Face masks no longer required in some indoor settings

Face masks are no longer legally required in a range of indoor places in Wales, such as cinemas, theatres, community centres, museums and gyms.

However, anyone aged 11 and over will still be required to wear masks in retail settings, public transport and health settings.

The changes came into force on Monday, February 28.

Making the announcement, Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said now is the “right time” to relax the rules.

Mr Drakeford said: “We have worked hard to make sure the protections we have in place are proportionate to the public health situation and the risk of coronavirus.

“Thanks to everyone’s hard work and all their sacrifices, cases of coronavirus are falling across Wales.”

But the First Minister said keeping the mask rule in retail, health and public transport settings is part of the Welsh Government’s “cautious and careful response to the pandemic”.

However, remaining mask rules could be lifted at the end of March if the Covid situation continues to improve.

“We will continue to consider the latest scientific and medical evidence to inform our approach,” he added.

Meanwhile, schools returning from the half-term break will now be in control of their own Covid policies, reflecting the local situation.

Face masks are no longer required in primary schools but the Welsh Government has said they should still be worn in secondary schools.

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

The outcome of the next Welsh Government review will be announced on March 4, with the remaining Covid measures set to be reviewed.