Wales will move to the new Alert Level Zero of coronavirus restrictions on Saturday, it has been confirmed.
New measures, to be effective from 6am on Saturday 7 August, will see all restrictions on meeting with others removed and all businesses will be allowed to reopen. Face coverings will though still remain mandatory in most indoor public places in Wales (except for people who are exempt), and people must continue to self-isolate for ten days if they have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for the virus.
Those responsible for premises open to the public and workplaces in Wales must also carry out a coronavirus risk assessment and continue to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of the virus being spread.
Speaking about the move to Alert Level Zero, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said;
“Moving to alert level zero is another significant step forward for us all. For the first time since the pandemic started, all businesses will be able to open and all legal limits on meeting people in indoor private spaces will be removed.
“Alert level zero does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all. But it does mean we can all enjoy more freedoms with the confidence there are still important protections in place to make sure our public health is being safeguarded while we are out and about.”
Mr Drakeford added though that the pandemic is “not over” and urged people to help prevent the virus from spreading;
“Even if you have been fully vaccinated, meeting outside is safer than inside; let fresh air into indoor spaces, get tested even for mild symptoms, and self-isolate when you are required to do so.
“Continue to keep our distance when we are out and work from home whenever we can. Wear a face mask, especially in crowded places, on public transport, in shops and in health and social care settings.”
The changes on Saturday will see venues including nightclubs open for the first time since the start of lockdown measures in March 2020.
Also from 00:01 on Saturday, adults who are fully vaccinated and children and young people under 18 in Wales will no longer need to isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has COVID-19.
