First Minister Mark Drakeford is set to outline the Welsh Government’s winter coronavirus plans.
Wales will remain in Alert Level Zero for at least another three weeks, but the Welsh Government will be publishing its updated Coronavirus Control Plan on Friday, October 8.
What restrictions are in place during Alert Level Zero?
- No legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events.
- Businesses which were required to close are able to open, including nightclubs.
- Premises which are open to the public and workplaces have more flexibility about which reasonable measures they can take to minimise the risk of coronavirus, but these should be tailored to their risk assessment and their specific circumstances.
- Face coverings are not a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served, but continue to be required in most indoor public places, such as shops.
- Fully-vaccinated adults, as well as under-18s, no longer have to isolate if they come in contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus.
The updated plan outlines what actions could be taken during the winter to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s press conference, Mr Drakeford said: “We are facing a challenging winter ahead – coronavirus hasn’t gone away and flu is forecast to return this winter.”
He said vaccination is “the best defence” against the virus and said efforts will be made to increase vaccine and booster vaccine take-up in Wales.
The First Minister also urged everyone who is eligible for a flu jab to have one.
Updated control plan
The updated Coronavirus Control Plan will set out two main scenarios.
The first scenario will be called ‘Covid Stable’. In this scenario, which is seen as the most likely scenario, Wales will remain at Alert Level Zero and businesses will be able to stay open.
Under this scenario, if case rates fall, measures could be relaxed further, but if they rise, some existing measures could be strengthened.
The second scenario is called ‘Covid Urgent’. This scenario is designed to deal with any sudden changes to the coronavirus situation, such as the emergence of a new, fast-spreading variant, or if vaccine immunity levels fall, creating the risk that the NHS could be overwhelmed.
In this scenario, the Welsh Government said the current alert level system and restrictions would be used “proportionately”, but only as a “last-resort” to control the spread of the virus and protect the NHS.
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