The last lockdown started in Wales just before Christmas, meaning many sectors lost out on festive trade
Now restrictions are easing, the extension is designed to give stricken businesses "breathing space" to recover their finances, in addition to 100% rates relief scheme for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses for the full 12 months of this financial year. Mr Gething said: "The coronavirus pandemic has been a harrowing experience for us all, not least for businesses and their employees across Wales.He added the measures would "kick-start a strong Welsh recovery, post-pandemic".
Ben Francis, who oversees policy for business body FSB Wales, said: "This announcement will be a big relief for many anxious small business tenants who have been dealing with a huge amount of disruption over the last 15 months. Many will have had no opportunity to raise any revenue, as they have been unable to use their premises for a prolonged period.
"We're pleased to see the moratorium will provide further breathing room for small firms, however, clearly a longer-term solution needs to be brought forward."