28-1-22 - Further Covid-19 Update
Wales completes move to alert level zero
On Friday 28 January, Wales will complete the move to alert level zero. This means:
• Nightclubs can re-open.
• The general requirement of 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces will be removed.
• The rule of six 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. The Covid Pass will continue to be required to enter larger indoor events, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls.
• Working from home will remain important but it will no longer be a legal requirement.
• Businesses, employers and other organisations must continue to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus, which may include 2m social distancing or controlled entry.
Face-covering rules, which apply on public transport and in most public indoor places will remain in force after 28 January, with the exception of hospitality settings such as restaurants, pubs, cafes and nightclubs.
Everyone must also continue to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus but the Welsh Government has reduced the self-isolation period from seven to five full days.
People are advised to take two negative lateral flow tests 24 hours apart on days five and six. The self-isolation support scheme payment will return to the original rate of £500 for all those who are eligible.
The next three-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 10 February, when all the measures at alert level zero will be reviewed.
26-1-22 - Covid 19 Update
Self-isolation period reduced
People who test positive for Covid-19 will be able to leave self-isolation after 5 full days if they have 2 negative lateral flow tests, Health Minister Eluned Morgan today confirmed.
The 2 consecutive negative lateral flow tests must be taken on days 5 and 6 of the isolation period.
The changes are being made after a thorough examination of the evidence from Public Health Wales and bring Wales into line with changes made elsewhere in the UK.
They will come into effect from 28 January, at the same time as Wales is expected to complete the move to alert level 0.
A shorter self-isolation period will support public services and businesses by reducing pressures on the workforce through Covid-related staff absences.
Financial support through the Self-Isolation Support Scheme which will return to the original payment rate of £500 in recognition of the shorter isolation period. People who need support with essentials such as shopping and pharmacy goods will be able to access help through their local authority and voluntary organisations.
21-1-22 - Wales Golf Annoucement
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.
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.
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.
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.
IMPORTANT: 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 Welsh Government Review will take place on the 10th of February.