Summary

  • Guidance on the reopening of schools in Wales from 29 June is published by the Welsh Government

  • Economy Minister Ken Skates says he would “absolutely” like to see non-essential shops reopen if coronavirus statistics continue to fall on 22 June

  • Patients with dementia, difficulty understanding English or other communication problems should be allowed a family member with them while in hospital, it has been argued

  • Calls for Wales' housing market to "cautiously reopen" have been made to the Welsh Government after an 11-week hiatus during the coronavirus lockdown

  • The Welsh Government has recommended people wear "non-medical face coverings" in situations where social-distancing isn't possible, such as public transport

  • Nine more people have died with coronavirus in Wales, bringing the official Public Health Wales (PHW) total to 1,419

  1. Goodbyepublished at 16:58 BST 10 June 2020

    That's it for today's live page coverage of the response to the coronavirus crisis in Wales. We'll be back from 07:00 BST tomorrow with all the latest on the pandemic.

    Here's a recap of the main developments today:

    Click here for coverage of coronavirus developments around the world.

  2. Wales boss optimistic women's football will regain momentumpublished at 16:52 BST 10 June 2020

    Jayne LudlowImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

    Wales Women manager Jayne Ludlow is optimistic the suspension of women's football due to the Covid-19 virus will not halt the growth of the game.

    Earlier this week former England striker Kelly Smith said women's football had been "pushed aside" during the pandemic.

    Ludlow, 41, says clubs will have to "tighten their belts" but is hopeful women's football will regain its momentum.

    "For me the women's game still has lots of growing to do on and off the pitch," said Ludlow.

    "The bigger picture is changing. There is more interest in the game. It is becoming more of the environment I would have hoped for when I was a young player."

    And Ludlow believes the game will recover because its roots are now much stronger and attitudes have altered.

    "It is the norm now for females to play the game, you don't have to put up with the prejudices. That is the game-changer," she said.

  3. Time for couples separated by lockdown to reunite?published at 16:42 BST 10 June 2020

    Conservative member of the Senedd Suzy Davies has suggested letting couples who locked down separately to reunite.

    She tweeted the Welsh Government, adding it could be "subject to a period of self-isolation if really necessary".

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  4. 'More support needed for home learning'published at 16:31 BST 10 June 2020

    Sally Holland

    Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Professor Sally Holland, has welcomed the Welsh Government's clarity on how pupils will return to school.

    Guidance on schools reopening from 29 June was published by the Welsh Government on Wednesday, including recommendations on social distancing and travel.

    Prof Holland particularly welcomed the emphasis on pupils’ wellbeing, but has called for more support with home learning.

    “Some parents and some children are concerned about physically returning to school premises later this month," said Prof Holland.

    "What I welcome is the flexibility the minister has offered for families to decide what’s best for them.

    "What I am concerned about is that when discussing the fundamentally important issues of health and safety, children’s wider needs can get lost in the debate.

    "We need to remember that wellbeing is core to children’s health too, and I would urge that here in Wales we ensure that our schools are welcoming and nurturing places to return to.

    “Despite today’s focus on school buildings it is clear that the majority of children’s learning this term, and possibly well into next term too, will take place at home due to the need to limit numbers in school buildings and the fact that some children won’t attend at all for health or other reasons."

  5. Newport County asks fans to consider waiving refundspublished at 16:16 BST 10 June 2020

    Newport CountyImage source, Getty Images

    Newport County has asked season ticket holders to help the club financially by not seeking refunds for cancelled fixtures.

    League Two clubs voted unanimously on 9 June to conclude the campaign which was suspended in March due to coronavirus.

    Newport had 10 remaining games, with four sides due to visit Rodney Parade.

    The club, which has furloughed the majority of staff, is also asking individual match ticket holders to consider waiving a possible refund.

    "The club appreciates season ticket holders for 2019-20 will miss four home matches as a result of the decision to end the season," read a statement.

    "However, season ticket holders will be aware the savings received for purchasing a season ticket compared to buying a match day ticket for each home fixture amount to more than four 'free' matches a season.

    "With this in mind, and with finances uncertain for all professional football clubs ahead of decisions regarding the 2020-21 season, the club would hope season ticket holders do not feel the need to request refunds."

  6. Sheen to star in lockdown comedy via Zoompublished at 16:07 BST 10 June 2020

    Michael SheenImage source, Getty Images

    Actors Michael Sheen and David Tennant are to play themselves in a six-part comedy made from their homes during lockdown.

    They play exaggerated versions of themselves as two actors who are forced to rehearse an upcoming play on Zoom due to the pandemic.

    Sheen, who grew up in Port Talbot, said: "What can I tell you about the show? Well, it's about two young, plucky, upcoming actors David and Michael. We play ourselves - David Tennant and myself - we’re the best casting for it.

    "The premise is that we were going to be doing a play together. Then lockdown happened and the director of the play, Simon, who also plays himself, wants to try and keep things going whilst we're in lockdown and puts forward the idea that we can rehearse using video calls.

    "Then when lockdown finishes we'll be ready to go into a theatre before anyone else. That idea goes down better with David than it does with me. The rest of the episodes are about how that plays itself out."

    Staged starts on BBC One at 22.45 BST tonight.

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  7. Dragon's Heart Hospital no longer receiving patientspublished at 15:56 BST 10 June 2020

    The Dragon's Heart HospitalImage source, CVUHB

    The field hospital at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff is no longer receiving patients, although it will remain on standby in case there is a surge in Covid-19 cases.

    The Dragon’s Heart Hospital was opened in April to assist the NHS during the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

    “As of 8 June Cardiff and Vale University Health Board will be utilising the capacity at its main hospital sites for Covid-19 patients,” said Cardiff and Vale UHB chief executive Len Richards.

    “The Dragon’s Heart Hospital sites will still be retained and will be available to admit patients should a surge in capacity be required.

    “This is in line with normal NHS operational bed occupancy plans, to ensure efficiency of services and workforce, particularly with the onset of winter planning already initiated.

    “We are following the modelling and trajectory of the virus to ensure that should we see a further spike, we will be able to respond quickly and seamlessly to support patients and their families, providing them with the care and treatment required in tackling but also recovering from the virus.”

    The 2,000-bed hospital was set up to care for patients coming to the end of their treatment for Covid-19 and for end-of-life palliative care.

    Mr Richards said the “success story” of the hospital is that it has not been used to full capacity.

    “This is thanks to the communities of south Wales who have all played their part in mitigating the spread of the virus,” he added.

  8. Returning to school could be ‘frightening’ for pupilspublished at 15:44 BST 10 June 2020

    Tim Newbould, head teacher at Ysgol Penycae in Wrexham, said the new Welsh Government guidance on reopening schools “seems to be putting the child at the centre of the plans“.

    “This could be a frightening experience for some children so we really do need to get this right,” he said.

    “With social distancing, we knew that… children will forget, particularly the younger children. They would need constant reminders.”

    Ysgol PenycaeImage source, Google
    Image caption,

    Tim Newbould is head teacher at Ysgol Penycae in Wrexham

  9. 'I'm not looking to fine anyone'published at 15:29 BST 10 June 2020

    Education Minister Kirsty Williams has taken to Twitter to answer parents' questions about schools being reopened to all children from 29 June.

    On questions about whether children will be required to go to school, the minister said she was not “not looking to fine anyone”, external who chose to keep their children home.

    In response to a question about whether teaching staff living with someone who is vulnerable and shielding from coronavirus should attend school, Ms Williams tweeted, external: "They should only attend a school or setting where they can adhere to social distancing."

    In a separate tweet, external, the minister said: "We will continue to monitor the evolving science, public health advice and what is happening in other countries during the next three weeks and beyond."

    Kirsty Williams
  10. What do parents think about schools reopening?published at 15:14 BST 10 June 2020

    Iona James with her familyImage source, Family photo
    Image caption,

    Parent and teaching assistant Iona James with her family

    “I’m happy for both to return – one day a week is fine,” says mother-of-two Iona James from Cardiff, a teaching assistant at Pwll Coch Welsh medium primary school.

    Her 10-year-old daughter Mabli is a pupil at the school, and 12-year-old son Macsen attends Welsh medium secondary Plasmawr.

    “With class sizes smaller I think it’s possible to maintain social distancing," she said following the publication of back-to-school advice.

    “It’s my daughter’s last year at primary school so I decided that she would go back.

    “Staying in the classroom is better because you don’t want them to be moving around the school and bumping into other children.

    “They can catch up with teachers and plan for remote learning at home. It’s good for their mental health too to see their friends again.”

  11. 'Logistical issues to sort out'published at 15:06 BST 10 June 2020

    Union NEU Cymru has welcomed the new guidance on schools reopening to all pupils from 29 June, although it said there were still “logistical issues to sort out”.

    "It is well known we would have preferred September for wider opening,” said Wales secretary David Evans.

    The summer term has been extended by one week to 27 July, and the autumn half term holiday will be stretched to two weeks.

    Mr Evans said: “It is extremely welcome that education professionals are not expected to provide support for key worker children over the summer.

    “The local authorities are well placed to provide arrangements to ensure that our key workers, such as carers and NHS workers, can be supported to provide essential services.“

    NAHT Cymru president Ruth Davies said: “Our preference was for a Year 5/6 return but we are supportive overall of the government’s endeavours and appreciate the flexibility within its statement to allow school leaders to plan a return which is “phased” and “over time”.

  12. Back to school: Got a question for the minister?published at 14:51 BST 10 June 2020

    Education Minister Kirsty Williams is taking questions on Twitter after publishing advice today on reopening schools to all pupils.

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  13. Unions critical of reopening schoolspublished at 14:40 BST 10 June 2020

    Unions have been giving their reaction to the Welsh Government publishing guidance on reopening schools from 29 June.

    Unison Cymru's lead officer for schools Rosie Lewis said: "Schools only have two and half weeks to digest this operational guidance and put plans in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the workforce and pupils across Wales, and we are far from convinced this is long enough.

    "Frankly, we should never have been in a position where a date for schools opening was announced ahead of the guidance being published."

    She said a number of Wales’ 22 local authorities had already been taking matters into their own hands which created the prospect of "22 different varieties of returning to schools across Wales".

    Neil Butler, NASUWT national official for Wales, said the guidance was not firm enough in directing schools and local authorities to adopt safe working practices.

    "If they cannot even ensure that schools are getting these basic steps right then the Welsh Government cannot continue with its plans for wider reopening," he said.

  14. PPE not routinely needed by pupils, says guidancepublished at 14:32 BST 10 June 2020

    Pupils’ arrival and departure times as well as lunchtimes and breaks should be staggered when schools return on 29 June in Wales.

    Guidance, external published by the Welsh Government also states that personal protective equipment (PPE) is not required for “routine educational activities”.

    But it goes on to say that some protection should be worn if any pupil displays symptoms or when providing intimate care.

    Only around a third of pupils will be allowed at any one time but it is aimed at letting them prepare for September.

    The guidance says schools should consider bringing groups in for longer blocks of time with at least a week’s interval in between, rather than several shorter slots over four weeks.

    It says, where possible, parents should travel with children to and from school, ideally on foot, bike or scooter, avoiding public transport where possible.

    And it says local authorities should work with schools to determine the demand for school transport and try to meet the requirements.

    It calls for movement between rooms to be kept to a minimum.

    And it says school uniform can be worn but the main consideration is that clothes are easily-washable.

  15. North Wales health area still has highest number of casespublished at 14:24 BST 10 June 2020

    Today there were no new positive tests reported in 10 council areas of Wales.

    This includes none in the Swansea Bay and Powys health board areas.

    The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area, which covers north Wales, has the highest number of cases in Wales, with 3,022.

    The board reported 23 new cases today.

  16. What else does the guidance say on reopening schools?published at 14:16 BST 10 June 2020

    Outside learning, teaching small groups and pupils eating at their desks are among some of the measure schools should consider when reopening, according to new guidance.

    The Welsh Government’s document also says that there should be an increased focus on "wellbeing, play and outdoor learning" when pupils return.

    All children from all year groups are expected to be back in the classroom from 29 June.

    It says PPE is not required for “routine educational activities” but some protection should be worn if any pupil displays symptoms or when providing intimate care.

    And it says the chief medical officer’s advice on face coverings states it is a matter of personal choice.

  17. How many deaths with Covid-19 per day in Wales?published at 14:14 BST 10 June 2020

    A total of 1,419 people are confirmed to have died with coronavirus in Wales, according to Public Health Wales.

    The Cwm Taf health board area in south Wales has the highest number of deaths, with 307 people now having died after testing positive.

    The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is just behind with 303 deaths since the pandemic began in Wales.

    This graph shows the number of deaths by the day they occurred, rather than the day they were announced.

    Cumulative deaths in Wales from Covid-19
  18. Where are the confirmed Covid-19 deaths in Wales?published at 14:11 BST 10 June 2020

    Nine more people with coronavirus have died in Wales, according to Public Health Wales figures, taking the total to 1,419.

    These are where laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of coronavirus, and mostly involve deaths in hospital.

    The higher totals issued weekly by the Office for National Statistics include deaths in care homes and those where coronavirus is suspected but not necessarily confirmed.

    Map of where Covid-19 cases in Wales
  19. Guidance published on schools reopening in Walespublished at 14:06 BST 10 June 2020
    Breaking

    Classroom set up for social distancingImage source, Reuters

    Guidance on the reopening of schools in Wales from 29 June has been published by the Welsh Government.

    Only around a third of pupils would be allowed in school at any one time but it is aimed at giving them a chance to "check in, catch up, prepare for summer and September".

    It includes recommendations on social distancing and getting to and from school.

    But unions have expressed concern that there is not enough time to prepare.

    The guidance recognises that it is "not practicable" to expect primary pupils to maintain 2m social distancing but staff should however seek to ensure "some distancing" between learners.

    It suggests primary pupils are allowed to mix in groups of up to eight.

    But in secondary schools, pupils should keep to 2m distances and ideally when indoors, remain in the same room and avoid moving from room to room as they normally would.

    The guidance says teachers should not try to "catch up" on everything but have a clear focus on preparing learners to learn again, when there would be a blend of "'in school" and "out of school learning driven by a single curriculum".

    The summer term has been extended by one week to 27 July, and the autumn half-term holiday will be stretched to two weeks

  20. Nine further deaths with coronavirus in Walespublished at 13:59 BST 10 June 2020
    Breaking

    Nine more people have died with coronavirus in Wales, bringing the official Public Health Wales (PHW) total to 1,419.

    38 new cases were announced on Wednesday, bringing the total number of known cases to 14,518, according to PHW figures.

    But officials have warned the true figure will be much higher as not everyone with symptoms is tested.