Coronavirus diary, Thursday 16 July

The move towards a more normal life is gathering momentum across the UK, with Wales with its wait and see policy on some health issues the most cautious. 

Conflicting advice on face masks has confused governments and public around the world.

Men in masks...

Mr Johnson and Mr Trump, who have both downplayed the benefits, have changed their mind, or at least conformed, after consistent advice from the World Health Organisation that has been followed by many countries.

Mr Mark Drakeford, still not convinced, is letting us decide for ourselves whether to wear them.

Even when wearing masks is made obligatory, as in shops in England from 24 July, there are many exemptions which cloud the issue.

Chancellor Sunak is emphasising the importance of people getting back to work and spending, to boost the tax returns which have hit a record low, but the first signs are not encouraging.

Too many people are not yet confident enough to leave their homes and go back to the office. 

Their hesitation has increased with the government's advice not to use public transport if possible. As a result, trains and buses, back to normal services, are almost empty.

Another reason for the stuttering start is that parents now have their children home for the holidays.

Two months after Mr Hancock, the Health Secretary for England, warned there would be no luxury holidays overseas this summer, the government has listed scores of countries we can now visit. It has not been a rush.

Too many people are being put off by the restrictions in their favourite resorts. 

Cardiff airport: brighter times ahead?

It is good to see Cardiff airport coming back to life. The Welsh government was criticised when it bought the airport but I think it was the correct decision. The few airports in Britain still run by local government are in trouble.

The largest, London Luton Airport, has been virtually shut dow, losing millions of pounds a month and forcing the council  to cut some of its public services.

Relief that at last holidays are back has been tempered by the fact that we are midway through summer and half the vital season has been lost. It could be a fatal blow for many businesses.