'Face masks should remain legal requirement' after Covid restriction easing in Wales
Face coverings should remain a legal requirement in Wales when the country lifts more Covid restrictions, according to a leading asthma charity.
They have been mandatory - except for those with certain medical conditions - across all indoor public places, including public transport, since September 2020.
But a major easing of restrictions as Wales enters alert level zero on Saturday could see that change.
Face masks are expected to stay mandatory in most indoor public spaces, but ministers are considering whether to make hospitality venues exempt from this rule.
One of the UK's leading asthma charities has called for all face covering requirements to remain in place to protect those deemed some of the most vulnerable to Covid.
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK, and the British Lung Foundation Wales said: "Now is not the time to remove that safety net.
"In Wales, one in five people are affected by a lung condition. This includes 314,000 people with asthma and 76,000 with COPD.
"Due to the nature of their conditions, many of these people cannot wear masks. This makes it even more important that those who can wear a mask do so."
In England, face masks are no longer a legal requirement inside public places.
"In England, following the loosening of restrictions, many have decided to keep themselves and others safe by continuing to wear a mask," Mr Carter continued.
"However, there are others who have seen the removal of that requirement as an invitation to forgo masks in spaces such as shops and public transport."
What are the coronavirus rules in Wales?
Who can I meet up with indoors?
Who can I meet up with indoors?
Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
Can I meet people inside at a pub or restaurant?
Can I meet people inside at a pub or restaurant?
Up to six people from different households are able to meet in cafes, restaurants, pubs and visitor attractions.
The group does not include children under 11 or carers.
People don't need to socially distance within this group.
How many people can I meet outdoors?
How many people can I meet outdoors?
All legal limits on the number of people who can meet outdoors have been removed.
This means there is no limit on the number of people you can socialise with outside.
Can I travel in and out of Wales, or around Wales?
Can I travel in and out of Wales, or around Wales?
There are no restrictions in place for travel into or out of Wales as long as you are travelling to or from a country within the UK, or Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
However, you will need to check the restrictions in place in the area you are travelling from or to.
Travel within Wales is not restricted.
Do I have to wear a face covering?
Do I have to wear a face covering?
Face coverings will remain mandatory on public transport in Wales, with the requirement for them to continue to be worn in shops also being considered.
Masks must still be worn in taxis, on trains and buses, as well as health and social care settings
This applies to everyone aged 11 and over, unless you are classed as exempt.
The Welsh Government said "active further consideration" is being given to whether they will still be required by law in other settings, like retail.
Do I still have to self-isolate?
Do I still have to self-isolate?
If you have tested positive for coronavirus, or have come in to close contact with someone who has, you are required by law to self-isolate for 10 days when told to do so by NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect.
You should also self-isolate and take a Covid test if you have any symptoms of coronavirus or feel generally unwell.
What's still closed?
What's still closed?
Nightclubs and adult entertainment venues are currently closed in Wales under coronavirus regulations.
The Welsh Government has said it is considering easing face mask restrictions in hospitality settings first due to the fact people are already exempt from wearing them while eating or drinking.
The First Minister is expected to announce on Friday whether or not most of the remaining restrictions in Wales will be lifted.
If ministers agree, from Saturday, there will no longer be any limits on how many people can meet in or outdoors, in homes, public places, venues or events.
All businesses - including nightclubs - would also be able to reopen, and there would no longer be a blanket requirement to follow social distancing.
Instead, businesses, employers and event organisers would have to carry out a coronavirus risk assessment looking at a range of protective measures including social distancing, face coverings, hand hygiene and ventilation.
Are face coverings effective?
The Welsh Government has said some evidence suggests that face coverings will offer partial protection against Covid, and are more effective the more people within a setting are wearing them.
It added that mask requirements on public transport and in healthcare settings are likely to be in place longest, due to the fact some vulnerable people have no choice but to use those services.
It said those people can generally choose not to visit premises such as pubs, bars and restaurants, where face coverings are expected to become optional.
However, hospitality businesses are still expected to carry out their own risk assessment and reserve the right to ask customers to wear a mask.
Many supermarkets and retailers in England are still encouraging shoppers to wear coverings, including Sainsbury's, John Lewis and B&Q.