Welsh Rules

Coronavirus Regulations 

The Welsh Government has decided that adults who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to self-isolate after close contact with a positive Covid case. 

This will affect two million people in Wales who have received both of their jabs. In addition to this, under-18s will also be exempt from having to isolate if they have been in close contact with a positive Covid case after the 7 August. 

Contacts of people who test positive will continue to be advised by Test, Trace and Protect to take PCR tests two days after being alerted, and again on day eight.

People who test positive for Covid will still need to self-isolate for the 10 day period regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated. 

This is in response to concerns that the rise in cases and consequential rise in those who have to to self-isolate, is leading to staff shortages in many sectors of the economy. 

 

Roadmap 

On the 17 July Wales moved fully into alert level one. In addition to this, the Welsh Government plans to move into alert level zero by the 17 August, removing almost all Covid restrictions.

From 17 July people will be able to:

  • Meet up to 6 people indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation;
  • Up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing spectators can attend organised indoor events;
  • Ice rinks will be allowed to reopen; and
  • Children will be allowed to go on residential trips in groups of 30.

From the 7 August there will be:

  • No legal limits on the number of people who can meet indoors;
  • People will no longer have to social distance;
  • All businesses and premises will be able to reopen;

Additional information:

  • • All businesses and firms will be expected to carry out risk assessments upon their reopening.
  • • Face masks will remain to be mandatory.

Further details:

Socialising

  • 6 people from 6 different households are allowed to meet indoors and outdoors- including at cafes, pubs and restaurants, private homes and holiday accommodation.  
  • Indoor care home visits can resume for one designated visitor, with the permission of the care home.
  • Entertainment venues including cinemas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, indoor-play centres and areas, casinos, amusement arcades, and theatres can now reopen.
  • From the 17 July children will be allowed to go on residential trips of up to 30 people.

Weddings 

  • Numbers of people attending weddings is based upon a risk assessment by venues, with numbers allowed to attend being based upon how many can safely be accommodated depending on size and space. 
  • The bride and groom do not have to wear masks when walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, or for their first kiss and first dance.
  • No physical contact is allowed unless you are in the same bubble. 
  • Other rules include only the bride and groom being able to take part in the first dance, no other dancing is allowed.
  • Social distancing and masks should be worn when people are not seated or eating. 
  • Loud music at weddings is not allowed, and if there is live music, performers should be social distanced, and brass and wind instruments should not be used. 
  • The congregation are however allowed to sing along. 
  • In regards to wedding photographs, they should be taken outdoors where possible, and close group shots are not allowed unless from members within the same household bubble. Masks can be removed for photographs providing it is for photos of only themselves. 

Travel 

Exercise, gym and leisure 

  • From 17 July Up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing spectators can attend organised indoor events;
  • Currently outdoor sports facilities can reopen, including tennis courts, golf courses and bowling greens. A maximum of 4 people from 2 households can take part in activities using local sports facilities.
  • Children's playgrounds are allowed to stay open providing social distancing measures are followed.
  • Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities are allowed to reopen. This includes swimming lessons and exercise classes. 

Business support

  • An additional £150 million will be available to support businesses to the end of March, which are not yet able to open.
  • The extra funding will see businesses in the hospitality, tourism, leisure and non-essential retail sectors that pay non-domestic rates qualify for an additional payment of up to £5,000.

Retail and close-contact services

  • All non-essential retail is allowed to open. 
  • All close-contact services such as beauty parlours and hairdressers are allowed to open. 

Work

  • The Welsh Government is still encouraging people to work from home where possible. However, people who are able to work safely in their workplace are allowed to go into work. 
  • Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople, can continue as long as it is managed in a safe way and both the worker and household members are well and have no symptoms of coronavirus.
  • Voluntary work is allowed to continue. 

Transport 

  • Public transport is still able to operate, however bus and rail timetables have been reduced. Face coverings must be worn at all times on public transport. 
  • Driving lessons in Wales and England restarted on 12 April, and driving tests resumed on 22 April.

Further Information