Wales moves to alert level zero
First Minister Mark Drakeford will urge everyone to continue to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as he confirms Wales will move to the new alert level zero on Saturday [August 7].
At alert level zero, all restrictions on meeting with others will be removed and all businesses will be able to open. But some important protections will continue to be in place to give everyone the confidence to enjoy the summer ahead.
These include:
- Everyone must continue to isolate for 10 days if they have Covid-19 symptoms or if they have a positive test result.
- Face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places in Wales, including on public transport, in shops and in healthcare settings. There will be exemptions for people who cannot wear them, as there are currently.
- All those responsible for premises open to the public and workplaces must carry out a Covid risk assessment and continue to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“Moving to alert level zero is another significant step forward for us all. For the first time since the pandemic started, all businesses will be able to open and all legal limits on meeting people in indoor private spaces will be removed.
“Alert level zero does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all. But it does mean we can all enjoy more freedoms with the confidence there are still important protections in place to make sure our public health is being safeguarded while we are out and about.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to work together to do everything we can to keep this virus under control – at alert level zero, everything we do will have an impact on this virus.
“Even if you have been fully vaccinated, meeting outside is safer than inside; let fresh air into indoor spaces, get tested even for mild symptoms, and self-isolate when you are required to do so.
“Continue to keep our distance when we are out and work from home whenever we can. Wear a face mask, especially in crowded places, on public transport, in shops and in health and social care settings.
“Taking responsibility and working together means we can all do the things we’ve missed the most. We’ve all got a reason to keep Wales safe.”
Wales will move to alert level zero at 6am on 7 August, following the latest review of the coronavirus regulations in Wales. At alert level zero:
- There will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events.
- Businesses which were required to be closed will be able to re-open. This includes nightclubs.
- Premises which are open to the public and workplaces will have more flexibility about which reasonable measures they take to minimise the risk of coronavirus. But these should be tailored to their risk assessment and their specific circumstances.
- Face coverings will not be a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served, but will continue to be required in most indoor public places.
Also on 7 August (from 00.01), adults who are fully vaccinated and children and young people under 18, will no longer need to isolate if they are identified as close contacts of someone who has coronavirus.
As confirmed in the First Minster’s announcement (5 August), Wales will move to alert level zero at 6am on 7 August.
At alert level zero, many of the legal requirements in tourism & hospitality settings have been removed. Carrying out a coronavirus risk assessment will continue to be a legal requirement for businesses, employers and event organisers, and they must take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
Full details are available in the Universal Guidance alert level 0: guidance for employers, businesses and organisations. Below is a summary of what this means for Tourism & Hospitality at alert level zero:
- All businesses and premises will be able to reopen, including nightclubs.
- No legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events.
- No legal requirement for 2m social distancing, table service or controlled entry and instead these are now some of the reasonable measures that a business should consider.
- Collecting details for Test, Trace, Protect in all businesses will also no longer be required by law and is instead a reasonable measure that should be considered as part of the risk assessment.
- A summary of other reasonable measures that businesses should consider as part of the risk assessment:
- Maximise ventilation;
- Where possible, take measures to ensure customers and staff can safely distance themselves from others and avoid crowding e.g. advanced booking, one way systems, limiting the number in confined areas (lifts, toilets, kitchens, break rooms etc.);
- Minimise touch points e.g. use apps;
- Maintain thorough cleaning and hygiene practices e.g. provide hand sanitisers;
- Clear signage throughout your premises.
- Face coverings must be worn in all public indoor places, with the exception of pubs, restaurants and cafes and education settings.
- If the primary purpose of your business is to serve food & drink (e.g. a restaurant, café or pub), the wearing of a face covering isn’t mandated at that premises, but should be considered in ‘pinch point’ areas, when queuing, in lifts and corridors etc. as part of a risk assessment.
- If your business is multi-purpose, with food & drink one of the many reasons for a visit (e.g. a hotel with a restaurant, an indoor attraction with a café, an events or conference centre with a restaurant, a cinema or theatre with a bar), face coverings must still be worn by staff and customers in all areas of the business apart from the specific areas where food & drink are consumed.
Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restriction) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020
A Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restriction) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 has also been made by Mark Drakeford MS today.
Useful COVID-19 information
As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance. This continues to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.
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Stay up to date with tourism industry news
We are committed to providing the support and assurance the business community needs during these unprecedented difficult times and have issued several Coronavirus (COVID-19) related bulletins which can be found on the Tourism Industry Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bulletins page.
Business Wales is providing businesses with tailored support and advice about dealing with coronavirus, from financial and supply chain planning to advice on staffing issues. We would advise Tourism businesses and stakeholders in Wales wanting specific guidance to visit the Business Wales website or call Business Wales helpline on 03000 6 03000, and to regularly visit the Public Health Wales website for up-to-date public health information for you, your staff and your visitors.
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