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People asked to keep Wales safe as alert level 2 measures stay in place
First Minister Mark Drakeford has asked people to keep taking steps to protect each other and keep Wales safe from the wave of Omicron cases.
He has confirmed alert level 2 measures will stay in place in Wales following the outcome of the latest regulations review. Cases of coronavirus have risen sharply to their highest ever levels as the Omicron wave has surged across Wales in the post-Christmas period. The latest figures show there are more than 2,200 cases per 100,000 people in Wales. First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“The Omicron wave means we are all facing a difficult month ahead of us. We are already seeing extremely high case rates in communities and we must be prepared for cases to rise even higher, just as they have elsewhere in the UK. “This variant may not be as severe as we had initially feared but the speed at which it is travelling and its infectiousness continue to be cause for concern. “That makes it vital that we all take action to keep each other safe. The things which have helped to protect us all throughout the pandemic will continue to protect us now. “This includes getting vaccinated and making your booster a priority, limiting the number of people you meet who you don’t live with, and taking a lateral flow test before going out and mixing with others. “Together, we will keep each other safe and we will keep Wales safe.”
At alert level 2 people must:
- Wear a face covering (unless there is a reasonable excuse not to wear one) in all indoor public places, including when not seated in a pub, café or restaurant.
- Meet no more than five other people at a café, restaurant, pub or other public premises (unless with their household of a larger number). This applies to both outdoor and indoor areas of the premises.
- Work from home if they can.
- Self-isolate for seven days if they test positive for COVID-19. People should take a lateral flow test on day six and day seven. If either test is positive they should remain in isolation until two negative lateral flow tests or after day 10, whichever is sooner.
- Not take part in an organised event indoors of more than 30 people or outdoors for more than 50 people. All organised events must be organised by a responsible body and have a risk assessment.
People are also being encouraged to follow strengthened guidance to help them stay safe at home, this includes limiting the number of people they meet who they don’t live with, to flow before you go by taking a lateral flow test before going out, meeting people outdoors wherever possible and making sure indoor spaces are well ventilated.
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (7 January 2022) | GOV.WALES.
Alert level 2
The measures that apply at alert level 2:
COVID-19 SAFETY REMINDERS:
Reasonable Measures to Minimise Coronavirus
Advice for businesses and organisations about reasonable measures to take to minimise the risk of coronavirus can be found on Gov.Wales.
Includes information on ventilation, limiting capacity, preventing crowding, cleanliness, noise levels and helping Test, Trace and Protect.
Keep Wales Safe at Work
When considering what you need to do to keep your workforce safe at work, visit the Business Wales website for detailed guidance, examples and resources.
NHS COVID Pass: promotional pack
Information on how businesses and event organisers must check the COVID-19 status of their customers is available on Gov.Wales.
The NHS COVID Pass: promotional pack can be downloaded from Gov.Wales. Businesses are encouraged to display and share these posters, images and videos to promote and explain the NHS COVID Pass.
COVID-19 Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) Business Support
The ERF is targeted at businesses in the hospitality, leisure and attraction sectors and their supply chains who have been materially impacted by a greater than 60% reduction of turnover between 13th December 2021 and 14th February 2022.
Applications for this fund begin to open from week commencing 17 January 2022 and will remain open for two weeks.
You can find more details on the Business Wales website.
Written Statement: International Travel Changes
Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services (5 January 2022):
Due to the ongoing risks of coronavirus, including the recent and rapid emergence of the omicron variant, we continue to advise against all but essential international travel at this time.
Just a few weeks after its notification to the World Health Organisation, omicron has spread around the world and is now the dominant form of the virus in the UK.
In line with decisions being taken elsewhere in the UK, I have today reluctantly agreed to remove the requirements for fully vaccinated travellers and under 18s to take a pre departure test (PDT) and a day 2 PCR test when arriving in the UK.
All fully vaccinated travellers will need to take an LFD test at day 2 and, if positive, a follow-up PCR test to enable genomic sequencing to be carried out. The requirement to self-isolate until a negative test has been received has also been removed.
The requirements for non-vaccinated travellers remain unchanged.
These changes will begin to come into force from 4am on Friday 7 January. Lateral flow tests will be accepted as post-arrival tests from 4am on Sunday 9 January.
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.
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Stay up to date with tourism industry news
Coronavirus (COVID-19) related bulletins 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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