce more elements of normal life.

“With the weather improving, with more opportunities to see family and friends, there are reasons for optimism. However, we can’t let our guard down yet. We all still need to be vigilant, we still need to do our part to keep this deadly disease at bay.”

Here are the key dates the first minister has set out:

Monday, April 12:

  • The full return of children to schools for face-to-face education, all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres, and university campus’ will be able to open for blended face-to-face/online learning for all students;
  • All remaining shops can reopen;
  • All remaining close contact services can open, including mobile services;
  • Travel restrictions on traveling into and out of Wales will be lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area (United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland) without a reasonable excuse, remain in place;
  • Viewings at wedding venues can resume by appointment;
  • Outdoor canvassing for elections can begin.

Monday, April 26:

  • Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, would be allowed to reopen;
  • Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain restricted.

Monday, May 3:

  • Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place;
  • Weddings receptions can take place outdoors, but will also be limited to 30 people.

Monday, May 10:

  • Gyms and leisure centres can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes;
  • Extended household will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors.

Monday, May 17:

  • Children’s indoor activities and community centres can reopen;
  • Organised indoor activities for adults, limited to a maximum of 15 people. This includes exercise classes.

After May 17:

  • Consider allowing indoor hospitality and remaining visitor accommodation to reopen ahead of the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May.

These dates, however, are subject to the public health situation at the time.

Earlier, the Welsh Government confirmed it is aiming for Wales to move fully into alert level three - meaning being fully out of lockdown - by May 17.

A small number of outdoor pilot events of between 200 and 1,000 people are being planned across the coming weeks. The Welsh Government has said these will build on the test events held last September.

They will include cultural and sports events across Wales, including a potential stadia event.

The Welsh Government is also working with the Muslim Council to consider how people can celebrate Eid at the end of Ramadan.