Next month, people in Wales will need to show an NHS Covid Pass to enter nightclubs and attend events.
The move has just been announced by the first minister today (Friday 17th September).
According to the government, the measure is being introduced to control the spread of Covid in Wales, where cases are now at an all-time high.
Despite the increase in cases, the alert level will remain at zero for the next three weeks, and no new restrictions beyond passes will be introduced.
The First Minister is urging everyone to work from home whenever possible and to get fully vaccinated.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Across Wales, coronavirus cases have risen to very high levels over the summer as more people have been gathering and meeting.
“Tragically, more people are dying from this terrible virus.
“The very strong advice we have from our scientific advisers is to take early action to prevent infections increasing further.
“The last thing we want is further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again. That’s why we must take small but meaningful action now to control the spread of the virus and reduce the need for tougher measures later.”
On October 11, the NHS Covid Pass requirement takes effect.
All people over the age of 18 will need to have a pass to enter:
- Nightclubs
- Indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people, such as concerts or conventions
- Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people
- Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance
It means concerts and large scale sports events will now require the passes.
People who are fully vaccinated in Wales can already download the NHS Covid Pass to securely show and share their vaccine status.
It also allows people to show they have had a negative lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours.
Mr Drakeford continued: “My message to you today is a simple but serious one – the pandemic is not over and we all need to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“We have high levels of the virus in our communities and while our fantastic vaccination programme has helped stop thousands more people from becoming seriously ill or dying, the pressure on the NHS is increasing.
“We hope introducing the requirement to show a COVID pass will help keep venues and events – many of which have only recently started trading again – open.
“Showing a COVID Pass is already part of our collective effort to keep businesses open with some major events, such as the successful Green Man Festival, using it.
“We will continue to work closely with all businesses affected to ensure a smooth introduction and operation of this system.”
