COVID rules in Wales are likely to be further relaxed from the end of the week.

From Monday, people in Wales are no longer legally required to wear face masks in many indoor places.

Also, face coverings will no longer be routinely required in classrooms when schools return on Tuesday but they should continue to be worn in communal areas in secondary schoolsT

 

A woman wearing a face covering.

A woman wearing a face covering.

 

A review - which currently takes place every three weeks in Wales - of the remaining alert level zero regulations will be announced on Friday, March 4.

It is likely that any changed announced would be phased in over the next three weeks or longer.

 

First Minister Mark Drakeford.

First Minister Mark Drakeford.

 

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Later this week I will be setting our longer term plans to manage the pandemic, as we carry out the regular three-week review of the regulations.”

The current rules in Wales at Alert Level 0:

  • At Alert Level 0, there are no legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events. In addition all businesses and premises may be open.
  • Businesses, employers and other organisations must continue to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to, and the spread of, coronavirus.
  • Everyone must follow self-isolation rules and guidance.
  • Adults and children over 11 must continue to wear face-coverings on public transport and some indoor public places. From Monday, February 28, the requirement to wear face coverings was be removed from most indoor public places, apart from in retail, public transport and health and care settings. However, the Welsh Government "strongly advise" people to wear them voluntarily.

The Welsh Government's cabinet will meet several times this week to hear the latest from scientists and other experts before deciding if there should be any further relaxation of rules. Any changes from the review are usually then announced on Thursday night head of being confirmed at the Welsh Government press briefing on the Friday.

 

Picture posed by model to illustrate self-isolating measures.

Picture posed by model to illustrate self-isolating measures.

 

In terms of what could change, there have been calls for Mr Drakeford to announcement over self-isolation and testing in the wake of the UK Government making major changes to both for those in England.

The law requiring people in England with Covid to self-isolate has been lifted - but people who test positive are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.