An NHS Covid Pass, showing if you’ve been vaccinated or have had a negative test, is now needed to enter nightclubs and attend large events in Wales.
Over-18s need to show their status for the following:
- Nightclubs and similar venues;
- Indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people;
- Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people;
- Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “The Covid Pass is just one of a series of measures in place to help prevent people spreading and catching coronavirus while helping to keep the economy open. None of us want to see further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again.
“Showing a Covid Pass is already part of our collective effort to keep businesses open, with some major events, such as the successful Green Man Festival, using it.
“Together, if we all continue to follow the clear guidelines we’re all used to by now, we’ll be doing everything we can to Keep Wales Safe.”
People who are fully vaccinated in Wales can already download the NHS Covid Pass. It also allows people to show they have had a negative lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours.
Only people attending these venues and events will need to show their Covid status. Staff working or volunteering in these venues are encouraged to take lateral flow tests twice a week to check they do not have the virus. Workplaces are required by law to undertake Covid risk assessments, and to put reasonable measures in place to ensure staff safety.
The First Minister confirmed last week that Wales will remain at alert level zero for the next three weeks. Plans are in place to respond to a challenging winter ahead with both coronavirus and seasonal flu both in circulation.
Ministers continue to encourage everyone to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus by continuing to work from home whenever possible, ensuring they take up the offer of a Covid vaccine, keeping your distance, isolating and taking a PCR test if you have symptoms, and wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport.
Current rules will be used by local councils to make sure the new rules are being stuck to – placing the onus on businesses as part of their risk assessments.
Penalties for non-compliance include a premises improvement notice or premises closure notice and fines up to £10,000.
It is now an offence for a person to provide false or misleading evidence of vaccination or testing status where that evidence is required as part of the requirement for holding a Covid pass.
Further information and guidance is available on the Welsh Government website.