Coronavirus protections relaxed as cases fall
Wales will gradually begin to relax some of its remaining coronavirus protections as cases continue to fall, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.
From 18 February the legal requirement to show a COVID Pass to enter certain venues and events will be lifted and from 28 February face coverings will no longer need to be worn in all indoor public places.
The changes were confirmed today (Friday, 11 February), following the first three-week review of Wales’ alert level zero measures.
The latest results from the ONS Coronavirus Infection Survey suggest levels of infection have recently fallen, but community transmission rates remain relatively high in all parts of Wales.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has said:
“With increasing numbers of people vaccinated and boosted and thanks to the hard work and efforts of everyone across Wales, we are confident that coronavirus rates are falling and we can look forward to brighter times ahead.
“We can start to gradually and carefully remove some of the remaining protections we have in place at alert level zero. But we are not removing all the measures at once because the pandemic is not over yet.
“To keep Wales safe we need to remain cautious and do everything we can to reassure those who feel most at risk. We will keep some important protections in place, including face coverings in health and social care settings, on public transport and in all shops. We will also keep self-isolation rules in place.
“Next month, we will publish a plan setting out how we will move beyond alert level zero and the emergency footing on which we have been operating for nearly two years.
“This will help us all to make some plans for the future.”
From Friday 18 February, the domestic COVID Pass will no longer be required for entry into indoor or outdoor events and venues, including nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls. But events and venues will be able to continue to use it if they choose to.
The international COVID Pass will continue to be integral to arrangements for safer international travel. Travellers will need to check the relevant countries’ rules for entry, including any different requirements for children.
From Monday 28 February, the requirement to wear face coverings will be removed from most indoor public places, apart from in retail, public transport and health and care settings.
If the public health conditions continue to improve, the legal requirement to wear face coverings in all remaining settings could be lifted by the end of March.
Schools will return to using their local decision framework from 28 February and from 11 February the guidance will be updated to make it clear adults can remove their face coverings when they are interacting with babies and small children at baby and toddler groups.
The next three-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 3 March, when the remaining measures at alert level zero will be reviewed.
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (11 February 2022) | GOV.WALES.
COVID-19 UK Consumer sentiment tracker survey – Wales Profile
The latest COVID-19 Consumer Tracker Wales profile report has been published based on fieldwork Waves 40-42, covering early November 2021 to mid-January 2022.
Reflecting higher confidence and comfort levels, it shows UK and Wales residents anticipate taking significantly more overnight trips in the next 12 months, than the previous 12 months. Wales is eighth on the list of intended destinations for an overnight trip in Winter/Spring (and interest rises for trips in the latter part of this period), and third on the list for summer overnight trips.
View the report on: COVID-19 UK Tourism Consumer Tracker Survey (Wales profile): 4 November 2021 to 10 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.
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