Wales to still wear face masks as restrictions lifted on July 17

People living in Wales will still be required to wear a face mask on public transport and in indoor places even after further restrictions are lifted over the weekend, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said.

The country will be moving from alert level two to alert level one on July 17 which means there will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet.

This includes in private homes, public places, or at events, while all businesses and premises will be allowed to open.

But Mr Drakeford warned the nation “will not abandon all those measures which have done so much to keep us all safe.”

People have been asked to continue to work from home where possible, while a Covid-19 risk assessment must be carried out when it is “necessary” for them to return to the office.

Face masks are still mandatory on public transport, in health and care settings, and in all indoor public places with the exception of education settings and hospitality.

The continued strict measure on face coverings comes as the Delta variant in the country spreads “quickly” in every part of the nation.

Nick Ireland, regional secretary of shop workers’ trade union Usdaw, said: “Usdaw called for customers to continue to be required to wear face coverings in shops, so we very much welcome the Welsh Government’s decision.

“Wearing a face covering in a shop is an important measure to help protect workers who have no option but to interact with the public as a part of their job.

“We now want retailers to promote face coverings, hand hygiene and social distancing. We also ask the public to show their support and respect for shopworkers by following the law.”

There will also be a further relaxation on August 7, if cases remain low, to a new level zero which will see most coronavirus restrictions gone, Mr Drakeford added.

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