Wales to end Covid self-isolation and mask-wearing in shops and public transport

Wales to end Covid self-isolation and mask-wearing in shops and public transport
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Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 24/03/2022

- 22:02

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:12

Mark Drakeford will announce the changes, that will come into place from Monday, on Friday

Wales is to ease its Covid-19 restrictions, drawing the end to self-isolation rules and mask-wearing in shops and on public transport.

First Minister Mark Drakeford will announce the changes on Friday, which will come into place from Monday.


While self-isolation will no longer be a legal requirement, the £500 self-isolation payment will continue to be paid until June.

A shopper wearing a face mask
A shopper wearing a face mask
Jacob King

EMBARGED TO 2200 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 10 File photo dated 17/12/21 of Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, who has announced Covid passes are to be scrapped and the need to wear face coverings in certain venues removed later this month as coronavirus cases continue to fall.
Wales First Minister, Mark Drakeford
Ben Birchall

Face coverings will still needed to be worn in health and social care settings, while businesses will continue to be required to carry out coronavirus risk assessments.

In a statement, Mr Drakeford said the “cautious approach” is due to an “unwelcome” rise in virus cases.

He said: “We have seen an unwelcome rise in coronavirus cases across Wales, mirroring the position in most of the UK.

“We have carefully considered the very latest scientific and medical evidence and we need to keep some legal protections in place for a little while longer, to help keep Wales safe.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have taken a gradual and cautious approach as we have relaxed protections.

“We are firmly on the path towards leaving the emergency response to the pandemic behind us and learning to live with coronavirus safely.”

Restrictions still in place will be reviewed again on April 14, the Government has said.

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