FANS are being welcomed back into stadiums and outdoor events are restarting in Cardiff after Wales lifted more coronavirus restrictions on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The move will be especially welcomed by rugby fans, as it means they will be able to watch Wales\u2019 attempt to defend their Six Nations title in person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From January 21, all limits on the number of people who can take part in outdoor activities will be removed, and crowds will be allowed at sporting events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The changes are the latest step in the Welsh government\u2019s roadmap to Alert Level 0, with the next stage seeing nightclubs reopening and the rule of six in hospitality venues removed from January 28. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m very glad that fans are able to watch the games back in the stadium,\u201d said Wales fan Tom Moore, 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Welsh crowd is known worldwide and is a 16th man on the team – I think we would underperform without them.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ban on crowds at sporting events had led to fears that Wales\u2019 home games would have to be played in England<\/a>, a move that could have cost the Cardiff economy an estimated \u00a320 million<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other sporting events that have been in hibernation are also returning, with the JD Cymru League resuming <\/a>its programme in full today. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cardiff\u2019s Parkrun, a free community five kilometre run that has become a local hit<\/a>, will also be returning on Saturday<\/a> in Bute Park after being controversially called off while restrictions were in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe latest figures show we have passed the Omicron peak and we can continue to lift the Alert Level 2 protections as part of our careful and phased plan”, said Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are in this position thanks to the efforts of everyone in Wales and our fantastic vaccination programme. It is important that everyone continues to follow the rules and the guidance to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including taking up the offer of a booster vaccine if they haven\u2019t already done so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n