Welsh Government's latest 21-day review did not bring any additional rules in for businesses in Wales but there were warnings about the risk from the omicorn variant, guidance changes, and plans for more frequent updates.
The Government didn't expand Covid passes to pubs, cafes and restaurants but has changed the guidance from tomorrow on mask wearing in these premises.
They have also confirmed that weekly coronavirus restriction briefings will now be held over concerns that the omicorn variant could rapidly increase cases as is currently being seen in Scotland, where Covid cases reported today were more than double those on the same day last week. Confirmed omicorn cases in Wales currently stands at just 13.
Face masks
Back in August Welsh Government dropped the legal requirement to wear face masks in hospitality settings where food and drink is served. Previously people had to wear masks when they weren't sat eating or drinking - for example while entering or leaving, queuing at the bar or going to the toilet.
While ministers are not bringing back the legal requirement to wear a mask on these premises, Mark Drakeford today announced that guidance had changed.
Welsh Government said:
Despite it not being a legal requirement in the following settings, it is strongly advised that both employees and customers wear a face covering indoors. This advice applies unless they are exempt or actively eating, drinking or dancing:
- in hospitality settings such as pubs or nightclubs
- at a wedding, civil partnership or alternative wedding ceremony or reception
Some wedding or hospitality venues might ask you to wear a face covering. They can do this because they have looked at how to manage the risks for their business.
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Mixed use venues: Where food or drink is consumed in part of a premises, like a department store cafe, or hotel restaurant, you must wear face coverings on the premises except in the area set aside for eating and drinking.
You are also legally required to wear a face covering in the auditorium of a theatre, cinema or concert hall and the viewing areas of an indoor arena or stadium when not actively eating or drinking.
Who does the requirement apply to?
It applies to everyone aged 11 and over, unless an exception applies. Children under 11 do not have to wear face coverings.
It applies to staff working in indoor public areas and to members of the public entering those public areas.
Other premises
People are still legally required to wear a face covering in most indoor public places like shops and healthcare settings as well as on public transport.
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