Covid: Nightclubs to re-open and rule-of-six requirements to end in Wales
Video report by ITV Wales Reporter Alex Hartley
Nightclubs reopen and social distancing and rule-of-six requirements end in Wales, the First Minister has confirmed.
Mark Drakeford said Wales will complete the move to alert level zero from today (January 28), relaxing alert level two measures which have been in place since Boxing Day.
It comes after crowds were able to return to outdoor sporting events from last Friday and limits were removed from taking part in outdoor activities.
The rule of six and social distancing was removed from outdoor hospitality events.
But 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.
Covid passes will still be required in all cinemas, theatres and concert halls which are currently open.
From today, nightclubs will reopen and the requirement for two-metre social distancing and the rule of six will end.
But businesses, employers and other organisations must continue to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
Working from home will remain part of the advice from the Welsh Government but it will no longer be a legal requirement.
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.
Face-covering rules, which apply on public transport and in most public indoor places, will remain in force after today (January 28).
Responding to the announcement that Wales will move to Covid alert level 0, Sarah Jones, Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said: “Today’s move to Covid alert Level 0 will be welcome news for Welsh retailers who have been hit hard by the impact of the pre-Christmas tightening of restrictions.
"The removal of social distancing and the changes to the hospitality restrictions in cafes and eateries is undoubtedly a positive move and will hopefully encourage more people back to our high streets to enjoy the fantastic range of goods and services that are on offer.
"It has been a torrid two years for our industry, and our larger town and city centres have been particularly hindered by the work from home requirement.
"With hopefully more footfall through our high streets we look forward to green shoots of recovery for our industry, which is vital for both jobs and growth in local communities.
She added: “Whilst we see the easing of restriction in many areas it is still a legal requirement to wear face coverings in retail settings.
"Our retailers take their responsibilities to support the public health agenda very seriously and we will continue to encourage customers and staff on the wearing of face coverings.
"Many of the safety measures which we’ve invested so heavily in will remain, such as perspex screens and sanitising stations, and we encourage all shoppers to play their part in the continued downward spiral in covid cases by complying with the measures in place.”
First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said: “We have passed the peak of this Omicron wave and there are encouraging signs that cases of coronavirus may be starting to stabilise.
“But we all need to continue taking steps to stay safe – unfortunately the pandemic is not over yet.
“We are moving to alert level zero and we will retain some important protections, such as face coverings in most indoor public places and risk assessments.
“We can do this thanks to the hard work and efforts of everyone in Wales and the remarkable success of our vaccine and booster programmes. Thank you all.”