The number of new coronavirus cases across Wales continues to fall with just 50 cases recorded today as shops reopen after four months of lockdown.

50 new cases in Wales today with the rate of infection nationwide standing at 17.5 cases per 100,000 population.

No new deaths have been recorded in Wales today, leaving the total number of Covid-19 related fatalities at 5,531.

Gwynedd has recorded five new cases today with Carmarthenshire recording four; Powys, two and Pembrokeshire, one.

Ceredigion has for the second day running recorded no new case of the virus.

A raft of changes have come into effect today with shops being allowed to reopen and children returning to the classroom across Wales.

Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the Covid-19 outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “From today, a number of restrictions will be eased as the levels of positive cases continues to fall.

“All children will return to face-to-face education as well as all post-16 learners returning to further education. Training centres and university campuses will be able to open for blended face to face learning for all students.

“All remaining shops can reopen, and all close contact services - including mobile services - can resume.

“Viewings at wedding venues can resume by appointment, and outdoor canvassing for the upcoming elections can begin.

“In addition, travel restrictions on travelling into and out of Wales will be lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place.

“While this easing of restrictions following the declining number of positive cases is welcome, we would remind the general public that it Coronavirus is still circulating in our communities and a large number of people have not been fully vaccinated.

"It is therefore vital that people observe social distancing, where face coverings when in indoor spaces, and wash hands regularly. These actions will help to prevent transmission of the virus.

“As schools return please do not send your child to school if they are unwell, even if you are not sure if they have Coronavirus.

“When you take your child to school, always keep your distance from other parents, wear a face covering, and don’t stay around and chat. Please don’t invite other children or their parents to your home to play or stay indoors, even if they are in the same bubble at school. We need to continue to limit the numbers of people we meet socially to minimise spread of the virus.

“Welsh Government restrictions state that you should not go into any other household or mix indoors with other people who you don’t live with. Currently a maximum of six people from two households can meet outdoors, including in private gardens.

“Please continue to work from home if at all possible.

“Welsh Government also announced last week that gyms and leisure centres will be able to open from 3 May - instead of 10 May - while two households can ‘bubble up’ to meet indoors from the same date. Wedding receptions outdoors for up to 30 people will be allowed from 26 April, also moving forward a week.

“This week the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency and Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation provided an update on the Oxford AstraZenca vaccine following reports of an extremely rare and specific type of blood clot following vaccination.

“The AstraZeneca vaccine remains safe and effective and has already saved thousands of lives. Those who have received a first dose of the vaccine, should continue to receive a second dose.

“The risk benefit remains strongly in favour of vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine for those aged 30 and over, and those aged under 30 who have underlying health conditions which puts them at higher risk of severe outcomes from coronavirus infection. However, adults aged 18 to 29 years old who do not have underlying health conditions will now be offered an alternative vaccine.”