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| Covid in Wales: Restrictions to ease after Omicron peak | Covid in Wales: Restrictions to ease after Omicron peak |
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| Covid: How will Wales' restrictions change in the coming weeks? | Covid: How will Wales' restrictions change in the coming weeks? |
| Wales' restrictions on large events and businesses brought in to tackle the Omicron variant will be scrapped over the next two weeks as Covid cases drop. | Wales' restrictions on large events and businesses brought in to tackle the Omicron variant will be scrapped over the next two weeks as Covid cases drop. |
| Restrictions will be lifted as Wales moves to alert level zero. | Restrictions will be lifted as Wales moves to alert level zero. |
| Opposition parties had demanded an exit plan, with Senedd Conservative group leader Andrew RT Davies saying "Labour got it wrong" in its approach. | Opposition parties had demanded an exit plan, with Senedd Conservative group leader Andrew RT Davies saying "Labour got it wrong" in its approach. |
| First Minister Mark Drakeford said Omicron cases are coming down "rapidly" and rules can be relaxed "gradually". | First Minister Mark Drakeford said Omicron cases are coming down "rapidly" and rules can be relaxed "gradually". |
| The Welsh government also pointed to the success of the booster campaign in enabling it to lift restrictions, with 1.8m having received an extra dose. | The Welsh government also pointed to the success of the booster campaign in enabling it to lift restrictions, with 1.8m having received an extra dose. |
| There will be a four stage process, depending on cases remaining low: | There will be a four stage process, depending on cases remaining low: |
| Saturday: numbers allowed to attend an outdoor event will rise from 50 to 500 | Saturday: numbers allowed to attend an outdoor event will rise from 50 to 500 |
| Friday 21 January: Crowds allowed to return to sporting events, paving the way for rugby Six Nations full houses in Cardiff, and no limits on those attending outdoor events | Friday 21 January: Crowds allowed to return to sporting events, paving the way for rugby Six Nations full houses in Cardiff, and no limits on those attending outdoor events |
| Friday 28 January: Nightclubs can reopen and hospitality allowed to operate normally, although Covid passes will still be required for large events, plus cinemas, nightclubs and theatres. Working from home no longer a legal requirement | Friday 28 January: Nightclubs can reopen and hospitality allowed to operate normally, although Covid passes will still be required for large events, plus cinemas, nightclubs and theatres. Working from home no longer a legal requirement |
| Thursday 10 February: Wales returns to a three-week review cycle as the country is at alert level zero | Thursday 10 February: Wales returns to a three-week review cycle as the country is at alert level zero |
| "The actions we have taken together have helped us to weather the omicron storm. The latest data suggests some positive signs that the peak may have passed," Mr Drakeford said. | "The actions we have taken together have helped us to weather the omicron storm. The latest data suggests some positive signs that the peak may have passed," Mr Drakeford said. |
| "We can now look more confidently to the future and plan to start gradually removing the alert level two restrictions, starting with the outdoors measures. | "We can now look more confidently to the future and plan to start gradually removing the alert level two restrictions, starting with the outdoors measures. |
| "But the pandemic is not over. We will closely monitor the public health situation - this is a fast-moving and volatile variant, which could change suddenly. I urge everyone to continue to follow the rules and have your vaccines to keep Wales safe." | "But the pandemic is not over. We will closely monitor the public health situation - this is a fast-moving and volatile variant, which could change suddenly. I urge everyone to continue to follow the rules and have your vaccines to keep Wales safe." |
| Both the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru had called for a roadmap out of restrictions, while the Welsh Rugby Union had been considering moving home fixtures for the Six Nations out of Wales. | Both the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru had called for a roadmap out of restrictions, while the Welsh Rugby Union had been considering moving home fixtures for the Six Nations out of Wales. |
| Wales could be turning corner on Covid says minister | Wales could be turning corner on Covid says minister |
| Mass outdoor group exercise ban 'not justified' | Mass outdoor group exercise ban 'not justified' |
| About 10,000 NHS staff sick or self-isolating | About 10,000 NHS staff sick or self-isolating |
| Welsh outdoor crowds can return from 21 January | Welsh outdoor crowds can return from 21 January |
| Mr Drakeford is announcing more details of the plan, following the latest review of Covid rules, at a press conference on Friday. | Mr Drakeford is announcing more details of the plan, following the latest review of Covid rules, at a press conference on Friday. |
| Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said Wales had passed the Omicron peak and cases were "coming down very rapidly". | Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said Wales had passed the Omicron peak and cases were "coming down very rapidly". |
| He also denied the move was a "U-turn", adding: "Not at all. It's really the opposite of that. | He also denied the move was a "U-turn", adding: "Not at all. It's really the opposite of that. |
| "What we do in Wales is we follow the science, we follow the data. We make difficult decisions when that is necessary." | "What we do in Wales is we follow the science, we follow the data. We make difficult decisions when that is necessary." |
| Mark Drakeford has rejected any suggestions of a U-turn in his approach to these restrictions - he insists the scientific advice he received suggested four weeks of tougher restrictions and he says today's announcement is in line with that time period. | Mark Drakeford has rejected any suggestions of a U-turn in his approach to these restrictions - he insists the scientific advice he received suggested four weeks of tougher restrictions and he says today's announcement is in line with that time period. |
| He also points out that the Covid numbers have dropped rapidly in the last week. | He also points out that the Covid numbers have dropped rapidly in the last week. |
| The report from the Welsh government's Technical Advisory Cell before Christmas did talk about four weeks of restrictions, and numbers have plummeted, but it's also the case that we've seen an abrupt change in approach from Welsh ministers over the last couple of days. | The report from the Welsh government's Technical Advisory Cell before Christmas did talk about four weeks of restrictions, and numbers have plummeted, but it's also the case that we've seen an abrupt change in approach from Welsh ministers over the last couple of days. |
| On Tuesday in the Senedd, in response to Welsh Tory demands for a plan out of alert level two, the first minister quoted modelling saying that "the peak of the Omicron coronavirus wave has yet to be reached in Wales", he talked about the number of people suffering from Omicron "going up not coming down" and he raised only a heavily caveated possibility of beginning to lift restrictions at the end of next week. | On Tuesday in the Senedd, in response to Welsh Tory demands for a plan out of alert level two, the first minister quoted modelling saying that "the peak of the Omicron coronavirus wave has yet to be reached in Wales", he talked about the number of people suffering from Omicron "going up not coming down" and he raised only a heavily caveated possibility of beginning to lift restrictions at the end of next week. |
| At this time, the stats were showing a drop in cases, though Mr Drakeford said the change in the rules over testing meant it was difficult to know whether these were "genuine falls" or simply a result of fewer people getting PCR tests. | At this time, the stats were showing a drop in cases, though Mr Drakeford said the change in the rules over testing meant it was difficult to know whether these were "genuine falls" or simply a result of fewer people getting PCR tests. |
| By Thursday, the health minister was striking a much more optimistic note talking about "very positive signs" that Wales was "possibly turning the corner" on this wave and restrictions will now begin to be lifted this weekend. | By Thursday, the health minister was striking a much more optimistic note talking about "very positive signs" that Wales was "possibly turning the corner" on this wave and restrictions will now begin to be lifted this weekend. |
| Today, the cautious tone remains, as you'd expect, but the dogmatism of last Friday's review - where those calling for an easing of restrictions were described as "fundamentally wrong" - has been abandoned as has the pessimism of Tuesday's position. | Today, the cautious tone remains, as you'd expect, but the dogmatism of last Friday's review - where those calling for an easing of restrictions were described as "fundamentally wrong" - has been abandoned as has the pessimism of Tuesday's position. |
| "Over the next two weeks we can gradually and carefully lift the level of protections we've needed over the Christmas and the New Year period because from a public health perspective it will be then safe to do so," he said. | "Over the next two weeks we can gradually and carefully lift the level of protections we've needed over the Christmas and the New Year period because from a public health perspective it will be then safe to do so," he said. |
| "What we are seeing is a very rapid decline of the number of cases in Wales. Last Friday in Wales it was 2,300 cases per 100,000 of the Welsh population, today, only a week later, it is only 1,200. | "What we are seeing is a very rapid decline of the number of cases in Wales. Last Friday in Wales it was 2,300 cases per 100,000 of the Welsh population, today, only a week later, it is only 1,200. |
| "This is a really rapid decline and backed up by other measures we are seeing in Wales, that's what gives us the space to be able to lift some of the protections we've had and it's because of those protections that we are in the more benign position that we are in today." | "This is a really rapid decline and backed up by other measures we are seeing in Wales, that's what gives us the space to be able to lift some of the protections we've had and it's because of those protections that we are in the more benign position that we are in today." |
| Staff absences are putting even more pressure on the healthcare system, the Welsh government has said | Staff absences are putting even more pressure on the healthcare system, the Welsh government has said |
| Under the rules, sports fixtures were forced behind closed doors without spectators, and volunteer Parkrun events were cancelled. | Under the rules, sports fixtures were forced behind closed doors without spectators, and volunteer Parkrun events were cancelled. |
| "It's been a disappointing time. Whenever physical activity is restricted, we believe it should be evidence-based - we have made it clear, there's not been any evidence," said Tom Williams of Parkrun. | "It's been a disappointing time. Whenever physical activity is restricted, we believe it should be evidence-based - we have made it clear, there's not been any evidence," said Tom Williams of Parkrun. |
| Scotland plans to scrap its restrictions on sports crowds from Monday. | Scotland plans to scrap its restrictions on sports crowds from Monday. |
| New restrictions were brought in last December to tackle the Omicron wave | New restrictions were brought in last December to tackle the Omicron wave |
| Meanwhile Wales' case rate has fallen to its lowest level since 27 December - 1,492.4 per 100,000 people over seven days. | Meanwhile Wales' case rate has fallen to its lowest level since 27 December - 1,492.4 per 100,000 people over seven days. |
| Although testing policy has changed - with some who test positive on lateral flow devices no longer requiring PCR tests - the depth of the fall cannot be fully explained by that. | Although testing policy has changed - with some who test positive on lateral flow devices no longer requiring PCR tests - the depth of the fall cannot be fully explained by that. |
| The number of people in critical care with Covid also stands at 20% of the level seen at the same point in January 2021. | The number of people in critical care with Covid also stands at 20% of the level seen at the same point in January 2021. |
| The Welsh government imposed restrictions on large events and businesses in December following large increases in Covid cases in the UK, caused by the Omicron variant. | The Welsh government imposed restrictions on large events and businesses in December following large increases in Covid cases in the UK, caused by the Omicron variant. |
| Nightclubs were closed, and the rules meant events were limited to a maximum of 50 people outdoors and 30 people indoors. | Nightclubs were closed, and the rules meant events were limited to a maximum of 50 people outdoors and 30 people indoors. |
| Pubs and restaurants were restricted to table service, with the rule of six in place, while workplaces and shops were required to impose social distancing measures. | Pubs and restaurants were restricted to table service, with the rule of six in place, while workplaces and shops were required to impose social distancing measures. |
| "Every day of trading counts because everyone wants to trade their way to recover," said chief executive of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association Emma McLarkin. | "Every day of trading counts because everyone wants to trade their way to recover," said chief executive of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association Emma McLarkin. |
| Restrictions have been in place to deal with the Omicron wave | Restrictions have been in place to deal with the Omicron wave |
| She said on average pubs have lost about £16,000 during current restrictions that "they won't recover". | She said on average pubs have lost about £16,000 during current restrictions that "they won't recover". |
| The Blas Mwy Black Lion at Llanfaethlu, Anglesey, employs 12 people but has been closed since New Year's Eve. | The Blas Mwy Black Lion at Llanfaethlu, Anglesey, employs 12 people but has been closed since New Year's Eve. |
| 'People were scared' | 'People were scared' |
| Owner Annest Rowlands welcomed potential changes, saying: "This year, December was a flop. Restrictions weren't in place [before 26 December], but people were scared." | Owner Annest Rowlands welcomed potential changes, saying: "This year, December was a flop. Restrictions weren't in place [before 26 December], but people were scared." |
| They usually put on up to 25 Christmas parties, but hosted only one this festive season, and Ms Rowlands said she hoped something approaching "normal" can return. | They usually put on up to 25 Christmas parties, but hosted only one this festive season, and Ms Rowlands said she hoped something approaching "normal" can return. |
| The rules were in contrast to England, where UK government ministers chose not to impose further restrictions beyond Plan B despite health officials urging caution during the Christmas break. | The rules were in contrast to England, where UK government ministers chose not to impose further restrictions beyond Plan B despite health officials urging caution during the Christmas break. |
| The Welsh Rugby Union had suggested it could move homes games out of Wales | The Welsh Rugby Union had suggested it could move homes games out of Wales |
| Mr Drakeford will set out plans to move from alert level two to alert level zero by the end of the month, which would allow nightclubs to reopen and would see social distancing in businesses scrapped. | Mr Drakeford will set out plans to move from alert level two to alert level zero by the end of the month, which would allow nightclubs to reopen and would see social distancing in businesses scrapped. |
| Under Wales' previous alert level zero rules, all businesses were allowed to open to the public with no restrictions on numbers at events. | Under Wales' previous alert level zero rules, all businesses were allowed to open to the public with no restrictions on numbers at events. |
| Mask wearing laws remained in place in most public spaces including shops, and the government continued to advise people to work from home. | Mask wearing laws remained in place in most public spaces including shops, and the government continued to advise people to work from home. |
| Covid passes were also required in nightclubs, cinemas and theatres. | Covid passes were also required in nightclubs, cinemas and theatres. |
| Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said: "I'm pleased they've finally listened to calls from the Welsh Conservatives. | Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said: "I'm pleased they've finally listened to calls from the Welsh Conservatives. |
| "Despite the detailed scientific evidence from South Africa, Labour ministers clearly overreacted to Omicron, and that has caused significant pain and anguish for families and businesses in Wales. | "Despite the detailed scientific evidence from South Africa, Labour ministers clearly overreacted to Omicron, and that has caused significant pain and anguish for families and businesses in Wales. |
| "The British booster campaign has been a resounding success and as such Labour should now move swiftly and remove restrictions as we get on the road to recovery and as a nation learn to live with Covid." | "The British booster campaign has been a resounding success and as such Labour should now move swiftly and remove restrictions as we get on the road to recovery and as a nation learn to live with Covid." |
| The move comes despite Mr Drakeford saying last Tuesday that Wales was "in the teeth of the Omicron storm". | The move comes despite Mr Drakeford saying last Tuesday that Wales was "in the teeth of the Omicron storm". |
| Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "If, as it seems, we are indeed at the peak, the right thing to do is see how we can safely respond. | Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "If, as it seems, we are indeed at the peak, the right thing to do is see how we can safely respond. |
| "Raising the limit on outdoor sporting events would be an obvious place to start, moving as swiftly as the continuing improved picture allows in coming days, to lifting other restrictions such as those in hospitality." | "Raising the limit on outdoor sporting events would be an obvious place to start, moving as swiftly as the continuing improved picture allows in coming days, to lifting other restrictions such as those in hospitality." |
| Wales has now reached 81% of those eligible for boosters in the Covid vaccination programme, according to the latest figures from Public Health Wales. | Wales has now reached 81% of those eligible for boosters in the Covid vaccination programme, according to the latest figures from Public Health Wales. |
| A total of 1,810,977 boosters were given out by 13 January. | A total of 1,810,977 boosters were given out by 13 January. |
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