Two of the major restrictions around coronavirus will be lifted in Wales from Monday, despite rising infection rates. First Minister Mark Drakeford has made the announcement as he tells people that we will have to "learn to live with coronavirus".
But in a statement, he said that Wales' "cautious approach" will continue because the country seeing an "unwelcome" rise in Covid-19 cases.
Latest infection rate based on PCR tests for the seven days up to March 19 is 424.2 cases for every 100,000 people – a rise from the 416.1 cases recorded on Wednesday. Tuesday was the first time the infection rate had gone above 400 since the seven days between January 31 and February 6. Cases for your area here.
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"We have seen an unwelcome rise in coronavirus cases across Wales, mirroring the position in most of the UK," Mr Drakeford said.
"We have carefully considered the very latest scientific and medical evidence and we need to keep some legal protections in place for a little while longer, to help keep Wales safe."
He has announced that from Monday, March 28:
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face coverings will no longer be required by law in retail settings and on public transport
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the requirement to self-isolate will also move into guidance
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A £500 self-isolation payment to support people will continue to be available until June.
However, two key legal protections will remain in place as coronavirus cases have risen sharply in recent weeks, driven by the BA.2 sub-type of the omicron variant:
- face coverings will remain a legal requirement in health and social care settings
- coronavirus risk assessments must continue to be carried out by businesses, with reasonable measures put in place.
Mr Drakeford added that lateral flow tests would remain to be available in Wales after the end of his month when free PCR and lateral flow tests end in England on April 1.
The First Minister added: "Throughout the pandemic, we have taken a gradual and cautious approach as we have relaxed protections.
"We are firmly on the path towards leaving the emergency response to the pandemic behind us and learning to live with coronavirus safely." The remaining restrictions will be reviewed again on April 14."
