Phased easing of Covid restrictions to continue – First Minister
Wales will complete the move to alert level 0 on 28 January, First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed today, unless the public health situation changes for the worse.
He said the phased plan to gradually relax the alert level 2 measures and move back to alert level 0 will continue.
The latest public health data suggests Wales has passed the peak of the omicron wave and coronavirus cases are falling back to levels similar to those seen earlier in the autumn. There have also been reductions in the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital.
From Friday 21 January, Wales will move to alert level 0 for all outdoor activities.
This means:
- Crowds will be able to return to outdoor sporting events.
- There will be no limits on the number of people who can take part in outdoor activities and events.
- Outdoor hospitality will be able to operate without the additional measures required introduced in December, such as the rule of 6 and 2m social distancing
- The Covid Pass will continue to be required for entry to larger outdoor events attended by more than 4,000 people, if unseated, or 10,000 people when seated.
- The Covid Pass is required in all cinemas, theatres and concert halls which are currently open.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"The latest figures show we have passed the omicron peak and we can continue to lift the alert level two protections as part of our careful and phased plan.
"We will lift the limits on the number of people who can gather for outdoor events. We remain cautiously confident the public health situation is heading in the right direction and next week we will be able to complete the move to alert level 0, unless the situation changes for the worse.
"We are in this position thanks to the efforts of everyone in Wales and our fantastic vaccination programme. It is important that everyone continues to follow the rules and the guidance to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including taking up the offer of a booster vaccine if they haven’t already done so."
On Friday 28 January, Wales will complete the move to alert level 0.
This means:
- Nightclubs will re-open.
- Businesses, employers and other organisations must continue to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
- The general requirement of 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces will be removed.
- The rule of 6 will no longer apply to gatherings in regulated premises, such as hospitality, cinemas and theatres.
- Licensed premises will no longer need to only provide table service and collect contact details.
- Working from home will remain part of advice from the Welsh Government but it will no longer be a legal requirement.
The Covid Pass will continue to be required to enter larger indoor events, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls.
The self-isolation rules for everyone who tests positive for Covid and the face-covering rules, which apply in most public indoor places will remain in force after 28 January.
The next 3-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 10 February, when the Welsh Government will review all the measures at alert level 0.
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restriction) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (21 January 2022) | GOV.WALES.
There are no longer any restrictions in place on numbers when gathering anywhere outdoors, including in private gardens, public parks and beaches, outdoor areas of regulated premises or for outdoor activities and events. However you must still conduct a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to and spread of the virus.
Covid-19 Alert Levels
All alert level measures can be found at: COVID-19 alert levels | Sub-topic | GOV.WALES.
Updated UK Hospitality guidance is available here: Wales Guidance for Hospitality - UKHospitality.
COVID-19 SAFETY REMINDERS:
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.
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.
Sports fans return to outdoor events as Spectator Sports Fund is allocated
As restrictions for outdoor spectator sports move to alert level zero this weekend, the first phase of the Welsh Government’s £3 million Spectator Sports Fund is now being allocated, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has confirmed.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
Further details are available on: Written Statement: Spectator Sports Fund (21 January 2022) | 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
Take a look at our latest Visit Wales industry newsletters and bulletins: Tourism Newsletter/Bulletin | Business Wales (gov.wales)
These include the latest tourism industry news from Wales and information for the industry on Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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.
|
