Today, the Welsh Government made an important announcement regarding COVID-19 restrictions over the Christmas period.
Thankfully, they remain largely unchanged. The coronavirus rate in Wales has remained relatively stable since the last review of regulations - the rate of infection continues to persist at around 500 cases per 100,000 people.
Much of our success over the past few months must be attributed to the vaccine and the booster. If you’ve not yet had yours, please take the opportunity to get it.
Over the course of the last several weeks, the new Omicron variant has emerged, and while there is still a lot we do not know about this variant, Welsh Government have deemed it necessary to reinforce current regulations. Early signs from across the world suggest the Omicron variant spreads easier than the current Delta variant, but perhaps causes a more mild illness. While these are very early conclusions, work continues to identify exactly what we are dealing with. It is the speed at which the new variant can spread which is causing concern.
Welsh Government are strongly advising people to:
- Take regular lateral flow tests before going out, visiting friends or family or travelling.
- Wear face coverings in all public places, including in cinemas and theatres, pubs and restaurants, except when eating or drinking.
Welsh Government have also made the following changes to the current regulations, these include:
- Clarifying that face coverings must be worn in theatres, cinemas or concert halls (except when eating or drinking or when at in-house cafes or bars).
- Require face coverings to be worn during a professional driving lesson or practical test.
- The removal of proof of natural immunity from the domestic version of the COVID-19 Pass.
The changes on face coverings will come into force on Saturday 11th December. The changes for the COVID-19 Pass will come into force on Wednesday 15th December.
For the time being, Wales will remain at Alert Level Zero. If you wish to seek further advice/assistance on these matters, then please don't hesitate to contact my office on Samuel.Kurtz@Senedd.Wales
