COVID Pass for events and nightclubs announced
People will have to show a NHS COVID Pass to enter nightclubs and attend events in Wales from next month, the First Minister announced today.
The measure is being introduced to help control the spread of coronavirus – cases are currently very high in Wales but the alert level will remain at zero for the next 3 weeks.
Announcing the outcome of the latest 3-week review of the coronavirus regulations, the First Minister today encouraged everyone to work from home whenever possible and to make sure they are fully vaccinated.
Awareness and enforcement of other key coronavirus protection measures, including face coverings in indoor public places and on public transport, will be increased.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"Across Wales, coronavirus cases have risen to very high levels over the summer as more people have been gathering and meeting. Tragically, more people are dying from this terrible virus.
"The very strong advice we have from our scientific advisers is to take early action to prevent infections increasing further.
"The last thing we want is further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again. That’s why we must take small but meaningful action now to control the spread of the virus and reduce the need for tougher measures later."
The requirement to show an NHS COVID Pass will come into force from 11 October. It will mean all over-18s will need to have a NHS COVID Pass to enter:
- Nightclubs
- Indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people, such as concerts or conventions
- Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people
- Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance
People who are fully vaccinated in Wales can already download the NHS COVID Pass to securely show and share their vaccine status. It also allows people to show they have had a negative lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"My message to you today is a simple but serious one – the pandemic is not over and we all need to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
"We have high levels of the virus in our communities and while our fantastic vaccination programme has helped stop thousands more people from becoming seriously ill or dying, the pressure on the NHS is increasing.
"We hope introducing the requirement to show a COVID Pass will help keep venues and events – many of which have only recently started trading again – open.
"Showing a COVID Pass is already part of our collective effort to keep businesses open with some major events, such as the successful Green Man Festival, using it. We will continue to work closely with all businesses affected to ensure a smooth introduction and operation of this system.
"We want to do everything we can to Keep Wales Safe as we head into the autumn."
COVID-19 booster vaccine roll out begins in Wales
Frontline NHS staff working in North Wales have become the first people in Wales to receive their COVID-19 booster vaccines, as the programme started in Wales 16 September.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan confirmed Wales has accepted the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) advice to offer all over 50s, frontline health and social care workers and people with underlying health conditions – people in priority groups one to nine – a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Booster vaccination for other adults will be considered by the JCVI at a later date.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
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.
|
