Covid passes extended and changes to self-isolation rules

Covid passes are set to be extended to cinemas, theatres and concert halls from November 15, while changes will be made to self-isolation rules in Wales, the First Minister has confirmed.

The changes come in response to high coronavirus rates in Wales, which are currently the highest in the UK.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has also warned the current alert level may be raised if cases continue to rise, but Wales will remain at Alert Level Zero for the time being.

Announcing the outcome of the Welsh Government’s latest three-week review, Mr Drakeford confirmed fully-vaccinated adults and children aged between five and 17 will now have to self-isolate if until they get a negative PCR test result, if they live in the same household as someone who has tested positive for the virus.

People who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to isolate for ten days if they come in contact with a positive case.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has said headteachers will be given extra support to quickly put measures in place in their schools if cases are high locally.

School staff and secondary school pupils will also be encouraged to take twice-weekly lateral flow tests.

Mr Drakeford said: “Over the past three weeks, coronavirus cases have risen sharply to the highest rates we have seen since the pandemic began and more people are falling so seriously ill that they need hospital treatment.”

He reiterated that the pandemic is “far from over” and said more action needed to be taken now to stop more people falling ill.

He added: “We hope this action will help to turn the tide of this delta. None of us wants to see a return to restrictions but if rates continue to rise, the cabinet will have no choice but to consider raising the alert level at the next review.

“Let’s all work together as a team to reduce the spread of coronavirus and keep Wales open and keep Wales safe.”

So far, almost 400,000 people in Wales have had their autumn booster vaccine, while more than 40% of 12 to 15-year-olds have received their vaccine.