News Bulletin: No changes to Covid rules in Wales; ‘Diolch’ - Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, thanks tourism and hospitality industry, staff and visitors ahead of the bank holiday weekend

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27 August 2021


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No changes to Covid rules in Wales

First Minister Mark Drakeford is urging people in Wales to get vaccinated and keep taking familiar steps to help address rising coronavirus cases.

It comes as he confirms there will be no significant changes to Covid rules in this 21-day regulations cycle.

Three weeks ago Wales moved to Alert Level Zero. This removed legal restrictions on meeting others and enabled all businesses to open, while also keeping key legal protections in place. Face coverings are mandatory in most public settings, everyone must continue to isolate if they have Covid symptoms or a positive test result, and businesses must take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.

People are being urged to continue to take precautions to protect themselves and others and to stop the virus spreading. Cases have continued to increase and earlier this week the case rate passed 320 cases per 100,000 people.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“Over the last 18 months people have worked together to keep Wales safe. The need to do this is as strong as it has ever been.

“The number of cases is increasing and the public health position is worse than it was three weeks ago, when we moved into Alert Level Zero. It’s vital we all keep taking precautions to ensure the progress we have won is not lost.

“Getting vaccinated remains one of the very best defences we have. If you haven’t already then please take up the offer and join more than 2.1 million people in Wales who’ve had a full course to protect themselves and to protect others.

“There are also everyday steps each of us can take to keep each other safe. This may be meeting others outdoors instead of indoors, or keeping our distance from others when out. If you are with people indoors then opening a window to let fresh air into the room will mean the virus is less likely to spread. We are still asking people to work from home wherever possible.

“Actions like these will help stop the need for any stronger measures. The pandemic is still with us and that means we have to get vaccinated and continue to take precautions to keep the virus under control.”

While there are no substantive changes in this regulation cycle, some small amendments are being made to help simplify and clarify existing rules. This includes people attending wedding and civil partnership ceremonies no longer being legally required to wear a face covering, in line with the exception already in place for wedding receptions. The regulations will be reviewed again on 16 September.

Continued consideration of the case for the use of certification for entry into higher risk settings will be undertaken as part of the review. In the meantime the NHS Covid Pass is already available in Wales and allows people to get digital proof of their vaccination status, with businesses able to choose to use the pass as a condition of entry.


‘Diolch’ - Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, thanks tourism and hospitality industry, staff and visitors ahead of the bank holiday weekend

With the last summer bank holiday and end of school holidays approaching, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething has thanked everyone for their efforts in keeping Wales safe over the summer.

Amid increased customer demand from eased Covid-19 rules and more people choosing domestic holiday destinations this summer, Visit Wales' Addo campaign has been running since restrictions began to be lifted in March.

The campaign has encouraged the people of Wales and visitors to look after each other and to remain respectful of the countryside and the communities we visit.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said:

“We’ve all had a really important part to play to keep Wales, our visitors, workers and communities safe in what has been a very busy summer for the visitor economy in Wales.

“We want to thank everyone who has done their best to make sure that they have visited parts of Wales responsibly this summer.  As we head towards the last bank holiday weekend of the summer, we’re expecting many places to continue to be busy so please look for quieter locations, plan your visit, use park and ride services, follow the countryside code and treat each other and the places you visit with respect to ensure that everyone can have a fantastic bank holiday weekend.

“Those working in the visitor economy have gone the extra mile to ensure that guests have a memorable experience – they deserve our thanks – and also our respect during these busy times.

“Covid is still here and the rising cases is a reminder that we all still need to follow the simple rules to stop the spread of the virus. Wash your hands, keep your distance and wear face coverings where appropriate.

The Welsh Government has worked closely with a range of partners, including the national park and local authorities to help them plan carefully and safely, and put mitigation measures in place. 

Funding has been available to these authorities to support additional costs of managing increased visitor numbers. 


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.


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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