Mark Drakeford announces alert level two restrictions from Boxing Day
Mark Drakeford announces alert level two restrictions from Boxing Day
Social distancing, the rule of six, table service, limits on numbers and sporting restrictions will return to Wales from 6.00am on Boxing Day.
Placing Wales on Alert Level 2, the Welsh government say the measures are in response to the threat from the omicron variant and are designed to keep people safe in their homes and when meeting others.
The move will have a direct impact on businesses when returning from the festive period including pubs, cinemas, theatres and other areas of the hospitality, leisure and tourist industry.
The Welsh Government say that an extra £60m will be made available for businesses affected by the move to alert level two, doubling the £60m package announced last week.
The Economy Minister will announce further details tomorrow, 23rd December.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has justified the decision by saying today: “We are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious omicron variant is headed our way.
“This new form of coronavirus could infect large numbers of people in Wales, disrupting daily lives and businesses and could cause an increase in the number of people who need hospital care in the coming weeks.
“We will do everything we can to protect people’s health and livelihoods in Wales – this means taking early action to try and control its spread.
“We are changing the rules for businesses and some public spaces, where lots of different people mix daily and issuing strong and clear advice to help people stay safe in their own private homes and when meeting others.”
From Boxing Day, the alert level two measures will mean:
- A general requirement of 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces, where reasonable.
- The rule of six will apply to gatherings in regulated premises, such as hospitality, cinemas and theatres.
- All licensed premises will need to take additional measures to protect customers and staff, including table service and collecting contact details.
- Face coverings will be required in hospitality settings at all times apart from when seated.
- Large events will not be allowed indoors or outdoors. The maximum number of people who can gather at an indoor event will be 30 and 50 outdoors.
There will be an exception for team sports, up to 50 spectators will be able to gather, in addition to those taking part. There is also an exception for events involving children.
Last week the Welsh Government announced new measures for workplaces and retail – these will now come into force on Boxing Day.
Nightclubs will also close on Boxing Day.
In a statement, the Welsh Government say they will not be making new rules about mixing in people’s private homes, including gardens, in holiday accommodation or meeting outdoors. Instead, guidance will be issued to help people stay safe.
The Mark Drakeford added:
“The most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves against omicron is to be fully vaccinated – that means also having the booster. If you are eligible for a booster then please make getting it a priority in the coming weeks.
“As we enter our second winter of the pandemic, we have high vaccination coverage and tens of thousands of extra boosters are being given every day.
“We also have access to the rapid lateral flow tests to help us all identify signs of infection without symptoms.
“Both of these, together with everything we have learned over the last two years will help to keep us safe at home without the need for new rules and regulations about mixing at home.”
#GlamorganStar #TrustedNews #FreeLocalNews
