The Welsh Government First Minister Mark Drakeford has set out plans for Wales to move to Alert Level 0 in August by relaxing some – but not all – Covid-19 restrictions.
This follows plans outlined by the UK Government earlier this week that will be in force in England only from 19 July.
Key differences centre around the use of facemasks, and the number of people able to meet indoors.
Changes in Wales from 17 July
In Wales, some changes will come into effect on 17 July and these will see up to six people able to meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
There’ll be no change in the rules around face-masks in Wales for the time-being
This differs to England, where – from 19 July – there will be no limit on the number of people who can meet indoors and face-masks will no longer be mandatory.
In Wales, organised indoor events will be able to take place for up to 1,000 people seated and up to 200 standing, and ice rinks will be able to reopen.
Nightclubs in Wales will remain closed for the moment.
Proposed changes in Wales from 7 August
If all goes well, Wales will move to Alert Level 0 from 7 August, when all premises will be able to open (including nightclubs) and most – but not all – restrictions will be removed.
There will be no limits on the number of people who can meet indoors, including in private homes. However, it will still be a legal requirement to wear a face mask indoors in shops and other indoor public spaces, except for hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants.
Some venues might still have to restrict numbers, based on the risk assessments that all premises will need to undertake.
Respect the differences
In a joint statement, Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire Councils call on residents to be aware of the differences:
“The changes in restrictions follow the success of the vaccination programme, which has weakened the link between infections, serious illness and hospitalisation in both Wales and England. Thanks to vaccination, the number of people ending up seriously ill or in hospital remains low at the moment.
“However, the Delta variant continues to spread and the virus still poses a serious risk to health. We’re also seeing young, fit people suffering from long-Covid, which is having a major impact of their lives.
“Everyone living, working and visiting Wales is asked to respect the difference in restrictions between England and Wales, and to stick to the regulations in place.
“Visitors to Wales are also asked to respect staff working in tourism, hospitality and leisure industries, who are all continuing to do their utmost to look after the health and welfare of those they work for and with. Thank you.”
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