Wales' last remaining Covid rule will stay in force for at least another three weeks. That requirement, to wear face masks in health settings, will remain due to the high level of cases in Wales.
The latest three-week review of rules has been carried out and while Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has said the public health situation is improving following the recent spike in cases due to Omicron but that keeping face coverings as a mandatory requirement in health and care settings will help to protect to some of the most vulnerable people in society, staff and visitors.
The number of people with Covid in Wales has fallen dramatically, according to latest figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that 198,400 people in Wales had the virus in the week ending April 16 - equating to 6.53% of the population, or around one in 15 people. You can read the latest statistics here. However Wales still has the highest Covid rate in the UK, which you can read about here.
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Mr Drakeford said: "The pandemic isn’t over but we are seeing encouraging signs the recent high levels of infections across Wales are falling. There are steps we can all take to protect ourselves while coronavirus is still circulating and reduce the spread of the virus even further. This is particularly true in places where some of the most vulnerable people in society are being treated and live, which is why we will retain the legal requirement to wear face coverings in health and social care settings.
"More generally, ensuring you are up-to-date with your Covid vaccinations and spring booster – if you are eligible – is really important. If you have Covid symptoms or test positive, please stay at home and help break the chain of transmission. Together, we can carry on keeping each other safe and keeping Wales safe."
He reiterated that people should do everything possible to protect each other, including self-isolating if ill or testing positive for Covid 19; wearing a face covering in crowded indoor places, meeting outdoors wherever possible; keeping indoor areas well ventilated and washing hands regularly.
The next three-weekly review of coronavirus regulations will be carried out by Thursday, May 26.
Plaid Cymru’s health spokesman Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: "The news that face coverings must continue to be worn in health and care settings reflects the fact that coronavirus hasn’t gone away. While health and care settings remain under pressure, we must remain vigilant and emphasise the need for prevention.
"This is important for NHS recovery plans, although what we really need is a concerted effort to tackle the health inequalities that persist throughout Wales. Time and time again some communities, some groups and some individuals suffer more than others – this was true during the pandemic. But it is not inevitable. We need to ensure that the health gap, which too often reflects the wealth gap in our society, is closed for good."
