First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS
The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus measures to be undertaken every three weeks. The most recent three-week review was completed on 10 February.
Overall cases of COVID-19 and test positivity reported by PHW have continued to decrease across Wales since 28 January 2022. For the week ending 11 February, case incidence was 309.2 per 100,000 population and test positivity was 27.9%. Both figures are significantly below the Omicron wave peak, and while testing has been affected by policy changes, other data sources such as the ONS’ Coronavirus Infection Survey also estimates a fall in rates in the latest week and since the Omicron peak.
As case rates, hospitalisations and ICU bed occupancy continue to decline, the health position remains favourable, this means that, from 18 February, we can continue with the previously announced intention to remove the restrictions requiring the person responsible for certain premises to take reasonable measures to ensure that adults are on the premises only if they have what is commonly referred to as a domestic “COVID-pass”.
However, venues can still choose to use the domestic Covid Pass on a voluntary basis as part of their coronavirus risk assessment and reasonable measures.
The regulations are also amended to extend the exemption for fully vaccinated close contacts of persons who test positive for coronavirus. Those who have had approved vaccinations overseas no longer have to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact.
Furthermore we will be extending The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 and the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Functions of Local Authorities etc) (Wales) Regulations 2020 until 28 March.
Legal protections relating to face-coverings; businesses to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and to take reasonable measures; and self-isolation remain in place.
The remaining legal protections will be kept under review at this time.
With increasing numbers of people vaccinated and thanks to everyone’s efforts in Wales, we can continue to look forward to brighter times ahead.