MANDATORY Covid passes will be introduced in Wales from today as the First Minister says he is confident the scheme will run 'smoothly'.

The Welsh Government proposed plans to introduce a requirement for people to show their vaccination status or recent negative rest results before attending certain events.

This comes into force today and includes:

  • Nightclubs
  • Indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people, such as concerts or conventions
  • Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people
  • Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance

A similar scheme has been introduced in Scotland, however, in England, vaccine passports will only be required if data suggests that action is needed.

To enter the venues, only those aged over 18 will need to show a pass.

There will be no exemptions as people can take a lateral flow test instead of proving they have had the vaccination, Welsh Government confirmed.

The Leader previously reported that this was narrowly voted for after a 45-minute Senedd debate which saw opinions divided.

Speaking at a press briefing on October 8, First Minister Mark Drakeford said he was confident people knew enough about the scheme and that the process was 'as easy as possible'.

He said three weeks ago the passes were mentioned so that it would not be 'rushed' and that people and venues had enough time to prepare.

The FM added that thousands have already used the pass, as have venues, and for this reason he believes the system will 'run relatively smoothly'.

Speaking about the Covid situation in Wales, the First Minister said that three weeks ago the number of people falling ill because of the virus was rising with an increase in infections in younger people.

He said that in more recent days Covid rates have 'started to fall back', but they still remain 'very high'.

He said the NHS and social care continues to be 'under immense strain' and urged people to think how they can support the NHS as 'going to A&E should never be the first or only choice'.

When asked about concerns people can 'say they are double vaccinated' for entry to a venue, the First Minister squashed these concerns.

He said that people cannot simply say they are fully vaccinated, it needs to be entered in a verifiable way into the Covid pass.

He added: "You cannot just turn up and say so."

How to access the Covid pass in Wales?

You can access the NHS COVID Pass via the NHS website which will allow you to produce a COVID pass using a smart phone, tablet, computer or laptop.

To access the service, you’ll need to register for an NHS login. You will need to upload a photo of your ID (passport, full UK driving licence, full European driving licence etc.).

If you do not have photographic ID or a relevant smart device you will need to request a paper NHS COVID certificate.

If you are registered with a GP in England

If you live in Wales but are registered with a GP in England you may need to access the NHS App service for England as Wales may not have access to your vaccination record.

Requesting a paper NHS COVID-19 certificate

You should only request a paper COVID Pass if:

  • you have had a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine (you should wait 5 days after your final dose before requesting it)
  • you are aged 16 or over
  • you do not have photographic ID

Call 0300 303 5667 to request a COVID Pass if you are unable to use the digital NHS COVID Pass.

GPs cannot provide letters showing your COVID-19 status.

What if people try to use a fake Covid pass or fake LFT?

From Monday it will be an offence to deliberately use a fake Covid pass or produce a fake Lateral Flow Test (LFT).

If caught, you can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £60 but if it's not a first offence the FPN would double to £120.

If venues do not follow the rules, they could receive an improvement or closure notice, FPN or be fined up to £10,000. This will be enforced by Council enforcement teams.