Wales: full list of Covid rules changing in Wales from today - as face masks and self isolation end

Covid restrictions are being relaxed in Wales from today after two years of lockdowns, fire-breaks and mandatory face masks.

The changes mean that almost all of Wales’ coronavirus rules have been scrapped, including regulations on self-isolation.

What Covid rules have ended in Wales?

Face masks

From Monday (28 March), it is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask in shops or on public transport in Wales.

However, it is “strongly advised” that face masks still be worn in crowded places where transmission of the virus is more likely, such as shops and indoor public places.

Self-isolation rules

It is also now longer a legal requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for Covid in Wales from Monday.

The Welsh Government has said people are still “strongly advised” to stay at home if they test positive, but this will not be enforced by law.

A £500 self-isolation payment will continue to be available to those on lower incomes and parents until June.

What rules are still in place?

While face mask rules have been relaxed in most settings in Wales, it is still a legal requirement for coverings to be worn in health and social care settings, unless you are medically exempt.

First Minister Mark Drakeford had initially indicated that all remaining rules would be lifted from Monday, but the recent spike in infections has meant some restrictions still remain.

The continued use of face masks in doctor’s surgeries, dental practices, hospitals and all other health and social care settings is intended to help protect the most vulnerable.

It is not yet clear when this restriction is likely to be lifted.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We had hoped to be able to take the next steps on Monday (28 March) by removing the legal framework, which underpins the remaining protections we have in place, and replacing them with strengthened guidance to help keep people safe.

"The rapid spread of infections caused by BA2 means we need to retain some of these protections in law for a little while longer.

“But we continue to strongly advise everyone to take steps to protect themselves. The small things we all do are more important than ever."

It is also still a legal requirement for businesses, organisations and workplaces to carry out a specific "coronavirus risk assessment," and to put “reasonable measures” in place to reduce the risk of spreading the virus on their premises.

Guidance on face coverings in schools will remain unchanged until the end of term, with staff and pupils advised to continue wearing face masks in communal areas outside the classroom.

When is the next Covid review?

The next review of the Covid rules in Wales is scheduled to take place in three weeks on Good Friday (15 April).

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going. You can also sign up to our newsletters and get a curated selection of our best reads to your inbox every day.