“Everything we do helps protect us and the people around us” from covid, says Wales’ first minister

Wales’ first minister has spoken about the importance of continuing to take “simple steps” to protect our public health to manage the spread of coronavirus.

It comes following the most recent Welsh Government review, which will see the legal requirement for businesses to undertake specific coronavirus risk assessments end on Monday 18 April.

However businesses will continue to be encouraged to take steps to operate in a Covid-safe manner.

The legal requirement to wear face coverings in health and social care settings will remain in place for the next three weeks, offering ongoing protection to those most vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus.

With coronavirus still circulating within our communities, First Minister Mark Drakeford has urged people to help reduce the spread of the virus by:

• Staying at home (self-isolate) if you are ill or if you test positive for coronavirus.
• Wearing a face covering in crowded indoor public places.
• Meeting outdoors where possible and ensure indoor areas are well ventilated if meeting indoors.
• Taking additional precautions when visiting vulnerable people. Avoid meeting them if possible if you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection.
• Washing hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Retaining face coverings in health and social care settings will help to control the spread of coronavirus in places where some of the most vulnerable people in our society are being treated and live, while also helping to protect staff.

“We’re keeping this specific requirement in place while we continue with our gradual and cautious approach towards moving beyond the emergency response and away from the legal protections, which have been in place for the last two years.

“This doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. Unfortunately coronavirus is still with us – we’ve seen a spike in infections over the last month, with large numbers of people falling ill and a surge in hospital admissions.

“We hope we are beginning to turn the corner. But it’s really important we all continue to take steps to protect ourselves and each other. Everything we do can and does make a difference to the people around us – just as it has since the start of the pandemic.

“Together we can keep Wales safe and enjoy a brighter future.”

Vaccination is the most important measure everyone can take to protect themselves – a spring booster vaccine is available for people aged 75 years and over; people living in care homes for older adults and people aged 12 and over who are immunosuppressed. Health boards are sending invitations to all those who are eligible.

Invitations are also being sent to families with children aged five to eleven years who are now eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine primary dose.

The next three-weekly review of coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 5 May.