Covid restrictions set to ease as Wales moves to alert Level 0

Nightclubs are set to reopen and all restrictions on meeting others are to be removed in Wales, in the biggest easing of coronavirus measures since the pandemic began.

First Minister Mark Drakeford will confirm Wales is set to move to alert Level 0 on Saturday. All businesses will be allowed to open and all legal limits on meeting people in indoor private spaces will be removed.

But he will stress that it “does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all” as he urges the public to continue to help prevent the spread of the virus when restrictions ease.

Face masks will continue to be required in most indoor public places, including on public transport, in shops and in healthcare settings, but will no longer be a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served.

However, people must continue to isolate for 10 days if they have symptoms of the virus or if they have a positive test result.

Some rules were eased on July 17 as the country moved into alert Level 1, after a four-week delay due to the spread of the Delta variant.

Confirming Wales will move to alert Level 0 at 6am on Saturday, Mr Drakeford said: “Alert level zero does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all.

“But it does mean we can all enjoy more freedoms with the confidence there are still important protections in place to make sure our public health is being safeguarded while we are out and about.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to work together to do everything we can to keep this virus under control – at alert level zero, everything we do will have an impact on this virus.

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: “After a long 18 months, I’m relieved that we move to Level 0 in Wales as it’s time for us all to enjoy the full fruits of our vaccination campaign, whilst of course remaining vigilant.

“People are ready to meet loved ones as they once did and businesses need to get on the road to recovery, and it’s now vital the Labour Government spends the £1bn Covid-19 funding in its coffers to support Welsh jobs.

“As we approach the very end of restrictions, we must look not only towards the strongest bounce back possible but giving justice to those who have suffered from the virus and lockdown.

“This is why there must be a Wales-wide inquiry into the Labour Government’s handling of the pandemic – an inquiry the First Minister is still inexplicably avoiding.”

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