Mark Drakeford reveals outcome of latest Welsh government lockdown review
Wales’ Covid rules remain the same for the next three weeks.
Prime Minister Mark Drakeford made the announcement as he revealed the results of the Welsh government’s latest lockdown review. He thanked people for their contribution to lowering case rates, but warned the pandemic was not over and a fourth wave was sweeping through Europe, with many countries again introducing tighter restrictions.
It has been suggested that hospitality venues, such as bars and restaurants, should use the time between the last exam and this to prepare for Covid Passes being needed at their venues. However, the Welsh government decided that this step was not yet necessary.
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This means Wales remains at zero alert – or stable Covid. The next review is scheduled for December 10 and would cover the Christmas period.
The latest data for Wales, released earlier today, showed 2,417 new cases and 17 more deaths, bringing the total to 6,314.
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The most recent change in Covid rules went into effect on Monday, November 15, expanding the places where Covid passes must be used.
The pass is to be used if you are 18 years of age and over and attend:
- Nightclubs and similar places
- Indoor non-seated rooms with more than 500 people in the audience
- All exterior or interior rooms without seats with a capacity greater than 4,000
- Any event, of any kind, in which more than 10,000 people participate
- Cinemas, theaters and concert halls.
Cases in Wales continue to fluctuate, with infection rates rising over the past seven days. You can read the story of the loss of a family here.
The latest seven-day infection rate in Wales, based on cases per 100,000 people (for the seven days through November 12) now stands at 498 – an increase from the 491.5 reported on Tuesday. It is slowly returning to around 500, nearly a week after the seven-day infection rate fell below that number for the first time since early October.
Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said: ‘Three weeks ago we were facing a very serious situation in Wales, but everyone came together and cases have fallen from these record levels. I want to thank everyone for their hard work and the steps they have taken to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“Saying yes to the vaccine and especially the booster remains an essential step in helping to keep Wales safe.
“As we start planning for Christmas, we must continue to work together to bring the coronavirus under control. The pandemic has not gone away – a fourth wave is sweeping through Europe, with many countries again introducing tighter restrictions.
“We will do all we can to keep Wales open and keep Wales safe. This means keeping the option to expand the use of the Covid Pass if cases rise again and pandemic pressures on the NHS are increasing, to help keep the hospitality industry open and trading through the busy holiday season.
“We will continue to monitor the public health situation and work with the hospitality industry as we prepare for Christmas. Let’s keep working together to protect each other – so we can all enjoy Christmas together. “
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