PUBS in the Cardigan and Teifi Valley area are busy preparing to open outdoors from Monday, April 26.

Outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen next week, as cases of new Covid-19 infections continue to fall, First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed this week.

Brains and Marston’s pub operator has confirmed that the Ship Inn, Tresaith, and Saddlers Arms, Cardigan will reopen from Monday.

Ralph Findlay, Marston’s CEO, said plans are in place to make customers as safe and comfortable as possible.

“We are delighted many of our pubs and Brains’ pubs across Wales will reopen and teams can welcome back guests," he said.

"It is a challenging time, but we are excited to see friends and family reunite and enjoy going out once again.”

The new rules from Saturday will also allow six people (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) to meet outdoors.

People should observe social distancing from people from outside their household or support bubble when meeting others outside.

The rules for meeting indoors remain unchanged.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford said: “The public health context in Wales remains favourable, with cases falling and our vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength.

“Because meeting outdoors continues to be lower risk than meeting indoors, we are able to bring forward changes to allow any six people to meet outdoors.

“This will provide more opportunities for people, especially young people, to meet outdoors with their friends.

"This will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on people’s wellbeing."

He added: “I’m also pleased to confirm outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday, April 26.

“These changes will help the hospitality sector recover after a difficult 12 months.

“It is thanks to the continuing efforts of people across Wales we are able to introduce this change. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe.”

Based on the latest, April 19 figures, coronavirus cases increased by 24 in a week in the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, up to 15,950, with one extra death, up to 476.

Carmarthenshire saw 14 extra cases, up to 10,738, Pembrokeshire five, up to 3,445, and Ceredigion five, up to 1,767.

The total number of cases in Wales is now 210,925 with 5,540 deaths.

Across Wales, 1,692,463 have received a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine and 602,807 a second dose.

In Hywel Dda 263,001 vaccinations have been administered up until April 14, 21,857 in the last seven days.

In Carmarthenshire 95,973 first doses have been administered, and 26,523 second doses, Pembrokeshire has seen 66,657 first dose appointments and 18,008 second dose and in Ceredigion 37,212 first doses have been given as well as 10,648 second doses.