Is Mark Drakeford right to end all covid restrictions in Wales at the end of March?
It's a question a lot of people have been asking over the past few days after it was announced that the Welsh Government would lift all restrictions across the country by Monday, March 28, should the public health situation remain stable.
The change would mean it will no longer be compulsory to wear face coverings in shops, on public transport, or in healthcare settings on that date and self-isolation will not be required by law.
We asked our readers if they thought it was the right time to end the restrictions this month, and here's what they had to say.
You can read more of our coronavirus coverage here.
Laurie Helena Jones said: "It's the right time to end legal restrictions, though I hope most people who know/suspect they have covid would be careful - isolate if they can, or at least wear a mask if they can't.
"I also hope that masks become the norm for other respiratory illnesses. It would be great if people didn't spread their colds etc. (not just covid)."
Richard Wolf Howells said: "100% yes we should have done it sooner! The amount of people I’ve heard of suffering with mental health from these ridiculous restrictions is crazy. It’s about time we get back on track. Stay healthy take your vitamins and enjoy your summer."
Janet Jones said: "No! It's still spreading rapidly in several areas in Wales and we have so, so many vulnerable people that are at risk of severe serious illness or worst. it will be a disaster when the tourists start flocking in. They will become more confined to the prison of their homes with fear more so than they have ever been."
Gary Owen said: "Yes, it's not going to go away totally, so we have to live with it. As long as people aren't chastised if they choose to still wear a mask. There are no right and wrongs about it, it's personal choice."
Read More: We asked people if they would self-isolate with Covid if they didn't have to
Andrew Jones said: "They should have ended last month really. The focus now needs to be to encourage people who have been frightened in to hiding away for 2 years, to get out amongst people so that their natural immunity can protect them from everything else including future Covid. Otherwise there is going to be worse health problems for these people including mental ill-health."
Linda Jones said: "We have to live with it but we can be responsible for ourselves and considerate to others. Wear masks in crowded places and don't be complacent. If there's a need for restrictions in the future they will be introduced."
Linda Radmore said: "Yes, we need to stop being scared and get on with life, if we are jabbed we are protected to a greater degree and it’s going to be the norm going forward, so let’s live with it."
Mandy Rees-Jones said: "I know we all want to get back to some sort of normality, but, I for one will continue to use my mask in crowded places, and I will not hesitate to protect my space, still a lot of vulnerable people need protecting, I feel we will see the hospital cases rise, again and more people sadly losing their lives, I have noticed since the bans have lifted and eased, the positive cases are rising, watch this space."
Bernadette Brown said: "Yes people have to learn to live with this disease as we have learned to live with other highly infectious illnesses. Care must still be taken with clinically vulnerable but general population must get on with life."
Darren Barnes said: "Just because the restrictions will no longer be bound by law, doesn't mean you have to stop wearing a mask etc. I'll still be using mine in various situations just the same."
Llewelyn Smith said: "Yes definitely, it's about time that all restrictions ended, it's been 2 years now and the majority of us have had our jabs."
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