Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice for Tourism Businesses
(Reviewed 08/11/22)
Please follow us on Facebook and check for latest updates on the Welsh Government website.
Throughout the pandemic, MWT has been working closely with the Welsh Government, Wales Tourism Alliance, business owners and local communities. We are committed to supporting our members and lobbying for your best interests. If you have any queries regarding COVID-19 and your tourism business, please contact us. COVID-19: Keep Wales Safe communications toolkit04/11/22: People across Wales are being encouraged to maintain key, protective behaviours to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19, and other respiratory infections, such as flu, and keep themselves and the people around them safe. Digital assets, available for businesses to use to support and communicate the guidance, are available here.
Coronavirus Regulations ended in WalesAfter more than 2 years of living with coronavirus regulations, these expired on Monday 30 May 2022, when the requirement to wear a face covering in health and care settings ended.
>> Read the full statement from First Minister, Mark Drakeford Wales at Alert Level 0Wales moved fully into alert level 0 on 28 January
>> Announcement from First Minister Mark Drakeford The move completed the Welsh Government’s phased lifting of the alert level 2 protections, which were put in place on Boxing Day. |
MWT Members Only Please log-in to the members area on this website for copies of our latest e-newsletters. If you are not receiving our e-newsletters via email, please contact us. The MWT members only Facebook group can be the easiest and quickest way for us to send latest information/updates. We encourage members to join the group if you haven't already done so, and use this resource as a way to keep in touch with your fellow members and support one another.
|
Action card for tourism businesses
The legal requirement for businesses to undertake specific coronavirus risk assessments ended on Monday 18 April 2022. Businesses will continue to be encouraged to take steps to operate in a Covid-safe manner.
A checklist to help businesses, employers and event organisers consider which control measures to continue to apply can be found at:
https://gov.wales/public-health-control-measures-checklist-businesses-employers-and-event-organisers-coronavirus
A checklist to help businesses, employers and event organisers consider which control measures to continue to apply can be found at:
https://gov.wales/public-health-control-measures-checklist-businesses-employers-and-event-organisers-coronavirus
Safety Reminders & Other Useful Information
covid-19 safety reminders
Reasonable Measures to Minimise Coronavirus: Advice for businesses and organisations about reasonable measures to take to minimise the risk of coronavirus can be found on Gov.Wales.
Includes information on ventilation, limiting capacity, preventing crowding, cleanliness, noise levels and helping Test, Trace and Protect.
Keep Wales Safe at Work: When considering what you need to do to keep your workforce safe at work, visit the Business Wales website for detailed guidance, examples and resources.
NHS COVID Pass: promotional pack: Information on how businesses and event organisers must check the COVID-19 status of their customers is available on Gov.Wales.
The NHS COVID Pass: promotional pack can be downloaded from Gov.Wales. Businesses are encouraged to display and share these posters, images and videos to promote and explain the NHS COVID Pass.
Includes information on ventilation, limiting capacity, preventing crowding, cleanliness, noise levels and helping Test, Trace and Protect.
Keep Wales Safe at Work: When considering what you need to do to keep your workforce safe at work, visit the Business Wales website for detailed guidance, examples and resources.
NHS COVID Pass: promotional pack: Information on how businesses and event organisers must check the COVID-19 status of their customers is available on Gov.Wales.
The NHS COVID Pass: promotional pack can be downloaded from Gov.Wales. Businesses are encouraged to display and share these posters, images and videos to promote and explain the NHS COVID Pass.
Updates / Key Dates
27/05/22: coronavirus regulations to end in wales
https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-to-end-in-wales
After more than 2 years of living with coronavirus regulations, these will expire on Monday May 30 when the requirement to wear a face covering in health and care settings ends.
But the Welsh Government will continue to recommend people take simple steps to protect their health – including wearing face coverings in health settings – as Wales moves beyond the emergency response to the pandemic.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
The pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives – everyone has made sacrifices and changes over the last 2 years. But it is thanks to all your efforts that we can move beyond the emergency response while still living safely with this virus.
I want to thank everyone for all you have done to protect yourselves and your loved ones. You have followed the rules and you have kept Wales safe.
This 3-week review of the coronavirus regulations is a significant milestone – we are completing our careful and gradual transition away from legal protections and away from the emergency response to the pandemic.
The public health situation is continuing to improve in Wales – results from recent ONS Coronavirus Infection Surveys show the number of people with Covid-19 is falling.
But in the past week, the 4 UK chief medical officers have warned about the risk from new variants – BA.4 and BA.5.
The First Minister said Wales will remain alert to these and is ready to scale up testing and vaccination arrangements once again if the public health situation changes.
He added:
We remain alert to the threat of new and emerging variants, and we will be ready to respond if we see a rapid spread of the virus, causing widespread harm.
Continuing to take simple steps, including staying up to date with vaccinations; self-isolating if you have Covid-19 symptoms and maintaining good hand hygiene, will be important in helping us all to enjoy a safer and brighter future together.
From Monday 30 May, the legal requirement to wear a face covering in health and care settings will end. This follows the outcome of the 3-weekly review of coronavirus regulations and completes a gradual, phased easing of legal restrictions since January.
Over the last 3 weeks the public health situation has continued to improve, with the latest results from the ONS Coronavirus Infection Survey showing the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus in Wales is falling.
The number of Covid-19 related patients has also fallen to less than 700 and is at its lowest level since 28 December 2021, although the NHS remains under pressure from a combination of emergency and pandemic pressures with a significant number of staff absences.
After more than 2 years of living with coronavirus regulations, these will expire on Monday May 30 when the requirement to wear a face covering in health and care settings ends.
But the Welsh Government will continue to recommend people take simple steps to protect their health – including wearing face coverings in health settings – as Wales moves beyond the emergency response to the pandemic.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
The pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives – everyone has made sacrifices and changes over the last 2 years. But it is thanks to all your efforts that we can move beyond the emergency response while still living safely with this virus.
I want to thank everyone for all you have done to protect yourselves and your loved ones. You have followed the rules and you have kept Wales safe.
This 3-week review of the coronavirus regulations is a significant milestone – we are completing our careful and gradual transition away from legal protections and away from the emergency response to the pandemic.
The public health situation is continuing to improve in Wales – results from recent ONS Coronavirus Infection Surveys show the number of people with Covid-19 is falling.
But in the past week, the 4 UK chief medical officers have warned about the risk from new variants – BA.4 and BA.5.
The First Minister said Wales will remain alert to these and is ready to scale up testing and vaccination arrangements once again if the public health situation changes.
He added:
We remain alert to the threat of new and emerging variants, and we will be ready to respond if we see a rapid spread of the virus, causing widespread harm.
Continuing to take simple steps, including staying up to date with vaccinations; self-isolating if you have Covid-19 symptoms and maintaining good hand hygiene, will be important in helping us all to enjoy a safer and brighter future together.
From Monday 30 May, the legal requirement to wear a face covering in health and care settings will end. This follows the outcome of the 3-weekly review of coronavirus regulations and completes a gradual, phased easing of legal restrictions since January.
Over the last 3 weeks the public health situation has continued to improve, with the latest results from the ONS Coronavirus Infection Survey showing the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus in Wales is falling.
The number of Covid-19 related patients has also fallen to less than 700 and is at its lowest level since 28 December 2021, although the NHS remains under pressure from a combination of emergency and pandemic pressures with a significant number of staff absences.
06/05/22 face coverings retained in health and social care settings
First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed the legal requirement to wear a face covering in health and care settings will remain in place.
Speaking after the latest 3-week review of the coronavirus regulations, the First Minister said the public health situation was improving following the recent spike in cases caused by the BA.2 sub-type of omicron.
But Covid case rates remain high so maintaining the use of face coverings in health and care settings will help to protect to some of the most vulnerable people in society, staff and visitors.
The First Minister also urged everyone to continue to take measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus by following a set of simple steps to protect one another and keep Wales safe.
These include self-isolating if ill or testing positive for Covid-19; wearing a face covering in crowded indoor places, meeting outdoors wherever possible; keeping indoor areas well ventilated and washing hands regularly.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"The pandemic isn’t over but we are seeing encouraging signs the recent high levels of infections across Wales are falling.
"There are steps we can all take to protect ourselves while coronavirus is still circulating and reduce the spread of the virus even further. This is particularly true in places where some of the most vulnerable people in society are being treated and live, which is why we will retain the legal requirement to wear face coverings in health and social care settings.
"More generally, ensuring you are up-to-date with your Covid vaccinations and spring booster – if you are eligible – is really important. If you have Covid symptoms or test positive, please stay at home and help break the chain of transmission.
"Together, we can carry on keeping each other safe and keeping Wales safe."
The next 3-weekly review of coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 26 May.
Speaking after the latest 3-week review of the coronavirus regulations, the First Minister said the public health situation was improving following the recent spike in cases caused by the BA.2 sub-type of omicron.
But Covid case rates remain high so maintaining the use of face coverings in health and care settings will help to protect to some of the most vulnerable people in society, staff and visitors.
The First Minister also urged everyone to continue to take measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus by following a set of simple steps to protect one another and keep Wales safe.
These include self-isolating if ill or testing positive for Covid-19; wearing a face covering in crowded indoor places, meeting outdoors wherever possible; keeping indoor areas well ventilated and washing hands regularly.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"The pandemic isn’t over but we are seeing encouraging signs the recent high levels of infections across Wales are falling.
"There are steps we can all take to protect ourselves while coronavirus is still circulating and reduce the spread of the virus even further. This is particularly true in places where some of the most vulnerable people in society are being treated and live, which is why we will retain the legal requirement to wear face coverings in health and social care settings.
"More generally, ensuring you are up-to-date with your Covid vaccinations and spring booster – if you are eligible – is really important. If you have Covid symptoms or test positive, please stay at home and help break the chain of transmission.
"Together, we can carry on keeping each other safe and keeping Wales safe."
The next 3-weekly review of coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 26 May.
14/04/22 statement from first minister, mark drakeford
“Everything we do helps protect us and the people around us” – First Minister Mark Drakeford
First Minister Mark Drakeford has spoken about the importance of continuing to take simple steps to protect our public health to manage the spread of coronavirus.
He outlined 5 easy things we can all do, including staying at home if we have symptoms of coronavirus.
His comments come as the Welsh Government has carried out the latest 3-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations.
The legal requirement to wear face coverings in health and social care settings will remain in place for the next 3 weeks, offering ongoing protection to those most vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus.
But the legal requirement for businesses to undertake specific coronavirus risk assessments will end on Monday 18 April. Businesses will continue to be encouraged to take steps to operate in a Covid-safe manner.
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 5 to 11 years who are now eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine primary dose.
The Welsh Government has set out 5 simple steps for people to help everyone stay safe:
Further details are available on:
First Minister Mark Drakeford has spoken about the importance of continuing to take simple steps to protect our public health to manage the spread of coronavirus.
He outlined 5 easy things we can all do, including staying at home if we have symptoms of coronavirus.
His comments come as the Welsh Government has carried out the latest 3-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations.
The legal requirement to wear face coverings in health and social care settings will remain in place for the next 3 weeks, offering ongoing protection to those most vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus.
But the legal requirement for businesses to undertake specific coronavirus risk assessments will end on Monday 18 April. Businesses will continue to be encouraged to take steps to operate in a Covid-safe manner.
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 5 to 11 years who are now eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine primary dose.
The Welsh Government has set out 5 simple steps for people to help everyone stay safe:
- Stay at home (self-isolate) if you are ill or if you test positive for coronavirus.
- Wear a face covering in crowded indoor public places.
- Meet outdoors where possible and ensure indoor areas are well ventilated if meeting indoors.
- Take additional precautions when visiting vulnerable people. Avoid meeting them if possible if you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection.
- Wash hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.
Further details are available on:
25/03/22 cautious approach to coronavirus protections to continue
Wales will continue to gradually relax some of its remaining pandemic protections, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced (25 March).
From Monday, face coverings will no longer be required by law in retail settings and on public transport, though they will continue to be recommended in public health advice.
And the requirement to self-isolate will also move into guidance. A £500 self-isolation payment to support people will continue to be available until June.
However, 2 key legal protections will remain in place as coronavirus cases have risen sharply in recent weeks, driven by the BA.2 sub-type of the omicron variant.
Face coverings will remain a legal requirement in health and social care settings and coronavirus risk assessments must continue to be carried out by businesses, with reasonable measures put in place in light of those assessments.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We have seen an unwelcome rise in coronavirus cases across Wales, mirroring the position in most of the UK.
“We have carefully considered the very latest scientific and medical evidence and we need to keep some legal protections in place for a little while longer, to help keep Wales safe.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have taken a gradual and cautious approach as we have relaxed protections.
“We are firmly on the path towards leaving the emergency response to the pandemic behind us and learning to live with coronavirus safely.”
The next 3-weekly review of coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 14 April, when the remaining legal measures will be reviewed.
From Monday, face coverings will no longer be required by law in retail settings and on public transport, though they will continue to be recommended in public health advice.
And the requirement to self-isolate will also move into guidance. A £500 self-isolation payment to support people will continue to be available until June.
However, 2 key legal protections will remain in place as coronavirus cases have risen sharply in recent weeks, driven by the BA.2 sub-type of the omicron variant.
Face coverings will remain a legal requirement in health and social care settings and coronavirus risk assessments must continue to be carried out by businesses, with reasonable measures put in place in light of those assessments.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We have seen an unwelcome rise in coronavirus cases across Wales, mirroring the position in most of the UK.
“We have carefully considered the very latest scientific and medical evidence and we need to keep some legal protections in place for a little while longer, to help keep Wales safe.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have taken a gradual and cautious approach as we have relaxed protections.
“We are firmly on the path towards leaving the emergency response to the pandemic behind us and learning to live with coronavirus safely.”
The next 3-weekly review of coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 14 April, when the remaining legal measures will be reviewed.
04/03/22: Long-term plan to live with coronavirus safely
First Minister Mark Drakeford has published Wales’ longer-term plan to live safely with coronavirus.
Together for a Safer Future will mark the start of Wales’ transition beyond the emergency response to the pandemic – emergency measures have been in place for 2 years.
It sets out how Wales can live safely with coronavirus – just as we live with many other infectious diseases – and what that will mean for public health services and protections put in place to respond to the pandemic, including testing services.
Wales will remain at alert level 0 for the next 3 weeks with the current level of protections in place. But all legal measures could be removed from 28 March if the public health situation remains stable.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We’ve been living in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic for 2 long years. It has touched all our lives – across Wales, families and communities have made many sacrifices to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. People in Wales have followed the rules.
“But sadly, too many families have experienced the pain of losing a loved one or a close friend. My thoughts are with them all.
“As we publish this longer-term plan, there is no doubt we have reached a significant moment in this pandemic and we can look to the future with growing confidence that the next year will be one in which we have a different relationship with the virus.
“This has been made possible by the hard work of everyone and by the efforts of all the health and care staff, public sector workers and volunteers who have done so much over the last 2 years.~
“But the pandemic isn’t over – this virus is full of nasty surprises and we are likely to see fluctuations in global patterns of infection for several years. We need to be ready to respond quickly to any future outbreaks or new variants as we learn to live safely alongside coronavirus in the long-term.
“We have learned so much over the last 2 years and we need to harness this as we look forward to a safer and brighter future together.”
Together for a Safer Future: Wales’ Long-term Covid-19 Transition from Pandemic to Endemic sets out a gradual transition away from emergency measures, based on evidence and with the protection of everyone, especially the most vulnerable, at its heart.
The plan sets out how Wales’ response to coronavirus will change under the two core planning scenarios – Covid Stable and Covid Urgent.
Covid Stable is the most likely scenario – with Wales expected to encounter new waves of infection, but they are not expected to put unsustainable pressure on the NHS thanks to the effectiveness of vaccines and other pharmaceutical treatments, such as new Covid-19 antivirals.
The plan sets out a gradual, phased approach towards the long-term management of the virus under Covid Stable, including:
The next 3-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 24 March, when the remaining legal measures at alert level 0 will be reviewed.
Further details are available on:
Together for a Safer Future will mark the start of Wales’ transition beyond the emergency response to the pandemic – emergency measures have been in place for 2 years.
It sets out how Wales can live safely with coronavirus – just as we live with many other infectious diseases – and what that will mean for public health services and protections put in place to respond to the pandemic, including testing services.
Wales will remain at alert level 0 for the next 3 weeks with the current level of protections in place. But all legal measures could be removed from 28 March if the public health situation remains stable.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We’ve been living in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic for 2 long years. It has touched all our lives – across Wales, families and communities have made many sacrifices to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. People in Wales have followed the rules.
“But sadly, too many families have experienced the pain of losing a loved one or a close friend. My thoughts are with them all.
“As we publish this longer-term plan, there is no doubt we have reached a significant moment in this pandemic and we can look to the future with growing confidence that the next year will be one in which we have a different relationship with the virus.
“This has been made possible by the hard work of everyone and by the efforts of all the health and care staff, public sector workers and volunteers who have done so much over the last 2 years.~
“But the pandemic isn’t over – this virus is full of nasty surprises and we are likely to see fluctuations in global patterns of infection for several years. We need to be ready to respond quickly to any future outbreaks or new variants as we learn to live safely alongside coronavirus in the long-term.
“We have learned so much over the last 2 years and we need to harness this as we look forward to a safer and brighter future together.”
Together for a Safer Future: Wales’ Long-term Covid-19 Transition from Pandemic to Endemic sets out a gradual transition away from emergency measures, based on evidence and with the protection of everyone, especially the most vulnerable, at its heart.
The plan sets out how Wales’ response to coronavirus will change under the two core planning scenarios – Covid Stable and Covid Urgent.
Covid Stable is the most likely scenario – with Wales expected to encounter new waves of infection, but they are not expected to put unsustainable pressure on the NHS thanks to the effectiveness of vaccines and other pharmaceutical treatments, such as new Covid-19 antivirals.
The plan sets out a gradual, phased approach towards the long-term management of the virus under Covid Stable, including:
- Supporting people to maintain behaviours we have all become familiar with to help reduce the transmission of all respiratory infections, not just coronavirus.
- Vaccination boosters in spring for the elderly and most vulnerable adults, and a regular COVID-19 vaccination programme from the autumn.
- Test, Trace, Protect programme gradually moves away from universal and routine symptomatic and asymptomatic testing and the requirement to self-isolate, to a more targeted approach aimed at vulnerable people.
- Adaptation of public services, including, for example, using local risk assessments and outbreak control plans.
- Businesses and other employers to build on the elements of infection control they have put in place to protect staff and customers.
The next 3-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations will be carried out by 24 March, when the remaining legal measures at alert level 0 will be reviewed.
Further details are available on:
28/02/22 face covering legal requirement lifted in many indoor public places
The legal requirement to wear a face covering in many indoor public places has today come to an end.
The change will mean people will no longer be legally required to wear face coverings in a range of indoor places, including cinemas, theatres, community centres, museums and gyms.
But face coverings will continue to be a legal requirement for adults and children aged 11 and over, unless exempt, in all retail settings, on public transport and in health and care settings.
Official guidance will also continue to highlight the importance of face coverings as one means of helping keep people safe.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"We have worked hard to make sure the protections we have in place are proportionate to the public health situation and the risk of coronavirus.
"Thanks to everyone’s hard work and all their sacrifices, cases of coronavirus are falling across Wales. Now is the right time to relax the general requirement to wear a face covering in many indoor public places.
"But we will keep the legal requirement in place in retail, public transport and health and social care, which are widely used and essential sectors.
"This is part of our cautious and careful response to the pandemic. We will continue to consider the latest scientific and medical evidence to inform our approach.
"Later this week I will be setting our longer term plans to manage the pandemic, as we carry out the regular three-week review of the regulations."
As schools today return from their half-term break, they will return to using their local decision framework, making decisions to reflect local risks.
Face coverings will no longer be routinely required in classrooms but they should continue to be worn in communal areas in secondary schools.
Today’s relaxations are the latest step in the changes the First Minister announced at the last three-week review of the coronavirus regulations.
Face coverings still remain a legal requirement in retail, public transport and health and social care. The requirement applies to adults and children aged 11 and over. The Welsh Government has said that if public health conditions continue to improve this legal requirement could be lifted by the end of March.
The outcome of the next review of regulations will be announced on 4 March, when all the remaining measures at alert level zero will be reviewed.
Information can be found on Face coverings: guidance for public | GOV.WALES.
Guidance is available on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Topic | GOV.WALES.
The change will mean people will no longer be legally required to wear face coverings in a range of indoor places, including cinemas, theatres, community centres, museums and gyms.
But face coverings will continue to be a legal requirement for adults and children aged 11 and over, unless exempt, in all retail settings, on public transport and in health and care settings.
Official guidance will also continue to highlight the importance of face coverings as one means of helping keep people safe.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"We have worked hard to make sure the protections we have in place are proportionate to the public health situation and the risk of coronavirus.
"Thanks to everyone’s hard work and all their sacrifices, cases of coronavirus are falling across Wales. Now is the right time to relax the general requirement to wear a face covering in many indoor public places.
"But we will keep the legal requirement in place in retail, public transport and health and social care, which are widely used and essential sectors.
"This is part of our cautious and careful response to the pandemic. We will continue to consider the latest scientific and medical evidence to inform our approach.
"Later this week I will be setting our longer term plans to manage the pandemic, as we carry out the regular three-week review of the regulations."
As schools today return from their half-term break, they will return to using their local decision framework, making decisions to reflect local risks.
Face coverings will no longer be routinely required in classrooms but they should continue to be worn in communal areas in secondary schools.
Today’s relaxations are the latest step in the changes the First Minister announced at the last three-week review of the coronavirus regulations.
Face coverings still remain a legal requirement in retail, public transport and health and social care. The requirement applies to adults and children aged 11 and over. The Welsh Government has said that if public health conditions continue to improve this legal requirement could be lifted by the end of March.
The outcome of the next review of regulations will be announced on 4 March, when all the remaining measures at alert level zero will be reviewed.
Information can be found on Face coverings: guidance for public | GOV.WALES.
Guidance is available on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Topic | GOV.WALES.
18/02/22 covid pass no longer required for indoor or outdoor events
The legal requirement to show a Covid Pass to enter certain venues and events in Wales has now been lifted by the Welsh Government, the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden has confirmed.
The move comes as the Welsh Government continues to lift some of its remaining coronavirus protections as cases continue to fall.
From today (Friday 18 February), the domestic Covid Pass will no longer be required for entry into indoor or outdoor events and venues, including nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls. But events and venues will be able to continue to use it if they choose to.
The international Covid Pass will continue to be integral to arrangements for safer international travel. Travellers will need to check the relevant countries’ rules for entry, including any different requirements for children.
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said:
“When it was introduced, the Covid Pass was part of a suite of measures to give people confidence, keep businesses open and to keep Wales safe.
“I’d like to thank all the sectors for their cooperation and feedback during this challenging time.
“With increasing numbers of people vaccinated and boosted and thanks to the hard work and efforts of everyone across Wales, we are confident that coronavirus rates are falling and we can look forward to brighter times ahead.”
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 – Amendment 18 February 2022 (17 February 2022) | GOV.WALES.
The move comes as the Welsh Government continues to lift some of its remaining coronavirus protections as cases continue to fall.
From today (Friday 18 February), the domestic Covid Pass will no longer be required for entry into indoor or outdoor events and venues, including nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls. But events and venues will be able to continue to use it if they choose to.
The international Covid Pass will continue to be integral to arrangements for safer international travel. Travellers will need to check the relevant countries’ rules for entry, including any different requirements for children.
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said:
“When it was introduced, the Covid Pass was part of a suite of measures to give people confidence, keep businesses open and to keep Wales safe.
“I’d like to thank all the sectors for their cooperation and feedback during this challenging time.
“With increasing numbers of people vaccinated and boosted and thanks to the hard work and efforts of everyone across Wales, we are confident that coronavirus rates are falling and we can look forward to brighter times ahead.”
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 – Amendment 18 February 2022 (17 February 2022) | GOV.WALES.
21/01/22 Phased easing of covid restrictions to continue & updated hospitality guidance
Wales will complete the move to alert level 0 on 28 January, First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed, unless the public health situation changes for the worse.
He said the phased plan to gradually relax the alert level 2 measures and move back to alert level 0 will continue.
View announcement here
He said the phased plan to gradually relax the alert level 2 measures and move back to alert level 0 will continue.
View announcement here
Updated Hospitality Guidance: Following the most recent announcement on the lifting of some restrictions, here is the link to the updated hospitality guidance. This takes into account the changes that have been made from 21 January 2022. but does not cover any potential changes from 28 January (as mentioned in the first link).
The Action Cards: COVID-19 alert levels | Sub-topic | GOV.WALES have also been updated.
The Action Cards: COVID-19 alert levels | Sub-topic | GOV.WALES have also been updated.
14/01/22 Plan to ease alert level 2 announced
14/01/22: A plan to return Wales to alert level 0 measures has today been set out by First Minister Mark Drakeford.
The phased plan will see measures on outdoor activity removed first as Wales gradually moves out of alert level 2 and fully back to alert level 0 from 28 January.
The phased plan will see measures on outdoor activity removed first as Wales gradually moves out of alert level 2 and fully back to alert level 0 from 28 January.
returning to alert level 0
The move comes as the latest public health data suggests cases of coronavirus have started to fall back from their very high levels. More than two-thirds of people aged 12 and over have received a booster or third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The full move to alert level 0 will be dependent on the public health situation continuing to improve.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“I want to thank everyone for following the rules we have had in place since Boxing Day to help keep Wales safe while the fast-moving omicron variant has surged through our communities.
“I also want to thank everyone involved in our vaccination programme for the enormous efforts to give almost a third of the population a booster since the start of December – this has been vital in increasing our protection against omicron.
“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.
“We can now look more confidently to the future and plan to start gradually removing the alert level 2 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.”
If conditions allow, the alert level 2 restrictions will be removed in a phased approach.
From tomorrow, the number of people who can be present at outdoor events will rise from 50 to 500.
From Friday 21 January Wales would move to alert level 0 for all outdoor activities. This means there will be no limits on the number of people who can take part in outdoor activities.
The 3-weekly cycle would be re-introduced from 10 February, when the Welsh Government will review all remaining measures at alert level 0.
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (14 January 2022) | GOV.WALES
The full move to alert level 0 will be dependent on the public health situation continuing to improve.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“I want to thank everyone for following the rules we have had in place since Boxing Day to help keep Wales safe while the fast-moving omicron variant has surged through our communities.
“I also want to thank everyone involved in our vaccination programme for the enormous efforts to give almost a third of the population a booster since the start of December – this has been vital in increasing our protection against omicron.
“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.
“We can now look more confidently to the future and plan to start gradually removing the alert level 2 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.”
If conditions allow, the alert level 2 restrictions will be removed in a phased approach.
From tomorrow, the number of people who can be present at outdoor events will rise from 50 to 500.
From Friday 21 January Wales would move to alert level 0 for all outdoor activities. This means there will be no limits on the number of people who can take part in outdoor activities.
- Crowds will be able to return to outdoor sporting events
- Outdoor hospitality would be able to operate without additional reasonable measures.
- The Covid Pass will be required for entry to larger outdoor events.
- Nightclubs will be able to re-open.
- Working from home would remain important but it would no longer be a legal requirement.
- Businesses, employers and other organisations must undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
- The Covid Pass will be required for entry to nightclubs, events, cinemas, concert halls and theatres.
- The rule of 6, table service and 2m physical distancing no longer required in hospitality.
The 3-weekly cycle would be re-introduced from 10 February, when the Welsh Government will review all remaining measures at alert level 0.
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (14 January 2022) | GOV.WALES
07/01/22: Alert level two measures to stay in place
First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed alert level 2 measures will stay in place in Wales following the outcome of the latest regulations review. Cases of coronavirus have risen sharply to their highest ever levels as the Omicron wave has surged across Wales in the post-Christmas period. The latest figures show there are more than 2,200 cases per 100,000 people in Wales. First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“The Omicron wave means we are all facing a difficult month ahead of us. We are already seeing extremely high case rates in communities and we must be prepared for cases to rise even higher, just as they have elsewhere in the UK. “This variant may not be as severe as we had initially feared but the speed at which it is travelling and its infectiousness continue to be cause for concern. “That makes it vital that we all take action to keep each other safe. The things which have helped to protect us all throughout the pandemic will continue to protect us now. “This includes getting vaccinated and making your booster a priority, limiting the number of people you meet who you don’t live with, and taking a lateral flow test before going out and mixing with others. “Together, we will keep each other safe and we will keep Wales safe.”
At alert level 2 people must:
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (7 January 2022) | GOV.WALES
“The Omicron wave means we are all facing a difficult month ahead of us. We are already seeing extremely high case rates in communities and we must be prepared for cases to rise even higher, just as they have elsewhere in the UK. “This variant may not be as severe as we had initially feared but the speed at which it is travelling and its infectiousness continue to be cause for concern. “That makes it vital that we all take action to keep each other safe. The things which have helped to protect us all throughout the pandemic will continue to protect us now. “This includes getting vaccinated and making your booster a priority, limiting the number of people you meet who you don’t live with, and taking a lateral flow test before going out and mixing with others. “Together, we will keep each other safe and we will keep Wales safe.”
At alert level 2 people must:
- Wear a face covering (unless there is a reasonable excuse not to wear one) in all indoor public places, including when not seated in a pub, café or restaurant.
- Meet no more than five other people at a café, restaurant, pub or other public premises (unless with their household of a larger number). This applies to both outdoor and indoor areas of the premises.
- Work from home if they can.
- Self-isolate for seven days if they test positive for COVID-19. People should take a lateral flow test on day six and day seven. If either test is positive they should remain in isolation until two negative lateral flow tests or after day 10, whichever is sooner.
- Not take part in an organised event indoors of more than 30 people or outdoors for more than 50 people. All organised events must be organised by a responsible body and have a risk assessment.
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (7 January 2022) | GOV.WALES
30/12/21: review of the health protection (coronavirus restrictions) (no.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020
First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS has stated (30 December):
The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus protections is undertaken every three weeks.
Since the last formal review of the regulations, the Cabinet has moved to a weekly review in response to the rapidly evolving public health situation and the emergence of the omicron variant.
Today, a review has taken place of the public health situation over the Christmas period. It has deteriorated in the last week as the Omicron wave has arrived. We have seen a marked rise in cases of coronavirus – the majority are likely to be caused by the omicron variant.
This is similar to the position in the rest of the UK.
Over the last few days, record numbers of infections have been identified and the overall seven-day case rate has risen to more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 people across Wales.
Cases are highest among 20 to 29-year-olds and 30 to 39-year-olds. We are also starting to see the cases rates increase in the older age groups.
Hospitalisations remain lower than in previous waves, but these too are starting to increase. The overall COVID-19 bed occupancy has grown by a third over the Christmas period. This is a combination of both omicron and delta cases.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospital has also increased to 446 on 29 December. This is 49% higher than the same day last week. We have not seen a rise in the number of COVID-19 patients needing critical care.
Enormous efforts have been made to provide booster vaccines to all eligible adults in the run-up to Christmas – almost 1.6m people have received a booster.
The concentrated attention on vaccination has also led to increases in the number of people coming forward for first and second vaccinations in December. It is never too late to be vaccinated in Wales.
I want to place on record my thanks to all those who have given up their time this Christmas to help protect others, and to all those people, in every part of Wales who have made coming forward for vaccination their priority too.
If you have not yet had your booster please make it a priority. It is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself against this awful virus.
Demand for PCR tests and for lateral flow devices continues to rise and has reached new record levels. Wales has a significant stock of lateral flow tests, sufficient to meet our needs over the weeks ahead.
The Health Minister has agreed today to loan a further four million such tests to the English NHS, bringing that mutual aid to 10 million lateral flow tests.
Distribution of lateral flow test kits through home delivery and pharmacies remains the responsibility of the UK Government and we are working with it, as it increases the capacity of the system.
Wales moved to alert level two on Boxing Day. The public health situation remains very volatile and the Christmas period is always one when collecting and analysing data is challenging.
Against this background, the outcome of the review is that we will continue with the current arrangements for alert level two protections in Wales, while continuing to closely monitor the situation.
The Health Minister published a written statement on 23 December about reducing the self-isolation period from 10 to seven days, on the basis of two negative lateral flow tests taken on days six and seven, from 5 January.
We will introduce this change tomorrow (31 December).
This means people who have tested positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for seven days. On days six and seven of their self-isolation period they should take lateral flow tests and if these tests – taken 24 hours apart – are positive, they should continue to self-isolate.
We are bringing the change forward because the balance of harms has changed and the rising number of cases has begun to have an impact on the number of people, in critical jobs, who are excluded from the workplace because of self-isolation.
The Cabinet will continue to review the position in Wales on a weekly basis, as we see the Omicron variant take hold across Wales. Given the seriousness of the threat the virus poses, it remains vitally important that each one of us continues to take all those simple precautions which will help to slow down the spread of the virus and the risks it poses to all of us.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus protections is undertaken every three weeks.
Since the last formal review of the regulations, the Cabinet has moved to a weekly review in response to the rapidly evolving public health situation and the emergence of the omicron variant.
Today, a review has taken place of the public health situation over the Christmas period. It has deteriorated in the last week as the Omicron wave has arrived. We have seen a marked rise in cases of coronavirus – the majority are likely to be caused by the omicron variant.
This is similar to the position in the rest of the UK.
Over the last few days, record numbers of infections have been identified and the overall seven-day case rate has risen to more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 people across Wales.
Cases are highest among 20 to 29-year-olds and 30 to 39-year-olds. We are also starting to see the cases rates increase in the older age groups.
Hospitalisations remain lower than in previous waves, but these too are starting to increase. The overall COVID-19 bed occupancy has grown by a third over the Christmas period. This is a combination of both omicron and delta cases.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospital has also increased to 446 on 29 December. This is 49% higher than the same day last week. We have not seen a rise in the number of COVID-19 patients needing critical care.
Enormous efforts have been made to provide booster vaccines to all eligible adults in the run-up to Christmas – almost 1.6m people have received a booster.
The concentrated attention on vaccination has also led to increases in the number of people coming forward for first and second vaccinations in December. It is never too late to be vaccinated in Wales.
I want to place on record my thanks to all those who have given up their time this Christmas to help protect others, and to all those people, in every part of Wales who have made coming forward for vaccination their priority too.
If you have not yet had your booster please make it a priority. It is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself against this awful virus.
Demand for PCR tests and for lateral flow devices continues to rise and has reached new record levels. Wales has a significant stock of lateral flow tests, sufficient to meet our needs over the weeks ahead.
The Health Minister has agreed today to loan a further four million such tests to the English NHS, bringing that mutual aid to 10 million lateral flow tests.
Distribution of lateral flow test kits through home delivery and pharmacies remains the responsibility of the UK Government and we are working with it, as it increases the capacity of the system.
Wales moved to alert level two on Boxing Day. The public health situation remains very volatile and the Christmas period is always one when collecting and analysing data is challenging.
Against this background, the outcome of the review is that we will continue with the current arrangements for alert level two protections in Wales, while continuing to closely monitor the situation.
The Health Minister published a written statement on 23 December about reducing the self-isolation period from 10 to seven days, on the basis of two negative lateral flow tests taken on days six and seven, from 5 January.
We will introduce this change tomorrow (31 December).
This means people who have tested positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for seven days. On days six and seven of their self-isolation period they should take lateral flow tests and if these tests – taken 24 hours apart – are positive, they should continue to self-isolate.
We are bringing the change forward because the balance of harms has changed and the rising number of cases has begun to have an impact on the number of people, in critical jobs, who are excluded from the workplace because of self-isolation.
The Cabinet will continue to review the position in Wales on a weekly basis, as we see the Omicron variant take hold across Wales. Given the seriousness of the threat the virus poses, it remains vitally important that each one of us continues to take all those simple precautions which will help to slow down the spread of the virus and the risks it poses to all of us.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.
22/12/21: Strengthened measures announced - new measures to be introduced on boxing day
New measures will be introduced from 6am on Boxing Day to help keep Wales safe.
The measures are a revised version of alert level two to respond to the new omicron variant.
The regulations bring back protections in hospitality businesses, including licensed premises, and in cinemas and theatres when they re-open after the festive period.
Strengthened guidance will be issued to help people stay safe in their own homes and when meeting others.
£120m will be available for nightclubs, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses affected by the move to alert level two – double the new £60m package announced last week.
The Economy Minister will announce further details tomorrow (23 December).
From Boxing Day, the alert level two measures will mean:
The Welsh Government will not be making new rules about mixing in people’s private homes, including gardens, in holiday accommodation or meeting outdoors. Instead guidance will be issued to help people stay safe.
To help you stay safe in your own home, the government advise:
The measures are a revised version of alert level two to respond to the new omicron variant.
The regulations bring back protections in hospitality businesses, including licensed premises, and in cinemas and theatres when they re-open after the festive period.
Strengthened guidance will be issued to help people stay safe in their own homes and when meeting others.
£120m will be available for nightclubs, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses affected by the move to alert level two – double the new £60m package announced last week.
The Economy Minister will announce further details tomorrow (23 December).
From Boxing Day, the alert level two measures will mean:
- A general requirement of 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces, where reasonable.
- The rule of six will apply to gatherings in regulated premises, such as hospitality, cinemas and theatres.
- All licensed premises will need to take additional measures to protect customers and staff, including table service and collecting contact details.
- Face coverings will be required in hospitality settings at all times apart from when seated.
- Large events will not be allowed indoors or outdoors. The maximum number of people who can gather at an indoor event will be 30 and 50 outdoors.
- There will be an exception for team sports, up to 50 spectators will be able to gather, in addition to those taking part. There is also an exception for events involving children.
The Welsh Government will not be making new rules about mixing in people’s private homes, including gardens, in holiday accommodation or meeting outdoors. Instead guidance will be issued to help people stay safe.
To help you stay safe in your own home, the government advise:
- Limit the number of people visiting your home.
- If people are visiting, make sure they take a lateral flow test in the morning before the visit.
- Meeting outdoors is better than indoors. If you’re meeting indoors make sure it’s well ventilated.
- Space out any visits.
- And don’t forget about social distancing and washing your hands.
22/12/21 Urgent - Request for Holiday Accommodation Businesses to provide accommodation for vulnerable groups
Welsh Government are making an urgent appeal for holiday accommodation providers to help by making accommodation available for vulnerable people:
"Welsh Government guidance remains unchanged; everyone should have accommodation which enables them to follow public health guidance on social distancing, hygiene and to self-isolate if necessary. However, we know that housing services are under severe pressure. In some areas, emergency accommodation is already at capacity and pressures are continuing.
We are therefore asking accommodation businesses across Wales whether they can assist Local Authorities in providing high quality emergency provision.
Further funding is available to support Local Authorities to secure this vital accommodation and to provide the requisite support staff to ensure these people receive the appropriate wrap around support to address their needs. If supporting this work businesses will enter either a short or longer term contract with their Local Authority for the direct costs involved.
If you can help, please contact your Local Authority (LA) where we have provided a contact name and email address. Please provide details of the accommodation, which you could offer to house vulnerable people. We will require details of the number of rooms or units, type, location and how long you anticipate it will be available for.
Please provide a named contact in your business and a contact address email and telephone number."
We require assistance in the following areas and have provided the LA contact email in these areas for you to contact them direct.
"Thank you again to those businesses that have provided us with support previously - we hope to secure the help of this industry once again for this important initiative."
"Welsh Government guidance remains unchanged; everyone should have accommodation which enables them to follow public health guidance on social distancing, hygiene and to self-isolate if necessary. However, we know that housing services are under severe pressure. In some areas, emergency accommodation is already at capacity and pressures are continuing.
We are therefore asking accommodation businesses across Wales whether they can assist Local Authorities in providing high quality emergency provision.
Further funding is available to support Local Authorities to secure this vital accommodation and to provide the requisite support staff to ensure these people receive the appropriate wrap around support to address their needs. If supporting this work businesses will enter either a short or longer term contract with their Local Authority for the direct costs involved.
If you can help, please contact your Local Authority (LA) where we have provided a contact name and email address. Please provide details of the accommodation, which you could offer to house vulnerable people. We will require details of the number of rooms or units, type, location and how long you anticipate it will be available for.
Please provide a named contact in your business and a contact address email and telephone number."
We require assistance in the following areas and have provided the LA contact email in these areas for you to contact them direct.
- Blaenau Gwent - David.croft@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or Mark.Congreve@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
- Bridgend - Ryan.Jones@bridgend.gov.uk
- Cardiff - LBassett@cardiff.gov.uk
- Carmarthenshire - AnBowen@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or RParkinson@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
- Caerphilly - Harribt@caerphilly.gov.uk or Claphl@caerphilly.gov.uk
- Ceredigion - Sarah.LWilliams@ceredigion.gov.uk or Llyr.Hughes2@ceredigion.gov.uk
- Conwy - housingsolutions@conwy.gov.uk
- Denbighshire - nigel.jones@denbighshire.gov.uk or Sian.E.Jones@denbighshire.gov.uk
- Flintshire - Martin.Cooil@flintshire.gov.uk or deborah.kenyon@flintshire.gov.uk
- Gwynedd - sianjones@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
- Merthyr - Hayley.Williams@merthyr.gov.uk
- Monmouthshire - IanBakewell@monmouthshire.gov.uk
- Neath Port Talbot - e.obrien@npt.gov.uk
- Newport - Natalie.Thompson@newport.gov.uk
- Pembrokeshire - housing@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
- Powys - Rob.powell@powys.gov.uk
- Rhondda Cynon Taff - Gareth.k.gaspar@rctcbc.gov.uk
- Swansea - Marie.muldoon@swansea.gov.uk
- Torfaen - Lesley.Groves@torfaen.gov.uk
- Wrexham - Tracy.Hague@wrexham.gov.uk
- Ynys Mon – Housing@ynysmon.gov.uk
"Thank you again to those businesses that have provided us with support previously - we hope to secure the help of this industry once again for this important initiative."
16/12/21: New restrictions from 27 December 2021
Wales will introduce new restrictions, including for businesses and services – from 27 December 2021.
This will include a 2m rule on social distancing in offices and putting extra measures in place to protect customers and staff, such as one-way systems and physical barriers.
Nightclubs will also close.
The Welsh Government has announced up to £60m will be available to support businesses affected by the new restrictions.
>> 16/12/21: Press release from Welsh Government
This will include a 2m rule on social distancing in offices and putting extra measures in place to protect customers and staff, such as one-way systems and physical barriers.
Nightclubs will also close.
The Welsh Government has announced up to £60m will be available to support businesses affected by the new restrictions.
>> 16/12/21: Press release from Welsh Government
21/12/21: Sporting events to be played behind closed doors as omicron cases rise
Sporting events will be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day in Wales to help control the spread of the new omicron variant.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething announced the new measures for indoor and outdoor sporting events as the latest figures showed a further steep rise in the number of confirmed cases of the fast-moving variant.
He also confirmed a £3m Spectator Sports Fund will be available to support clubs and sporting venues affected by the new measures to protect public health.
Further details about the fund will be available following discussions with the sector.
The Economy Minister said:
“Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big highlights of the year. Unfortunately, the new omicron variant is a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large number of infections.
“We need to do everything we can to protect people’s health and control the spread of this awful virus.
“Throughout the pandemic we have followed scientific and public health advice to keep people safe. The advice is clear – we need to act now in response to the threat of omicron. We are giving people as much notice of these decisions as we can.
“Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to be here to enjoy their favourite sports.”
The decision comes as some football clubs have already announced Christmas matches have been postponed because of cases of Covid-19 in their squads.
Cardiff City FC has postponed its Boxing Day match against Coventry City due to several cases of Covid-19 in its playing squad and staff. And League Two leaders Forest Green will not be playing Newport County.
The latest figures show omicron cases are rising quickly in all parts of Wales.
The overall rate of coronavirus infections is also rising in Wales and now stands at just under 550 cases per 100,000 people.
The First Minister last week warned of a gathering storm of omicron infections after the Christmas period as some strengthened measures were introduced from 27 December to protect lives and livelihoods.
The coronavirus regulations, including playing sports behind closed doors, will be reviewed regularly.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething announced the new measures for indoor and outdoor sporting events as the latest figures showed a further steep rise in the number of confirmed cases of the fast-moving variant.
He also confirmed a £3m Spectator Sports Fund will be available to support clubs and sporting venues affected by the new measures to protect public health.
Further details about the fund will be available following discussions with the sector.
The Economy Minister said:
“Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big highlights of the year. Unfortunately, the new omicron variant is a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large number of infections.
“We need to do everything we can to protect people’s health and control the spread of this awful virus.
“Throughout the pandemic we have followed scientific and public health advice to keep people safe. The advice is clear – we need to act now in response to the threat of omicron. We are giving people as much notice of these decisions as we can.
“Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to be here to enjoy their favourite sports.”
The decision comes as some football clubs have already announced Christmas matches have been postponed because of cases of Covid-19 in their squads.
Cardiff City FC has postponed its Boxing Day match against Coventry City due to several cases of Covid-19 in its playing squad and staff. And League Two leaders Forest Green will not be playing Newport County.
The latest figures show omicron cases are rising quickly in all parts of Wales.
The overall rate of coronavirus infections is also rising in Wales and now stands at just under 550 cases per 100,000 people.
The First Minister last week warned of a gathering storm of omicron infections after the Christmas period as some strengthened measures were introduced from 27 December to protect lives and livelihoods.
The coronavirus regulations, including playing sports behind closed doors, will be reviewed regularly.
10/12/21: Face coverings must be worn in theatres, cinemas or concert halls
(except when eating or drinking or when at in-house cafes or bars)
Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restriction) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020
First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS has stated (10 December):
The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus restrictions is undertaken every three weeks. The most recent review was due by 9 December.
Overall, the coronavirus rate in Wales has remained relatively stable since the last review of the regulations – it continues to be high at around 500 cases per 100,000 people.
Since we last reviewed the regulations, the new omicron variant has emerged. This is a fast-moving variant of the virus, with many mutations – while there is still a lot we do not know about this variant, it is a worrying development in the pandemic.
In just over two weeks, cases of omicron have been identified all over the world, including in the UK. Many areas of England and Scotland are reporting widespread community transmission. At the moment, there are low numbers of confirmed cases in Wales but we must be prepared for cases to rise quickly and sharply.
This variant has the potential to infect large numbers of people, which could translate into an increase in hospital admissions. As we move into the most difficult period of the year for our health and social care services, even a small increase in Covid-19 admissions would put even more pressure on the NHS and social care services, which are already stretched.
We are taking this development very seriously and preparing for an omicron wave of infections now.
Our best defence is vaccination. We have expanded the vaccination programme, in line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and we will be offering a booster vaccine to all eligible over-18s by the end of January.
In this three-week review of the regulations, we have considered what protections are needed now to respond to the current delta wave and to provide protection against the new omicron variant, building on the measures we have introduced over the last few weeks on self-isolation and international travel.
We will be strongly advising people to:
Our guidance for the COVID Pass has been amended to advise that a lateral flow test should be taken within 24 hours, rather than 48 hours as previously set out.
We have also published guidance for students preparing to leave college and university for Christmas, which recommends that they test before travel.
Our expert group on PPE is urgently reviewing all the available evidence around aerosol transmission for the omicron variant and we will act on any recommendations for change.
To protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, we are considering how to support safer visiting in care homes and hospitals in light of the emergence of the fast-moving omicron variant.
We are also making three changes to the regulations to:
The changes for the Covid Pass will come into force on Wednesday 15 December, at the same time as in England. This will ensure the requirements are the same in both countries.
For the time being we will remain at alert level zero. We will monitor the public health situation very closely over the coming days and Ministers will meet regularly to consider whether we need to put additional protections in place to keep Wales safe. I will keep Members updated about any changes.
Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restriction) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020
First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS has stated (10 December):
The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus restrictions is undertaken every three weeks. The most recent review was due by 9 December.
Overall, the coronavirus rate in Wales has remained relatively stable since the last review of the regulations – it continues to be high at around 500 cases per 100,000 people.
Since we last reviewed the regulations, the new omicron variant has emerged. This is a fast-moving variant of the virus, with many mutations – while there is still a lot we do not know about this variant, it is a worrying development in the pandemic.
In just over two weeks, cases of omicron have been identified all over the world, including in the UK. Many areas of England and Scotland are reporting widespread community transmission. At the moment, there are low numbers of confirmed cases in Wales but we must be prepared for cases to rise quickly and sharply.
This variant has the potential to infect large numbers of people, which could translate into an increase in hospital admissions. As we move into the most difficult period of the year for our health and social care services, even a small increase in Covid-19 admissions would put even more pressure on the NHS and social care services, which are already stretched.
We are taking this development very seriously and preparing for an omicron wave of infections now.
Our best defence is vaccination. We have expanded the vaccination programme, in line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and we will be offering a booster vaccine to all eligible over-18s by the end of January.
In this three-week review of the regulations, we have considered what protections are needed now to respond to the current delta wave and to provide protection against the new omicron variant, building on the measures we have introduced over the last few weeks on self-isolation and international travel.
We will be strongly advising people to:
- Take a lateral flow test before going out, visiting friends or family or travelling. If the test is positive people should stay at home, self-isolate and arrange a PCR test.
- Wear face coverings in all public places, including in cinemas and theatres, pubs and restaurants, except when eating or drinking.
Our guidance for the COVID Pass has been amended to advise that a lateral flow test should be taken within 24 hours, rather than 48 hours as previously set out.
We have also published guidance for students preparing to leave college and university for Christmas, which recommends that they test before travel.
Our expert group on PPE is urgently reviewing all the available evidence around aerosol transmission for the omicron variant and we will act on any recommendations for change.
To protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, we are considering how to support safer visiting in care homes and hospitals in light of the emergence of the fast-moving omicron variant.
We are also making three changes to the regulations to:
- Clarify that people face coverings must be worn in theatres, cinemas or concert halls (except when eating or drinking or when at in-house cafes or bars)
- Require face coverings to be worn during a professional driving lesson or practical test;
- Remove proof of natural immunity from the domestic version of the Covid Pass.
The changes for the Covid Pass will come into force on Wednesday 15 December, at the same time as in England. This will ensure the requirements are the same in both countries.
For the time being we will remain at alert level zero. We will monitor the public health situation very closely over the coming days and Ministers will meet regularly to consider whether we need to put additional protections in place to keep Wales safe. I will keep Members updated about any changes.
Guidance for Tourism and Hospitality Businesses
As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance to understand the measures to be considered to operate the business safely.
Please visit the Business Wales Keep Wales Safe at Work pages for further information for your business on dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions in relation to Coronavirus is also updated regularly on Gov.Wales.
Please visit the Business Wales Keep Wales Safe at Work pages for further information for your business on dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions in relation to Coronavirus is also updated regularly on Gov.Wales.
Financial Support & Grants
Information is regularly updated on the Business Wales website:
28/01/22 claiming back statutory sick pay - Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS) temporarily reintroduced
The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS) has been temporarily reintroduced to support employers facing heightened levels of sickness absence due to COVID-19.
If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may be eligible to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) costs for up to two weeks per employee for COVID-19 related absences from 21 December 2021.
While this is a reintroduction of the scheme which ran until 30 September 2021, it is a new claims period, which means you can claim for eligible employees whether or not you claimed for them under the previous scheme.
If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may be eligible to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) costs for up to two weeks per employee for COVID-19 related absences from 21 December 2021.
While this is a reintroduction of the scheme which ran until 30 September 2021, it is a new claims period, which means you can claim for eligible employees whether or not you claimed for them under the previous scheme.
21/12/21: Non-Domestic Rates Relief for Businesses in 2022-23
The Welsh Government will be providing an additional £116m package of non-domestic rates relief for businesses in the sectors most directly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Retail, leisure and hospitality ratepayers in Wales will receive 50% non-domestic rates relief for the duration of 2022-23. Like the scheme announced by the UK Government, the Welsh Government’s Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief scheme will be capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.
The approach means that businesses in Wales will receive comparable support to that provided in other parts of the UK.
For further information visit Gov.Wales
Retail, leisure and hospitality ratepayers in Wales will receive 50% non-domestic rates relief for the duration of 2022-23. Like the scheme announced by the UK Government, the Welsh Government’s Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief scheme will be capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.
The approach means that businesses in Wales will receive comparable support to that provided in other parts of the UK.
For further information visit Gov.Wales
03/03/21: Business Rates holiday extended for 12 months
The rates holiday for the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors in Wales will be extended for a further 12 months, the Finance Minister Rebecca Evans has announced.
The £380m package provides retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with rateable values up to £500k, and charities in Wales with a straightforward year-long business rates holiday – going beyond what has been announced in England – providing a much-needed boost for small and medium sized businesses struggling to cope with the impacts of the pandemic.
The Minister has also committed to providing businesses and charities in the leisure and hospitality sector with a rateable value of over £500k with 100% rates relief for 2021-22 too.
Read the announcement in full on the Welsh Government website.
The £380m package provides retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with rateable values up to £500k, and charities in Wales with a straightforward year-long business rates holiday – going beyond what has been announced in England – providing a much-needed boost for small and medium sized businesses struggling to cope with the impacts of the pandemic.
The Minister has also committed to providing businesses and charities in the leisure and hospitality sector with a rateable value of over £500k with 100% rates relief for 2021-22 too.
Read the announcement in full on the Welsh Government website.
archive
Updated 11/01/21: There are two schemes for retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business and their supply chains affected by the restrictions. Applications to be made directly though your Local Authority.
You can only apply for one scheme that is suitable for you so please read the qualifying conditions on each Local Authority website (links above) BEFORE commencing your application. Some LAs have not yet released their detailed guidance.
Scheme 1 - Businesses That Pay Business Rates
Applications will open from 13th Jan 2022.
A supply chain business that supplies impacted hospitality, retail, tourism and leisure businesses and can prove a 40% reduction in their turnover can also apply.
Scheme 2 - Discretionary Scheme for Business that Don't Pay Business Rates or Are Not Eligible For Scheme 1
Applications will open from week commencing 17th Jan 2022.
OTHER HELP AVAILABLE:
Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) 2022
Applications for this fund are now open and will close at 4pm on 1 February 2022.
Scheme 1 - Businesses That Pay Business Rates
Applications will open from 13th Jan 2022.
- A £2,000 cash grant payment for hospitality, retail, tourism and leisure businesses with Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) with a rateable value under £12,000. You can only receive payment for two properties
- A £4,000 cash grant payment for hospitality, retail, tourism and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £12,001 and £51,000
- A £6,000 cash grant payment for hospitality, retail, tourism and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £51,001 and £500,000.
A supply chain business that supplies impacted hospitality, retail, tourism and leisure businesses and can prove a 40% reduction in their turnover can also apply.
Scheme 2 - Discretionary Scheme for Business that Don't Pay Business Rates or Are Not Eligible For Scheme 1
Applications will open from week commencing 17th Jan 2022.
- A £500 cash grant payment for hospitality, tourism, retail and leisure businesses which do not employ anyone apart from the owner, and do not have a property.
- A £2,000 cash grant payment for hospitality, tourism, retail and leisure businesses who employ staff through PAYE (in addition to the owner).
- A supply chain business that supplies impacted hospitality, retail, tourism and leisure businesses AND generates 60% or more of its sales revenue from those businesses directly impacted by the restrictions AND can prove a 40% reduction in turnover
OTHER HELP AVAILABLE:
Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) 2022
Applications for this fund are now open and will close at 4pm on 1 February 2022.
The ERF is targeted at businesses in the hospitality, leisure and attraction sectors and their supply chains who have been materially impacted by a greater than 60% reduction of turnover between 13th December 2021 and 14th February 2022.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between £2,500k - £25,000, with grants dependent on their size and number of employees.
The eligibility checker can be found at: COVID-19 Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) Business Support - December 2021 - February 2022 Eligibility Checker
This will help you to gauge how much you can expect to receive under the new support package.
Support for Wales' Arts and Culture sectors
31/01/22: Wales' Cultural Recovery Fund 3 Opens to new entrants
The third round of the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF) opens for applications today, with businesses and organisations who have not previously received support under the fund now eligible to apply, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has confirmed.
New entrants for CRF 3 can today apply from the Business Wales website, where further details and application forms are available. Applications will need to be returned by Friday 11 February 2022.
To be eligible, businesses from the events, creative and heritage sectors will have to provide evidence that they have experienced at least 50% reduced turnover between December 2021 and February 2022 compared to the same period in 2019/20.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between £2,500k - £25,000, with grants dependent on their size and number of employees.
The eligibility checker can be found at: COVID-19 Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) Business Support - December 2021 - February 2022 Eligibility Checker
This will help you to gauge how much you can expect to receive under the new support package.
Support for Wales' Arts and Culture sectors
31/01/22: Wales' Cultural Recovery Fund 3 Opens to new entrants
The third round of the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF) opens for applications today, with businesses and organisations who have not previously received support under the fund now eligible to apply, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has confirmed.
New entrants for CRF 3 can today apply from the Business Wales website, where further details and application forms are available. Applications will need to be returned by Friday 11 February 2022.
To be eligible, businesses from the events, creative and heritage sectors will have to provide evidence that they have experienced at least 50% reduced turnover between December 2021 and February 2022 compared to the same period in 2019/20.
30/12/21: covid-19 erf business support: december 2021 - February 2022 eligibility checker
The Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) is targeted at businesses in the hospitality, leisure and attraction sectors and their supply chains who have been material impacted by a greater than 60% reduction of turnover between 13 December 2021 and 14 February 2022.
The funds seeks to complement other COVID-19 response measures to support businesses, social enterprises and charitable organisations in Wales.
The ERF will support:
To read the Guidance Notes and FAQs visit Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) December to February 2022 | Business Wales (gov.wales)
For further information visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
The funds seeks to complement other COVID-19 response measures to support businesses, social enterprises and charitable organisations in Wales.
The ERF will support:
- Businesses impacted between 13 December 2021 and 14 February 2022 and closed by regulations from 26 December 2021.
- Event Space and attractions materially impacted between 13 December 2021 and 14 February 2022.
- Other businesses with greater than 60% impact on turnover between 13 December 2021 and 14 February 2022.
- Have experienced a materially impact through reduced turnover of 60% or more between December 2021 and February 2022 as compared to December 2019 and February 2020.
To read the Guidance Notes and FAQs visit Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) December to February 2022 | Business Wales (gov.wales)
For further information visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
23/12/21: £120m financial support for businesses in wales impacted by omicron
Businesses in Wales impacted by the rapid spread of the Omicron virus will be eligible for emergency financial support under a new Welsh Government support package.
The Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced the details of the £120m funding which will be available for retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business and their supply chains affected by the move to alert level 2, as announced by the First Minister on Wednesday 22 December.
Under the latest package, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business who pay Non Domestic Rates will be entitled to a payment of £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000 depending on their rateable value. Businesses will need to re-register their details, through a quick and easy online process, with their local authority in order to receive their payments.
Registration will open via local authority websites from the week commencing 10 January.
The Welsh Government has decided to extend this support to non-essential retail so that smaller shops, and Travel Agents will be supported. In England, support is not available to non-essential retail.
In addition, impacted hospitality and leisure businesses and their supply chains will be able to apply for top up funding from a new Economic Resilience Fund (ERF). Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between £2,500k - £25,000, with grants dependent on their size and number of employees.
The application window for ERF will open in week commencing 17 January 2022 with payments starting to reach businesses within days.
Local Authorities will also administer a Discretionary fund for business and sole traders who do not pay rates. The fund will provide £500 to sole trader and freelancers and £2,000 to employing businesses in impacted sectors. Further details to follow on Business Wales.
An eligibility checker which will help businesses to gauge how much they can expect to receive under the new support package will be available on Business Wales by the start of 2022.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said:
“We fully understand the continued challenges faced by businesses, however we are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious omicron variant is headed our way, this means taking early action to try and control its spread – and limit the impact on Welsh businesses.
“Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve provided over £2.2bn of support to businesses throughout Wales to help them manage their way through difficult circumstances.
“We will continue to monitor the impact of the spread of Omicron on businesses in Wales, and will consider whether additional emergency funding is needed in the new year.”
Business Wales will be updated with details, frequently asked question and support guidance: Business Wales: COVID-19 Support for Business
The Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced the details of the £120m funding which will be available for retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business and their supply chains affected by the move to alert level 2, as announced by the First Minister on Wednesday 22 December.
Under the latest package, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism business who pay Non Domestic Rates will be entitled to a payment of £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000 depending on their rateable value. Businesses will need to re-register their details, through a quick and easy online process, with their local authority in order to receive their payments.
Registration will open via local authority websites from the week commencing 10 January.
The Welsh Government has decided to extend this support to non-essential retail so that smaller shops, and Travel Agents will be supported. In England, support is not available to non-essential retail.
In addition, impacted hospitality and leisure businesses and their supply chains will be able to apply for top up funding from a new Economic Resilience Fund (ERF). Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between £2,500k - £25,000, with grants dependent on their size and number of employees.
The application window for ERF will open in week commencing 17 January 2022 with payments starting to reach businesses within days.
Local Authorities will also administer a Discretionary fund for business and sole traders who do not pay rates. The fund will provide £500 to sole trader and freelancers and £2,000 to employing businesses in impacted sectors. Further details to follow on Business Wales.
An eligibility checker which will help businesses to gauge how much they can expect to receive under the new support package will be available on Business Wales by the start of 2022.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said:
“We fully understand the continued challenges faced by businesses, however we are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious omicron variant is headed our way, this means taking early action to try and control its spread – and limit the impact on Welsh businesses.
“Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve provided over £2.2bn of support to businesses throughout Wales to help them manage their way through difficult circumstances.
“We will continue to monitor the impact of the spread of Omicron on businesses in Wales, and will consider whether additional emergency funding is needed in the new year.”
Business Wales will be updated with details, frequently asked question and support guidance: Business Wales: COVID-19 Support for Business
22/12/21: £5.25 million Cultural Winter Stability Fund established
The Welsh Government is making £5.25 million available to assist Wales' arts organisations, museums, libraries and independent cinemas through the winter months.
The purpose of this fund is to support organisations that are in genuine difficulty - at risk of closure or that jobs will be lost - unless further support is provided. This risk must be as a direct result of the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
The new fund will provide essential support to organisations in these cultural sectors across Wales, many of which are run on a voluntary or not-for-profit basis.
The Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales have worked together to analyse these sectors and identify the need for additional support, to ensure that organisations in these sectors remain viable over the coming months.
The fund, which will cover the period from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, opens for applications on Wednesday 12 January 2022 and applicants will need to have submitted an online application no later than the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 26 January 2022.
For further information visit Gov.Wales
The purpose of this fund is to support organisations that are in genuine difficulty - at risk of closure or that jobs will be lost - unless further support is provided. This risk must be as a direct result of the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
The new fund will provide essential support to organisations in these cultural sectors across Wales, many of which are run on a voluntary or not-for-profit basis.
The Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales have worked together to analyse these sectors and identify the need for additional support, to ensure that organisations in these sectors remain viable over the coming months.
The fund, which will cover the period from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, opens for applications on Wednesday 12 January 2022 and applicants will need to have submitted an online application no later than the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 26 January 2022.
For further information visit Gov.Wales
older articles
Deadline for Covid-19 Sick Pay
The UK Government has updated its guidance for claims made under the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Employers can only claim back statutory sick pay paid to employees due to COVID-19 who were off work on or before 30 September 2021.
The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will repay employers the Statutory Sick Pay paid to current or former employees. This scheme is for employers.
You must submit or amend claims on or before 31 December 2021.
Visit the Business Wales website for more details.
The UK Government has updated its guidance for claims made under the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Employers can only claim back statutory sick pay paid to employees due to COVID-19 who were off work on or before 30 September 2021.
The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will repay employers the Statutory Sick Pay paid to current or former employees. This scheme is for employers.
You must submit or amend claims on or before 31 December 2021.
Visit the Business Wales website for more details.
The Welsh Government has announced a further package of support to cover the operating costs for July and August 2021 for businesses required to remain closed and who remain severely impacted as a result of the continuation of the restrictions.
To qualify for support, businesses must show their turnover has reduced by more than 60% compared to the corresponding timeline in 2019 or equivalent. All eligible businesses will need to apply for the funding.
Eligible businesses in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors and their supply chains who continue to be severely impacted by restrictions include:
The eligibility checker has now opened on the Business Wales website.
To qualify for support, businesses must show their turnover has reduced by more than 60% compared to the corresponding timeline in 2019 or equivalent. All eligible businesses will need to apply for the funding.
Eligible businesses in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors and their supply chains who continue to be severely impacted by restrictions include:
- attractions limited by social distancing
- venues for school visits
- travel agents
The eligibility checker has now opened on the Business Wales website.
Applications for the ERF with a turnover of more than £85,000 close at midday on Tuesday 27 July 2021.
Local Authorities across Wales have opened applications for those businesses that are eligible with a turnover of less than £85,000. This grant application will remain open until 9 August 2021.
Local Authorities across Wales have opened applications for those businesses that are eligible with a turnover of less than £85,000. This grant application will remain open until 9 August 2021.
bounce back loans
The COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan Scheme enables businesses to obtain a six-year term loan at a government set interest rate of 2.5% a year.
Further details can be found on the GOV.UK website
- up to £50,000 loan – loans will be from £2,000 up to 25% of a business’ turnover or £50,000, whichever is lower
- 100% guarantee – the scheme provides the lender with a government-backed, full guarantee (100%) against the outstanding facility balance, both capital and interest
- interest rate – the UK Government has set the interest rate for this facility at 2.5% per annum, meaning businesses will all benefit from the same, low rate of interest
- interest paid by the UK Government for 12 months – the UK government will make a Business Interruption Payment to the lenders to cover the first 12 months of interest payable, so businesses will benefit from no upfront costs.
Further details can be found on the GOV.UK website
Self-employment income support scheme
Fifth Grant - Claim the fifth grant if you think that your business profit will be impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) between 1 May 2021 and 30 September 2021.
If you’re eligible based on your tax returns, HMRC will contact you from mid-July to give you a date that the claims service will be available to you from. It will be given to you either by email, letter or within the online service. The online service to claim the fifth grant will be available from late July 2021.
Visit the Business Wales website for more details.
If you’re eligible based on your tax returns, HMRC will contact you from mid-July to give you a date that the claims service will be available to you from. It will be given to you either by email, letter or within the online service. The online service to claim the fifth grant will be available from late July 2021.
Visit the Business Wales website for more details.
third sector resilience fund for wales
The fund is a continuation of Welsh Government’s support to the voluntary sector through COVID-19. The new phase of the Resilience Fund will initially offer over £2m in additional grant funding, providing largely revenue funding.
Furlough scheme extended
Furlough Scheme Extended until September 2021
The furlough scheme has been extended until 30 September 2021.
>> Read More Here
There are changes to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) from July 2021.
The UK Government will continue to pay 80% of your furloughed employees' usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, to the end of June 2021.
In July, CJRS grants will cover 70% of employees' usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,187.50. In August and September, this will then reduce to 60% of employees' usual wages up to a cap of £1,875.
Visit the Business Wales website for more details.
The furlough scheme has been extended until 30 September 2021.
>> Read More Here
There are changes to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) from July 2021.
The UK Government will continue to pay 80% of your furloughed employees' usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, to the end of June 2021.
In July, CJRS grants will cover 70% of employees' usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,187.50. In August and September, this will then reduce to 60% of employees' usual wages up to a cap of £1,875.
Visit the Business Wales website for more details.
30/06/21: Full business rates discount continues in Wales
The Welsh Government is reminding retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Wales they won’t have to pay any rates until April 2022 as full discounts in England come to an end on 1 July).
In March, the UK Government announced its 100 per cent retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief holiday would reduce on June 30, with a 66 per cent discount coming into effect for the rest of the financial year.
In Wales, the Welsh Government has extended the full 100 per cent discount for all businesses and charities in the leisure and hospitality sectors until April 2022. Retailers in properties with a rateable value of up to £500k will also continue to receive full discounts on their rates for the remainder of the year.
In March, the UK Government announced its 100 per cent retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief holiday would reduce on June 30, with a 66 per cent discount coming into effect for the rest of the financial year.
In Wales, the Welsh Government has extended the full 100 per cent discount for all businesses and charities in the leisure and hospitality sectors until April 2022. Retailers in properties with a rateable value of up to £500k will also continue to receive full discounts on their rates for the remainder of the year.
County Council Covid Support in Mid Wales
Also in Gwynedd:
Guidance for Travel
The latest guidance on what people must do if travelling to or from Wales is available on Gov.Wales:
- Rules for foreign travel to and from Wales: coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Travel to Wales: COVID-19 testing and isolation
Action Cards
Useful one-pagers
A series of useful one-pagers provide easy to read summaries of key aspects of the guidance e.g. Keeping Records / Hygiene / Social Distancing specifically for hospitality businesses.
These can be found all in one place at the Business Wales Toolkit
These can be found all in one place at the Business Wales Toolkit
Skills & Training
All Hands to the Pump:
- Free support for the licensed trade eg free to access videos, templates and other resources for licensees, regulators and place managers from hospitality partners. Resources include Conflict Management, Customer Safety and Reporting COVID.
- Ready to Serve programme - Team Member : Developed to support operators and their teams in the implementation of a safe and effective return to work, adhering to the COVID secure principles. Cost: £7.50 per person
- Reopening following lockdown – Manager - Ready to Serve : Developed to allow those in a management or supervisory role to understand the actions and responsibilities they have in ensuring their site and teams are ready to serve customers once again. Cost: FREE.
Key Worker Accommodation
Powys
If businesses are approached independently to take a booking from a key worker or other vulnerable group, they must first give the information about the booking to Powys County Council’s Public Protection Team who will determine whether or not an exemption certificated can be issued. No booking should be taken unless this certificate is in place. (environmental.health@powys.gov.uk)
If a business is approached and is unable to take a key worker booking, they can if they wish to refer the key worker to Powys County Council who keeps a list of accommodation which has been offered in these circumstances.
(julie.a.lewis@powys.gov.uk)
If a tourism accommodation business wishes to offer their accommodation for key workers and be kept on the Council’s list which is shared with the local Health Board as required, they can email the information about their property to Powys County Council. (julie.a.lewis@powys.gov.uk)
If a business is approached and is unable to take a key worker booking, they can if they wish to refer the key worker to Powys County Council who keeps a list of accommodation which has been offered in these circumstances.
(julie.a.lewis@powys.gov.uk)
If a tourism accommodation business wishes to offer their accommodation for key workers and be kept on the Council’s list which is shared with the local Health Board as required, they can email the information about their property to Powys County Council. (julie.a.lewis@powys.gov.uk)
ceredigion
Please email publicprotection@ceredigion.gov.uk - the service dealing with accommodating key workers in Ceredigion
Gwynedd
Are you able to Accommodate Key Workers in Gwynedd?
Welsh Ministers or Local Authorities can make a request for accommodation to open for a specific purpose, which could include accommodating key workers, those who have been displaced or are homeless or providing accommodation for health patients.
If you are willing to receive requests from the Council please contact Gwynedd Council via email or phone:
E- gwarchodycyhoedd@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
T- 01766 771 000
Welsh Ministers or Local Authorities can make a request for accommodation to open for a specific purpose, which could include accommodating key workers, those who have been displaced or are homeless or providing accommodation for health patients.
If you are willing to receive requests from the Council please contact Gwynedd Council via email or phone:
E- gwarchodycyhoedd@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
T- 01766 771 000
Further Welsh Government News / Guidance
Coronavirus timeline: welsh & UK Governments' response
The timeline highlights key developments in Wales and the UK in response to coronavirus. Updated weekly.
archive
useful covid-`19 information
As each premises is different, businesses are advised to read all guidance.
- Alert level 2
- UKHospitality Cymru Guidance – updated guidance for hospitality businesses in Wales from 6am 26 December 2021.
- NHS COVID Pass::
- Coronavirus Control Plan: Autumn and winter update 2021
- Staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak (easy read)
- Workplace guidance for employers and employees
- Reasonable Measures Action cards
- Keep Wales Safe at Work
- COVID-19 vaccination: promotional pack for employers
- Travel: coronavirus - Guidance and services
- Guidance: Self-isolation
- COVID-19 alert levels
- Coronavirus information
- Welsh Government Announcements
- Addo: Make your promise to Wales
- We’re Good To Go
15/11/21: Extension of covid pass to help keep wales open this winter
05/12/21: Written Statement: International travel changes
Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services has stated (5 December 2021).
We are taking action to move Nigeria onto the red list for travel from 0400 Monday 6 December following the identification of a new coronavirus variant, which may be capable of evading the protection provided by vaccines.
Travellers from red list countries will not be permitted to enter Wales but must enter through a port of entry in England and go into a managed quarantine facility for 10 days. Whilst they are in quarantine they must also take post-arrival PCR tests on day 2 and day 8.
We are also reintroducing a 48-hour Pre Departure Test requirement for all travellers. This means that travellers will need to have a negative PCR or LFD test as close as possible to their departure time before they can travel.
Similar action is being taken across the UK.
Information on international travel can be found on: Travel: coronavirus | Sub-topic | GOV.WALES.
We are taking action to move Nigeria onto the red list for travel from 0400 Monday 6 December following the identification of a new coronavirus variant, which may be capable of evading the protection provided by vaccines.
Travellers from red list countries will not be permitted to enter Wales but must enter through a port of entry in England and go into a managed quarantine facility for 10 days. Whilst they are in quarantine they must also take post-arrival PCR tests on day 2 and day 8.
We are also reintroducing a 48-hour Pre Departure Test requirement for all travellers. This means that travellers will need to have a negative PCR or LFD test as close as possible to their departure time before they can travel.
Similar action is being taken across the UK.
Information on international travel can be found on: Travel: coronavirus | Sub-topic | GOV.WALES.
18/11/21: No changes to COVID rules
First Minister Mark Drakeford has thanked people throughout Wales for their hard work to help reduce record-high coronavirus case rates over the last three weeks.
He has confirmed (18 November) there will be no changes to coronavirus rules following the latest 21-day review.
Wales will remain at alert level zero, which means all businesses are able to open and trade.
And the COVID Pass will not be extended to hospitality settings in this 3-week cycle.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
He has confirmed (18 November) there will be no changes to coronavirus rules following the latest 21-day review.
Wales will remain at alert level zero, which means all businesses are able to open and trade.
And the COVID Pass will not be extended to hospitality settings in this 3-week cycle.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
11/10/21: wales introduces covid pass for events & nightclubs
From 11 October 2021, people in Wales must show a COVID Pass or demonstrate their COVID-19 status to enter nightclubs and attend large events.
All adults over-18 will need to show an NHS COVID Pass or a negative COVID-19 test to enter certain premises:
All adults over-18 will need to show an NHS COVID Pass or a negative COVID-19 test to enter certain premises:
- nightclubs and similar venues
- indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people
- outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people
- any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance
Read more here: wales introduces covid pass for events and nightclubs
The introduction of the COVID Pass builds on the measures in place to help to keep Wales safe and open during the pandemic.
All adults over-18 will need to show an NHS COVID Pass or a negative COVID-19 test to enter certain premises:
“Our fantastic vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength but the pandemic is not over. Cases of remain high across Wales and, unfortunately, families across the country are losing loved ones to this awful virus.
“The clear advice from our scientific advisers is that we need to take early action now.
“The COVID Pass is just one of a series of measures in place to help prevent people spreading and catching coronavirus while helping to keep the economy open. None of us want to see further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again.
“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.
“Together, if we all continue to follow the clear guidelines we’re all used to by now, we’ll be doing everything we can to Keep Wales Safe.”
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.
Only people attending these venues and events will need to show their COVID-19 status. Staff working or volunteering in these venues are encouraged to take lateral flow tests twice a week to check they do not have the virus. Workplaces are required by law to undertake COVID-19 risk assessments, and to put reasonable measures in place to ensure staff safety.
COVID-19 passes have been used successfully in many venues and events in Wales throughout the summer.
The First Minister confirmed last week that Wales will remain at alert level zero for the next three weeks. Plans are in place to respond to a challenging winter ahead with both coronavirus and seasonal flu both in circulation.
Ministers continue to encourage everyone to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus by continuing to work from home whenever possible, ensuring they take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccine, keeping your distance, isolating and taking a PCR test if you have symptoms, and wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport.
The Welsh Government will use the current enforcement regimes for monitoring compliance, this means businesses and events will need to ensure their proposed arrangements to comply with the COVID pass regulations are included in their risk assessments, and reasonable measures to ensure compliance.
Penalties for non-compliance will include:
Further information and guidance is available on the Welsh Government website: Use the NHS COVID Pass to attend large events and venues.
Businesses can also download and use the NHS COVID Pass Assets from the Welsh Government website.
All adults over-18 will need to show an NHS COVID Pass or a negative COVID-19 test to enter certain premises:
- nightclubs and similar venues
- indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people
- outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people
- any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance
“Our fantastic vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength but the pandemic is not over. Cases of remain high across Wales and, unfortunately, families across the country are losing loved ones to this awful virus.
“The clear advice from our scientific advisers is that we need to take early action now.
“The COVID Pass is just one of a series of measures in place to help prevent people spreading and catching coronavirus while helping to keep the economy open. None of us want to see further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again.
“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.
“Together, if we all continue to follow the clear guidelines we’re all used to by now, we’ll be doing everything we can to Keep Wales Safe.”
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.
Only people attending these venues and events will need to show their COVID-19 status. Staff working or volunteering in these venues are encouraged to take lateral flow tests twice a week to check they do not have the virus. Workplaces are required by law to undertake COVID-19 risk assessments, and to put reasonable measures in place to ensure staff safety.
COVID-19 passes have been used successfully in many venues and events in Wales throughout the summer.
The First Minister confirmed last week that Wales will remain at alert level zero for the next three weeks. Plans are in place to respond to a challenging winter ahead with both coronavirus and seasonal flu both in circulation.
Ministers continue to encourage everyone to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus by continuing to work from home whenever possible, ensuring they take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccine, keeping your distance, isolating and taking a PCR test if you have symptoms, and wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport.
The Welsh Government will use the current enforcement regimes for monitoring compliance, this means businesses and events will need to ensure their proposed arrangements to comply with the COVID pass regulations are included in their risk assessments, and reasonable measures to ensure compliance.
Penalties for non-compliance will include:
- a premises improvement notice or premises closure notice
- a fixed penalty notice and a maximum fine for businesses of £10,000
Further information and guidance is available on the Welsh Government website: Use the NHS COVID Pass to attend large events and venues.
Businesses can also download and use the NHS COVID Pass Assets from the Welsh Government website.
29/10/21 review of the health protection (coronavirus restriction) (no.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020
A Written Statement has been made by First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS:
The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus restrictions is undertaken every three weeks. The most recent review was due by 28 October.
The situation in Wales is serious. Cases of coronavirus have risen sharply since the last three-week review of the regulations and have reached their highest point since the start of the pandemic, at more than 700 cases per 100,000 people.
Vaccination has helped to weaken the link between infections, serious illness and hospitalisations but it has not broken the link. The current sustained high rates of infections in the community are sadly translating into higher numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19. This is against a background of non-Covid-19 urgent and emergency pressures in health and social care services, which comparable to that normally experienced during the most difficult periods of winter.
Sadly, we have seen an increase in Covid-19-related deaths.
If these high rates of community infection and transmission continue, we are likely to see increased pandemic-related pressures on the NHS and more people needing hospital care.
Wales will remain at alert level zero over the next three weeks. But we can only do so by strengthening the protective measures we have in place. It is hoped these measures, combined with increasing vaccination coverage, will help to reduce the high levels of community transmission we are currently seeing and protect people’s health.
If case rates continue to rise over this three-week cycle, Ministers will have to consider raising the alert level at the next review and re-introducing restrictions.
Vaccines remain our best defence against the virus. Discussions have been held with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation about the best interval between the second dose of the vaccine and the booster.
To strengthen protective measures at alert level zero, we intend to extend the use of the COVID Pass, making it a requirement for entrance to cinemas, theatres and concert halls from 15 November, subject to a debate and vote in the Senedd. These are all venues where large numbers of people gather indoors for periods of time, often without face coverings.
If the public health situation does not improve, the next review of the coronavirus regulations will consider a further expansion of the COVID Pass to include more hospitality settings.
The self-isolation guidance will be changed. Fully vaccinated adults and children aged five to 17 must self-isolate if someone in their household has symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19 until they have had a negative PCR test result. If they are not vaccinated, they must self-isolate for 10 days.
This change is being made to reflect evidence that, while being fully vaccinated does reduce the risk of becoming infected, there may be a one in four chance of a fully vaccinated person contracting Covid-19 from someone you live with.
It is critical all businesses and organisations understand the nature and importance of the alert level zero baseline measures – these will help keep us all safe and help keep Wales open through the autumn and winter months.
I have written to social partners and Ministers are engaging with organisations and business representatives to reinforce the following points:
We will be providing further support to head teachers to help reduce the circulation of the virus in schools. A toolkit will be published next week, which will provide practical advice and support for schools to make the process of escalating and de-escalating measures quicker and easier. Greater emphasis will also be placed on the importance of staff and secondary school students to take lateral flow tests twice a week.
We need a concerted effort from everyone across Wales to help bring cases of coronavirus under control. Only with this collective effort can we continue to keep Wales safe and open.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus restrictions is undertaken every three weeks. The most recent review was due by 28 October.
The situation in Wales is serious. Cases of coronavirus have risen sharply since the last three-week review of the regulations and have reached their highest point since the start of the pandemic, at more than 700 cases per 100,000 people.
Vaccination has helped to weaken the link between infections, serious illness and hospitalisations but it has not broken the link. The current sustained high rates of infections in the community are sadly translating into higher numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19. This is against a background of non-Covid-19 urgent and emergency pressures in health and social care services, which comparable to that normally experienced during the most difficult periods of winter.
Sadly, we have seen an increase in Covid-19-related deaths.
If these high rates of community infection and transmission continue, we are likely to see increased pandemic-related pressures on the NHS and more people needing hospital care.
Wales will remain at alert level zero over the next three weeks. But we can only do so by strengthening the protective measures we have in place. It is hoped these measures, combined with increasing vaccination coverage, will help to reduce the high levels of community transmission we are currently seeing and protect people’s health.
If case rates continue to rise over this three-week cycle, Ministers will have to consider raising the alert level at the next review and re-introducing restrictions.
Vaccines remain our best defence against the virus. Discussions have been held with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation about the best interval between the second dose of the vaccine and the booster.
To strengthen protective measures at alert level zero, we intend to extend the use of the COVID Pass, making it a requirement for entrance to cinemas, theatres and concert halls from 15 November, subject to a debate and vote in the Senedd. These are all venues where large numbers of people gather indoors for periods of time, often without face coverings.
If the public health situation does not improve, the next review of the coronavirus regulations will consider a further expansion of the COVID Pass to include more hospitality settings.
The self-isolation guidance will be changed. Fully vaccinated adults and children aged five to 17 must self-isolate if someone in their household has symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19 until they have had a negative PCR test result. If they are not vaccinated, they must self-isolate for 10 days.
This change is being made to reflect evidence that, while being fully vaccinated does reduce the risk of becoming infected, there may be a one in four chance of a fully vaccinated person contracting Covid-19 from someone you live with.
It is critical all businesses and organisations understand the nature and importance of the alert level zero baseline measures – these will help keep us all safe and help keep Wales open through the autumn and winter months.
I have written to social partners and Ministers are engaging with organisations and business representatives to reinforce the following points:
- Businesses, employers and other organisations must continue to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to, and the spread of, coronavirus.
- Adults and children aged 11 and over must wear face-coverings in indoor public places, with the exception of hospitality settings. Employers and businesses should make it clear this is a legal requirement.
- People should work from home wherever possible to help reduce the number of contacts between people. This is particularly important when cases rates in the community are high.
We will be providing further support to head teachers to help reduce the circulation of the virus in schools. A toolkit will be published next week, which will provide practical advice and support for schools to make the process of escalating and de-escalating measures quicker and easier. Greater emphasis will also be placed on the importance of staff and secondary school students to take lateral flow tests twice a week.
We need a concerted effort from everyone across Wales to help bring cases of coronavirus under control. Only with this collective effort can we continue to keep Wales safe and open.
27/09/21: welsh government confirms international travel changes and calls for pcr test retention
Welsh Government has confirmed it will merge the green and amber travel lists into one and remove the requirement for pre-departure testing for those fully vaccinated.
The changes are intended to be made by 4 October, in alignment with the new UK government system.
A decision on moving away from PCR tests is still to be made but the Welsh Government has outlined its opposition to the change and is calling on the UK government to reverse its decision.
The Welsh Government is also considering which countries to expand the vaccine certification recognition system to over the coming weeks.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
The changes are intended to be made by 4 October, in alignment with the new UK government system.
A decision on moving away from PCR tests is still to be made but the Welsh Government has outlined its opposition to the change and is calling on the UK government to reverse its decision.
The Welsh Government is also considering which countries to expand the vaccine certification recognition system to over the coming weeks.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
27/09/21: written statement: review of the health protection (coronavirus restriction) (no.5) (wales) regulations 2020
The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require that a review of the coronavirus restrictions is undertaken every three weeks. The most recent review was undertaken on 16 September.
Draft amended Regulations have been laid today that will require people to show an NHS COVID pass to enter large events and high risk establishments, such as nightclubs, from 11 October. This will be debated by members of the Senedd on 5 October.
The COVID Pass has been used in Wales for some events over the summer and some premises already require the pass to be shown as a condition of entry. The pass allows people to prove they have either been fully vaccinated or to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test.
We do not introduce such measures lightly: we want to support venues to stay open and enable events to continue taking place through a potentially difficult autumn and winter.
As we head into winter, it is vital we all work together to keep Wales safe and I urge members to support this on 5 October.
Read the announcement on Gov.Wales.
Draft amended Regulations have been laid today that will require people to show an NHS COVID pass to enter large events and high risk establishments, such as nightclubs, from 11 October. This will be debated by members of the Senedd on 5 October.
The COVID Pass has been used in Wales for some events over the summer and some premises already require the pass to be shown as a condition of entry. The pass allows people to prove they have either been fully vaccinated or to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test.
We do not introduce such measures lightly: we want to support venues to stay open and enable events to continue taking place through a potentially difficult autumn and winter.
As we head into winter, it is vital we all work together to keep Wales safe and I urge members to support this on 5 October.
Read the announcement on Gov.Wales.
17/09/21: covid pass for events and nightclubs announced
People will have to show a NHS COVID Pass to enter nightclubs and attend events in Wales from next month, the First Minister announced today.
The measure is being introduced to help control the spread of coronavirus – cases are currently very high in Wales but the alert level will remain at zero for the next 3 weeks.
Announcing the outcome of the latest 3-week review of the coronavirus regulations, the First Minister today encouraged everyone to work from home whenever possible and to make sure they are fully vaccinated.
Awareness and enforcement of other key coronavirus protection measures, including face coverings in indoor public places and on public transport, will be increased.
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."
The requirement to show an NHS COVID Pass will come into force from 11 October. It will mean all over-18s will need to have a NHS COVID Pass to enter:
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"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.
"We want to do everything we can to Keep Wales Safe as we head into the autumn."
The measure is being introduced to help control the spread of coronavirus – cases are currently very high in Wales but the alert level will remain at zero for the next 3 weeks.
Announcing the outcome of the latest 3-week review of the coronavirus regulations, the First Minister today encouraged everyone to work from home whenever possible and to make sure they are fully vaccinated.
Awareness and enforcement of other key coronavirus protection measures, including face coverings in indoor public places and on public transport, will be increased.
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."
The requirement to show an NHS COVID Pass will come into force from 11 October. It will mean all over-18s will need to have a NHS COVID 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
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"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.
"We want to do everything we can to Keep Wales Safe as we head into the autumn."
27/08/21: No changes to covid rules in wales
First Minister Mark Drakeford is urging people in Wales to get vaccinated and keep taking familiar steps to help address rising coronavirus cases.
It comes as he confirms there will be no significant changes to Covid rules in this 21-day regulations cycle.
Three weeks ago Wales moved to Alert Level Zero. This removed legal restrictions on meeting others and enabled all businesses to open, while also keeping key legal protections in place. Face coverings are mandatory in most public settings, everyone must continue to isolate if they have Covid symptoms or a positive test result, and businesses must take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
People are being urged to continue to take precautions to protect themselves and others and to stop the virus spreading. Cases have continued to increase and earlier this week the case rate passed 320 cases per 100,000 people.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“Over the last 18 months people have worked together to keep Wales safe. The need to do this is as strong as it has ever been.
“The number of cases is increasing and the public health position is worse than it was three weeks ago, when we moved into Alert Level Zero. It’s vital we all keep taking precautions to ensure the progress we have won is not lost.
“Getting vaccinated remains one of the very best defences we have. If you haven’t already then please take up the offer and join more than 2.1 million people in Wales who’ve had a full course to protect themselves and to protect others.
“There are also everyday steps each of us can take to keep each other safe. This may be meeting others outdoors instead of indoors, or keeping our distance from others when out. If you are with people indoors then opening a window to let fresh air into the room will mean the virus is less likely to spread. We are still asking people to work from home wherever possible.
“Actions like these will help stop the need for any stronger measures. The pandemic is still with us and that means we have to get vaccinated and continue to take precautions to keep the virus under control.”
While there are no substantive changes in this regulation cycle, some small amendments are being made to help simplify and clarify existing rules. This includes people attending wedding and civil partnership ceremonies no longer being legally required to wear a face covering, in line with the exception already in place for wedding receptions. The regulations will be reviewed again on 16 September.
Continued consideration of the case for the use of certification for entry into higher risk settings will be undertaken as part of the review. In the meantime the NHS Covid Pass is already available in Wales and allows people to get digital proof of their vaccination status, with businesses able to choose to use the pass as a condition of entry.
It comes as he confirms there will be no significant changes to Covid rules in this 21-day regulations cycle.
Three weeks ago Wales moved to Alert Level Zero. This removed legal restrictions on meeting others and enabled all businesses to open, while also keeping key legal protections in place. Face coverings are mandatory in most public settings, everyone must continue to isolate if they have Covid symptoms or a positive test result, and businesses must take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
People are being urged to continue to take precautions to protect themselves and others and to stop the virus spreading. Cases have continued to increase and earlier this week the case rate passed 320 cases per 100,000 people.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“Over the last 18 months people have worked together to keep Wales safe. The need to do this is as strong as it has ever been.
“The number of cases is increasing and the public health position is worse than it was three weeks ago, when we moved into Alert Level Zero. It’s vital we all keep taking precautions to ensure the progress we have won is not lost.
“Getting vaccinated remains one of the very best defences we have. If you haven’t already then please take up the offer and join more than 2.1 million people in Wales who’ve had a full course to protect themselves and to protect others.
“There are also everyday steps each of us can take to keep each other safe. This may be meeting others outdoors instead of indoors, or keeping our distance from others when out. If you are with people indoors then opening a window to let fresh air into the room will mean the virus is less likely to spread. We are still asking people to work from home wherever possible.
“Actions like these will help stop the need for any stronger measures. The pandemic is still with us and that means we have to get vaccinated and continue to take precautions to keep the virus under control.”
While there are no substantive changes in this regulation cycle, some small amendments are being made to help simplify and clarify existing rules. This includes people attending wedding and civil partnership ceremonies no longer being legally required to wear a face covering, in line with the exception already in place for wedding receptions. The regulations will be reviewed again on 16 September.
Continued consideration of the case for the use of certification for entry into higher risk settings will be undertaken as part of the review. In the meantime the NHS Covid Pass is already available in Wales and allows people to get digital proof of their vaccination status, with businesses able to choose to use the pass as a condition of entry.
12/08/21: Alert level zero - what legal requirements remain in place?
Full details are available in the Guidance alert level 0: guidance for employers, businesses and organisations which provides the essential information needed to help businesses, employers and other organisations or institutions meet the legal obligations they are under to minimise the risk of people being exposed to, or spreading, coronavirus on their premises.
At alert level zero, many of the legal requirements in tourism & hospitality settings have been removed though carrying out a coronavirus risk assessment will continue to be a legal requirement for businesses, employers and event organisers, and they must take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
Below is a summary of what this means for Tourism & Hospitality at alert level zero:
At alert level zero, many of the legal requirements in tourism & hospitality settings have been removed though carrying out a coronavirus risk assessment will continue to be a legal requirement for businesses, employers and event organisers, and they must take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
Below is a summary of what this means for Tourism & Hospitality at alert level zero:
- All businesses and premises will be able to reopen, including nightclubs.
- No legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events.
- No legal requirement for 2m social distancing, table service or controlled entry and instead these are now some of the reasonable measures that a business should consider.
- Collecting details for Test, Trace, Protect in all businesses will also no longer be required by law and is instead a reasonable measure that should be considered as part of the risk assessment.
A summary of other reasonable measures that businesses should consider as part of the risk assessment:- Maximise ventilation;
- Where possible, take measures to ensure customers and staff can safely distance themselves from others and avoid crowding e.g. advanced booking, one way systems, limiting the number in confined areas (lifts, toilets, kitchens, break rooms etc.);
- Minimise touch points e.g. use apps;
- Maintain thorough cleaning and hygiene practices e.g. provide hand sanitisers;
- Clear signage throughout your premises.
- Face coverings must be worn in all public indoor places, with the exception of pubs, restaurants and cafes and education settings.
- If the primary purpose of your business is to serve food & drink (e.g. a restaurant, café or pub), the wearing of a face covering isn’t mandated at that premises, but should be considered in ‘pinch point’ areas, when queuing, in lifts and corridors etc. as part of a risk assessment.
- If your business is multi-purpose, with food & drink one of the many reasons for a visit (e.g. a hotel with a restaurant, an indoor attraction with a café, an events or conference centre with a restaurant, a cinema or theatre with a bar), face coverings must still be worn by staff and customers in all areas of the business apart from the specific areas where food & drink are consumed.
14/07/21: "next steps towards a future with fewer covid rules" - first minister
Wales will take its next step towards a future with fewer covid legal restrictions as First Minister Mark Drakeford today set out a longer-term plan for the summer.
Wales will move fully into alert level one from 17 July. The changes were paused four weeks ago because of the emergence and spread of the delta variant across the UK and to enable more people to be vaccinated in Wales.
And there will be further changes to the rules outdoors as Wales takes the first careful step towards a new alert level zero.
Alert level zero is set out in an updated Coronavirus Control Plan, which is published today. If the public health situation allows, Wales will move to this level on 7 August.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We are entering a new phase of the pandemic. Cases of the virus have risen sharply since the delta variant emerged six weeks ago but, thanks to our fantastic vaccination programme, we are not seeing these translate into large numbers of people falling seriously ill or needing hospital treatment.
“We can be reasonably confident that vaccination has weakened the link between infections and serious illness. But there is still a risk that this third wave of the pandemic could cause real harm – either direct harm from the virus or indirect harm from for example people having to isolate
“We can move to alert level one for indoor spaces from 17 July and go further for outdoor spaces because we know the risk of transmission outdoors is lower.
“We are also publishing plans for a new alert level zero, which will have fewer legal restrictions but which will still need all of us to take steps to protect ourselves.”
From 17 July, Wales will move fully to alert level one, including:
Also from 17 July other changes include:
There will also be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others indoors, including in private homes.
Face coverings will continue to be required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport at alert level zero from 7 August, with the exception of hospitality settings.
The First Minister said:
“The pandemic is not over and the virus continues to spread across Wales, which makes it really important for everyone to say yes to vaccination and to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
“Even though vaccines have weakened the link between the virus and hospitalisation, we are seeing young, fit people suffer from long-Covid, which for some, has a major impact on their lives.
“We have the headroom to continue to gradually remove restrictions, but each and every one of us has a really important part to play to keep Wales safe as we head into the summer.”
The First Minister has also confirmed that people who have who have been fully vaccinated in the UK will no longer need to self-isolate if they are returning from an amber list country, in line with the position in England and Scotland.
Wales will move fully into alert level one from 17 July. The changes were paused four weeks ago because of the emergence and spread of the delta variant across the UK and to enable more people to be vaccinated in Wales.
And there will be further changes to the rules outdoors as Wales takes the first careful step towards a new alert level zero.
Alert level zero is set out in an updated Coronavirus Control Plan, which is published today. If the public health situation allows, Wales will move to this level on 7 August.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We are entering a new phase of the pandemic. Cases of the virus have risen sharply since the delta variant emerged six weeks ago but, thanks to our fantastic vaccination programme, we are not seeing these translate into large numbers of people falling seriously ill or needing hospital treatment.
“We can be reasonably confident that vaccination has weakened the link between infections and serious illness. But there is still a risk that this third wave of the pandemic could cause real harm – either direct harm from the virus or indirect harm from for example people having to isolate
“We can move to alert level one for indoor spaces from 17 July and go further for outdoor spaces because we know the risk of transmission outdoors is lower.
“We are also publishing plans for a new alert level zero, which will have fewer legal restrictions but which will still need all of us to take steps to protect ourselves.”
From 17 July, Wales will move fully to alert level one, including:
- Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
- Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing.
- Ice rinks can reopen.
Also from 17 July other changes include:
- New rules for children’s residential activity centres so children in groups of up to 30 can visit.
- A specific requirement for employees to provide comprehensive information on the risks and mitigations identified in the COVID risk assessment with their employees.
There will also be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others indoors, including in private homes.
Face coverings will continue to be required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport at alert level zero from 7 August, with the exception of hospitality settings.
The First Minister said:
“The pandemic is not over and the virus continues to spread across Wales, which makes it really important for everyone to say yes to vaccination and to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
“Even though vaccines have weakened the link between the virus and hospitalisation, we are seeing young, fit people suffer from long-Covid, which for some, has a major impact on their lives.
“We have the headroom to continue to gradually remove restrictions, but each and every one of us has a really important part to play to keep Wales safe as we head into the summer.”
The First Minister has also confirmed that people who have who have been fully vaccinated in the UK will no longer need to self-isolate if they are returning from an amber list country, in line with the position in England and Scotland.
09/07/21: lateral flow tests for visitors to wales
Rapid lateral flow tests are for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms and are available from local collection points or ordered online for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Visitors to Wales are encouraged to take a test at home before travelling and to bring kits with them to continue testing while on holiday. Only those who have a negative test result and no symptoms of coronavirus should travel. We are not encouraging businesses to stock up on tests for their customers or guests.
Read more on getting tested and the role of Lateral flow and PCR tests.
Visitors to Wales are encouraged to take a test at home before travelling and to bring kits with them to continue testing while on holiday. Only those who have a negative test result and no symptoms of coronavirus should travel. We are not encouraging businesses to stock up on tests for their customers or guests.
Read more on getting tested and the role of Lateral flow and PCR tests.
18/06/21: rule changes on hold for 4 weeks as delta spreads
First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced a 4-week pause to the coronavirus rules (Friday 18 June) to help boost protection against the new delta variant.
Wales’ world-leading vaccine programme will speed up second doses over the next 4 weeks – with a planned deployment of more than half a million doses to help prevent a fresh wave of serious illness as cases of coronavirus begin to rise.
The latest figures show there are almost 490 cases of the delta variant in Wales. More than 4 out 5 new Covid cases in Wales are the delta variant and two-thirds of these are not linked to travel or contact with another case, suggesting community spread.
Wales’ coronavirus case rate has risen steadily since the end of May and the positivity rate has more than doubled – but it remains the lowest in the UK.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“In the space of just a few short weeks, the delta variant has entered Wales and quickly spread throughout the country. There is sustained and accelerating transmission, not just in North and South East Wales but in all parts of Wales.
“It is now the most dominant variant in new cases in Wales. We are once again facing a serious public health situation.
“We have the lowest coronavirus rates in the UK and the highest vaccination rates for first doses. A 4-week delay in relaxing restrictions could help to reduce the peak number of daily hospital admissions by up to half, at a time when the NHS is very busy supporting all our healthcare needs – not just treating coronavirus.”
The Welsh Government reviewed the public health situation this week, mid-way through the current three-week regulations cycle, after announcing a phased move into alert level one. The rules around larger outdoor activities and events were relaxed on 7 June.
Although there will be no substantive changes to the rules for a 4-week period – the regulations will be reviewed again on 15 July – some small technical amendments are being made to the coronavirus regulations to make them easier to understand and easier to apply for businesses.
These include:
- The number of people who can attend a wedding or civil partnership reception or wake, organised by a business in an indoors regulated premise, such as a hotel, will be determined by the size of the venue and a risk assessment.
- Clarifying small grassroots music and comedy venues will be able to operate on the same basis as hospitality venues, like pubs and cafes.
- Primary school children in the same school contact group or bubble will be able to stay overnight in a residential outdoor education centre.
- Pilot events in theatre, sport and other sectors will also continue throughout June and July.
The First Minister added:
“This week, we reached the target of offering all eligible adults their first dose vaccine 6 weeks ahead of schedule.
“But those offers won’t help protect people, unless everyone turns up for their first and second dose appointments.
“I would urge everyone to take up their invitation for a vaccine and to complete the full 2-dose course. It’s the best way we can protect ourselves against this virus.”
06/08/21: Wales moves to alert level zero
First Minister Mark Drakeford will urge everyone to continue to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as he confirms Wales will move to the new alert level zero on Saturday [August 7].
At alert level zero, all restrictions on meeting with others will be removed and all businesses will be able to open. But some important protections will continue to be in place to give everyone the confidence to enjoy the summer ahead.
These include:
“Moving to alert level zero is another significant step forward for us all. For the first time since the pandemic started, all businesses will be able to open and all legal limits on meeting people in indoor private spaces will be removed.
“Alert level zero does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all. But it does mean we can all enjoy more freedoms with the confidence there are still important protections in place to make sure our public health is being safeguarded while we are out and about.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to work together to do everything we can to keep this virus under control – at alert level zero, everything we do will have an impact on this virus.
“Even if you have been fully vaccinated, meeting outside is safer than inside; let fresh air into indoor spaces, get tested even for mild symptoms, and self-isolate when you are required to do so.
“Continue to keep our distance when we are out and work from home whenever we can. Wear a face mask, especially in crowded places, on public transport, in shops and in health and social care settings.
“Taking responsibility and working together means we can all do the things we’ve missed the most. We’ve all got a reason to keep Wales safe.”
Wales will move to alert level zero at 6am on 7 August, following the latest review of the coronavirus regulations in Wales. At alert level zero:
At alert level zero, all restrictions on meeting with others will be removed and all businesses will be able to open. But some important protections will continue to be in place to give everyone the confidence to enjoy the summer ahead.
These include:
- Everyone must continue to isolate for 10 days if they have Covid-19 symptoms or if they have a positive test result.
- Face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places in Wales, including on public transport, in shops and in healthcare settings. There will be exemptions for people who cannot wear them, as there are currently.
- All those responsible for premises open to the public and workplaces must carry out a Covid risk assessment and continue to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
“Moving to alert level zero is another significant step forward for us all. For the first time since the pandemic started, all businesses will be able to open and all legal limits on meeting people in indoor private spaces will be removed.
“Alert level zero does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all. But it does mean we can all enjoy more freedoms with the confidence there are still important protections in place to make sure our public health is being safeguarded while we are out and about.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to work together to do everything we can to keep this virus under control – at alert level zero, everything we do will have an impact on this virus.
“Even if you have been fully vaccinated, meeting outside is safer than inside; let fresh air into indoor spaces, get tested even for mild symptoms, and self-isolate when you are required to do so.
“Continue to keep our distance when we are out and work from home whenever we can. Wear a face mask, especially in crowded places, on public transport, in shops and in health and social care settings.
“Taking responsibility and working together means we can all do the things we’ve missed the most. We’ve all got a reason to keep Wales safe.”
Wales will move to alert level zero at 6am on 7 August, following the latest review of the coronavirus regulations in Wales. At alert level zero:
- There will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events.
- Businesses which were required to be closed will be able to re-open. This includes nightclubs.
- Premises which are open to the public and workplaces will have more flexibility about which reasonable measures they take to minimise the risk of coronavirus. But these should be tailored to their risk assessment and their specific circumstances.
- Face coverings will not be a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served, but will continue to be required in most indoor public places.
30/07/21: changes to self-isolation for fully-vaccinated adults
All adults who have been fully-vaccinated will no longer have to self-isolate if they are identified as close contacts of someone with coronavirus from 7 August, the First Minister has confirmed (29 July).
The changes to the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP) service for fully-vaccinated adults will come into effect from 7 August – the same day as Wales is expected to move to alert level zero, if the public health situation allows.
Children and young people under 18 will also be exempt from the need to self-isolate if they are also identified as close contacts of a positive case.
But everyone who tests positive for coronavirus or has symptoms must continue to isolate for 10 days, whether they have been vaccinated or not.
The TTP service will use the Welsh Immunisation Service to identify adults who are fully-vaccinated and who will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are identified as close contacts.
From 7 August, instead of instructing fully-vaccinated adults to isolate, contact tracers and advisers will provide them with advice and guidance about how to protect themselves and stay safe.
The TTP service will provide a “warn and inform” service for all fully-vaccinated adults and under-18s, who are identified as close contacts.
Some extra safeguards will be put in place for those working with vulnerable people, particularly health and social care staff, including a risk assessment for staff working in health and care and daily lateral flow tests. Members of the public will be strongly advised not to visit hospitals and care homes for 10 days.
Everyone identified as a contact of a positive case will continue to be advised to have a PCR test on day two and day eight, whether they are fully vaccinated or not.
The changes will help ease the pressure on vital services caused by the recent rapid rise in Covid cases, driven by the delta variant over the last two months.
Cases have risen by 800% since the end of May, when they were at very low levels. Over the last week case rates have started to fall in all parts of Wales.
Almost 80% of adults in Wales have been fully vaccinated – the best rates in the UK and some of the best in the world.
Announcing the changes to the self-isolation rules, First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“Self-isolation on symptoms or a positive test result continues to be a powerful measure in helping to break the chains of transmission and stop the spread of the virus. It is important we retain this, even for people who have been fully vaccinated.
“But we know a full course of the vaccine offers people protection against the virus and they are far less likely to contract it when they are identified as close contacts. This means they no longer need to self-isolate for 10 days.
“We can remove the need for self-isolation for the two million adults who have completed their vaccine course, helping to keep Wales safe and working.
“We are also removing the need for children and young people under 18 to self-isolate, recognising the impact long periods out of school and college is having on their well-being and education.”
The current system of support payments for people on low incomes who have to self-isolate because they have either tested positive or are a close contact of someone with the virus, will continue.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan added:
“Unfortunately, as the last couple of months have shown, the pandemic is still with us.
“We need everyone’s help to control the spread of coronavirus – everything we do has an impact on this awful virus.
“Removing self-isolation for people who have had a full course of the vaccine is a really positive step forward but it doesn’t mean the end of isolation for all of us. If we want to see the back of coronavirus, we all need to take this virus seriously and isolate on symptoms and get tested.
“It’s also really important everyone takes up the offer of vaccination. It’s never too late to get vaccinated in Wales – clinics are open in every part of the country.”
The changes to the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP) service for fully-vaccinated adults will come into effect from 7 August – the same day as Wales is expected to move to alert level zero, if the public health situation allows.
Children and young people under 18 will also be exempt from the need to self-isolate if they are also identified as close contacts of a positive case.
But everyone who tests positive for coronavirus or has symptoms must continue to isolate for 10 days, whether they have been vaccinated or not.
The TTP service will use the Welsh Immunisation Service to identify adults who are fully-vaccinated and who will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are identified as close contacts.
From 7 August, instead of instructing fully-vaccinated adults to isolate, contact tracers and advisers will provide them with advice and guidance about how to protect themselves and stay safe.
The TTP service will provide a “warn and inform” service for all fully-vaccinated adults and under-18s, who are identified as close contacts.
Some extra safeguards will be put in place for those working with vulnerable people, particularly health and social care staff, including a risk assessment for staff working in health and care and daily lateral flow tests. Members of the public will be strongly advised not to visit hospitals and care homes for 10 days.
Everyone identified as a contact of a positive case will continue to be advised to have a PCR test on day two and day eight, whether they are fully vaccinated or not.
The changes will help ease the pressure on vital services caused by the recent rapid rise in Covid cases, driven by the delta variant over the last two months.
Cases have risen by 800% since the end of May, when they were at very low levels. Over the last week case rates have started to fall in all parts of Wales.
Almost 80% of adults in Wales have been fully vaccinated – the best rates in the UK and some of the best in the world.
Announcing the changes to the self-isolation rules, First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“Self-isolation on symptoms or a positive test result continues to be a powerful measure in helping to break the chains of transmission and stop the spread of the virus. It is important we retain this, even for people who have been fully vaccinated.
“But we know a full course of the vaccine offers people protection against the virus and they are far less likely to contract it when they are identified as close contacts. This means they no longer need to self-isolate for 10 days.
“We can remove the need for self-isolation for the two million adults who have completed their vaccine course, helping to keep Wales safe and working.
“We are also removing the need for children and young people under 18 to self-isolate, recognising the impact long periods out of school and college is having on their well-being and education.”
The current system of support payments for people on low incomes who have to self-isolate because they have either tested positive or are a close contact of someone with the virus, will continue.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan added:
“Unfortunately, as the last couple of months have shown, the pandemic is still with us.
“We need everyone’s help to control the spread of coronavirus – everything we do has an impact on this awful virus.
“Removing self-isolation for people who have had a full course of the vaccine is a really positive step forward but it doesn’t mean the end of isolation for all of us. If we want to see the back of coronavirus, we all need to take this virus seriously and isolate on symptoms and get tested.
“It’s also really important everyone takes up the offer of vaccination. It’s never too late to get vaccinated in Wales – clinics are open in every part of the country.”
28/07/21: written statement: International travel changes from 2 august 2021
A Written Statement has been made by Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services:
On 28 July the UK Government decided to permit travellers from the EU and US who have been fully vaccinated to visit the UK without having to self-isolate on arrival.
There remain clear public health risks posed by re-opening international travel and removing quarantine restrictions to US and EU fully vaccinated amber arrivals at this time. Without self-isolation requirements upon arrival there is a higher risk of importing cases and variants of concern (VoCs) from abroad. Vaccines will reduce this risk, but only if they are effective against VoCs. This is why we continue to caution against international travel for non-essential reasons this summer.
We regret the UK Government’s proposals to further remove quarantine requirements. However, as we share an open border with England it would be ineffective to introduce separate arrangements for Wales. Therefore, we will be aligning with the other UK administrations and implementing this decision for Wales. We look to the UK Government to provide assurances that processes will be in place to ensure those travelling in to the UK have been fully vaccinated. Also, in doing so, we will continue to press the UK Government for reassurances that it will be maintaining consistent and robust PCR surveillance - including pre-departure tests, PCR testing on day 2 and the genomic sequencing of results as one mitigation against importing vaccine escape variants.
On 28 July the UK Government decided to permit travellers from the EU and US who have been fully vaccinated to visit the UK without having to self-isolate on arrival.
There remain clear public health risks posed by re-opening international travel and removing quarantine restrictions to US and EU fully vaccinated amber arrivals at this time. Without self-isolation requirements upon arrival there is a higher risk of importing cases and variants of concern (VoCs) from abroad. Vaccines will reduce this risk, but only if they are effective against VoCs. This is why we continue to caution against international travel for non-essential reasons this summer.
We regret the UK Government’s proposals to further remove quarantine requirements. However, as we share an open border with England it would be ineffective to introduce separate arrangements for Wales. Therefore, we will be aligning with the other UK administrations and implementing this decision for Wales. We look to the UK Government to provide assurances that processes will be in place to ensure those travelling in to the UK have been fully vaccinated. Also, in doing so, we will continue to press the UK Government for reassurances that it will be maintaining consistent and robust PCR surveillance - including pre-departure tests, PCR testing on day 2 and the genomic sequencing of results as one mitigation against importing vaccine escape variants.
12/07/21: face coverings to continue to help keep wales safe
Ministers have confirmed face coverings will continue to play an important role in helping keep us all safe from coronavirus in Wales.
As the Welsh Government prepares to publish an updated Coronavirus Control Plan, setting out what will happen beyond alert level one, face coverings will continue to be required in certain settings, such as public transport and taxis, and health and social care, as a minimum, while coronavirus remains a public health threat.
Active further consideration is being given to whether face coverings should also be required in other settings, such as retail, if restrictions are relaxed further.
Wales is currently at alert level one – face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public places at alert level one and above.
Ministers will hold the regular 21-day review of the coronavirus regulations this week, which will set out whether restrictions can be relaxed in some indoor places, including people’s homes.
They will also publish new plans setting out how Wales will move beyond alert level one to a new alert level zero, with fewer legal restrictions.
But Ministers confirmed face coverings will continue to be required by law in some places while coronavirus remains a public health threat.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We will need everyone’s help to keep coronavirus under control as we continue to respond to the pandemic – this virus has quite certainly not gone away.
"We know many people are still worried and anxious about going out. We will maintain the requirement to wear face coverings in certain places – on public transport and health and social care settings, and others where necessary – to help keep us all safe.”
Scientific evidence supports the use of face coverings, alongside other measures, as a way of reducing the transmission of the virus.
They largely protect other people, rather than the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main sources of transmission of virus. They are particularly useful in busy or crowded, indoor and poorly-ventilated areas.
Public transport vehicles are usually enclosed spaces. If a train or bus is crowded it may not be possible for people to choose not to get on as it could be their only route to work.
Health and social care settings can be high risk environments where sick patients and staff could be at increased risk of exposure to the virus. Wearing face coverings in these areas can help protect others.
The rules on face masks will also be changing in schools.
We all have a duty to help to protect each other. Keeping everyone safe has been the Welsh Government’s priority through the pandemic and will continue to be the priority in future.
The First Minister will make a statement to Plenary on Wednesday setting out the outcome of the 21-day review and providing further details on the new alert level zero.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
As the Welsh Government prepares to publish an updated Coronavirus Control Plan, setting out what will happen beyond alert level one, face coverings will continue to be required in certain settings, such as public transport and taxis, and health and social care, as a minimum, while coronavirus remains a public health threat.
Active further consideration is being given to whether face coverings should also be required in other settings, such as retail, if restrictions are relaxed further.
Wales is currently at alert level one – face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public places at alert level one and above.
Ministers will hold the regular 21-day review of the coronavirus regulations this week, which will set out whether restrictions can be relaxed in some indoor places, including people’s homes.
They will also publish new plans setting out how Wales will move beyond alert level one to a new alert level zero, with fewer legal restrictions.
But Ministers confirmed face coverings will continue to be required by law in some places while coronavirus remains a public health threat.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“We will need everyone’s help to keep coronavirus under control as we continue to respond to the pandemic – this virus has quite certainly not gone away.
"We know many people are still worried and anxious about going out. We will maintain the requirement to wear face coverings in certain places – on public transport and health and social care settings, and others where necessary – to help keep us all safe.”
Scientific evidence supports the use of face coverings, alongside other measures, as a way of reducing the transmission of the virus.
They largely protect other people, rather than the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main sources of transmission of virus. They are particularly useful in busy or crowded, indoor and poorly-ventilated areas.
Public transport vehicles are usually enclosed spaces. If a train or bus is crowded it may not be possible for people to choose not to get on as it could be their only route to work.
Health and social care settings can be high risk environments where sick patients and staff could be at increased risk of exposure to the virus. Wearing face coverings in these areas can help protect others.
The rules on face masks will also be changing in schools.
We all have a duty to help to protect each other. Keeping everyone safe has been the Welsh Government’s priority through the pandemic and will continue to be the priority in future.
The First Minister will make a statement to Plenary on Wednesday setting out the outcome of the 21-day review and providing further details on the new alert level zero.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
14/06/21: Economy minister confirms further welsh government support for businesses impacted by phased move to alert level one
Businesses in Wales materially affected by the phased move to alert level 1, such as indoor attractions and wedding venues, will receive £2.5 million in further support from Welsh Government, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced today.
Since 17 May, businesses in Wales still affected by coronavirus restrictions have been able to apply for up to £25,000 in emergency support to help meet ongoing costs until the end of June.
Additional funding is now being made available to support businesses affected by the staged transition to alert level 1, due to the impact the delta variant of COVID-19 is having on transmission rates. The staging takes account of concerns over the impact the delta variant of COVID-19 is having on transmission rates and potential increase in hospitalisations.
Support will be available for businesses that have capacity for events of more than 30 people indoors or in contained spaces and to businesses that are still closed because of ongoing restrictions.
To receive the funding, businesses will need to have applied to the Welsh Government’s latest round of emergency funding, the deadline for which has been extended until 12pm Wednesday 16 June 2021.
Eligible applicants will automatically receive the top-up where possible, or will be required to self-declare via a simple online process. Details are available on the Business Wales website: COVID-19 Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) Business Support – May and June 2021 Eligibility Checker.
Businesses will be entitled to an additional payment of between £875 and £5,000, depending on their size and circumstance, to cover the period up to the end of June.
If the public health situation allows, ministers hope to see Wales move fully to alert level 1 on the 21 June. The First Minister will confirm any changes later this week.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said:
"My priority as the Economy Minister is to ensure the Welsh Government stands ready to kick-start a strong Welsh recovery with the right for support Welsh businesses and workers.
"Over recent weeks, as restrictions have gradually been lifted, we have all seen many elements our old lives opening back up in a COVID-safe way. This can only be good news for our economy. However, we know that despite our success in controlling rates of COVID-19 and rolling out our vaccination programme, the delta variant continues to present new challenges.
"It means we have needed to take a phased approach to moving to alert level 1, relaxing restrictions around outdoor events and activities first, because the evidence suggests the risk of infection is significantly lower outdoors than indoors. While this is absolutely the right decision for Wales we recognise the impact it will have on a significant number of our businesses, particularly wedding venues and indoor attractions.
"The last 15 months have been difficult and traumatic for businesses and their employees with many fighting to survive. Huge personal sacrifices have been made by many to make it through. As a government we have pulled every lever we can to back Welsh businesses.
"Today I am announcing further funding for those businesses in Wales, such as wedding venues and indoor attractions, to help cover costs as a result of the staged transition to alert level 1 made necessary by the risks posed by the delta variant."
Ministers have provided in excess of £2.5 billion funding to Welsh businesses, in a package that has been designed to complement and build on the support provided by the UK Government.
This targeted approach, focused particularly on backing small businesses and Welsh communities, has helped protect 100,000s of Welsh jobs which might otherwise have been lost.
Since October 2020, Welsh Government has provided 184,890 grants worth £686.6 million, with applications to the latest round of funding still being received and processed.
In addition, unlike in England, Welsh Ministers have ensured the 100% rates relief scheme for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will run for the full 12 months of this financial year. This measure is backed by £380 million to help provide breathing space for around 70,000 businesses this year.
The Minister added:
"Overall, we have provided over £400 million of business support over and above Wales’ share of UK Government spending on business support in England. It has involved tough decisions but they have been necessary to protect jobs and businesses in this crisis. In short, a cut and paste approach would have cost Wales jobs and businesses.”
Since 17 May, businesses in Wales still affected by coronavirus restrictions have been able to apply for up to £25,000 in emergency support to help meet ongoing costs until the end of June.
Additional funding is now being made available to support businesses affected by the staged transition to alert level 1, due to the impact the delta variant of COVID-19 is having on transmission rates. The staging takes account of concerns over the impact the delta variant of COVID-19 is having on transmission rates and potential increase in hospitalisations.
Support will be available for businesses that have capacity for events of more than 30 people indoors or in contained spaces and to businesses that are still closed because of ongoing restrictions.
To receive the funding, businesses will need to have applied to the Welsh Government’s latest round of emergency funding, the deadline for which has been extended until 12pm Wednesday 16 June 2021.
Eligible applicants will automatically receive the top-up where possible, or will be required to self-declare via a simple online process. Details are available on the Business Wales website: COVID-19 Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) Business Support – May and June 2021 Eligibility Checker.
Businesses will be entitled to an additional payment of between £875 and £5,000, depending on their size and circumstance, to cover the period up to the end of June.
If the public health situation allows, ministers hope to see Wales move fully to alert level 1 on the 21 June. The First Minister will confirm any changes later this week.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said:
"My priority as the Economy Minister is to ensure the Welsh Government stands ready to kick-start a strong Welsh recovery with the right for support Welsh businesses and workers.
"Over recent weeks, as restrictions have gradually been lifted, we have all seen many elements our old lives opening back up in a COVID-safe way. This can only be good news for our economy. However, we know that despite our success in controlling rates of COVID-19 and rolling out our vaccination programme, the delta variant continues to present new challenges.
"It means we have needed to take a phased approach to moving to alert level 1, relaxing restrictions around outdoor events and activities first, because the evidence suggests the risk of infection is significantly lower outdoors than indoors. While this is absolutely the right decision for Wales we recognise the impact it will have on a significant number of our businesses, particularly wedding venues and indoor attractions.
"The last 15 months have been difficult and traumatic for businesses and their employees with many fighting to survive. Huge personal sacrifices have been made by many to make it through. As a government we have pulled every lever we can to back Welsh businesses.
"Today I am announcing further funding for those businesses in Wales, such as wedding venues and indoor attractions, to help cover costs as a result of the staged transition to alert level 1 made necessary by the risks posed by the delta variant."
Ministers have provided in excess of £2.5 billion funding to Welsh businesses, in a package that has been designed to complement and build on the support provided by the UK Government.
This targeted approach, focused particularly on backing small businesses and Welsh communities, has helped protect 100,000s of Welsh jobs which might otherwise have been lost.
Since October 2020, Welsh Government has provided 184,890 grants worth £686.6 million, with applications to the latest round of funding still being received and processed.
In addition, unlike in England, Welsh Ministers have ensured the 100% rates relief scheme for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will run for the full 12 months of this financial year. This measure is backed by £380 million to help provide breathing space for around 70,000 businesses this year.
The Minister added:
"Overall, we have provided over £400 million of business support over and above Wales’ share of UK Government spending on business support in England. It has involved tough decisions but they have been necessary to protect jobs and businesses in this crisis. In short, a cut and paste approach would have cost Wales jobs and businesses.”
04/06/21: First minister confirms phased move to alert level one
Up to 30 people will be able to meet outdoors and large outdoor activities will be able to take place from Monday, as Wales moves into alert level one, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced today (Friday June 4).
The size of extended households can be increased to up to three households, and a further household with a single adult or single adult with caring responsibilities will also be able to join.
The move to alert level one will be phased, with outdoor events opening first. Ministers will review the public health situation again, ahead of June 21, to determine whether indoor events can restart.
The two-stage approach will enable more people to be vaccinated – and complete their two-dose course – amid growing concerns about the spread of the delta variant of the virus across the UK.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"I want to thank everyone in Wales for everything they have done to control the spread of coronavirus and keep rates low. The emergence of the delta variant shows the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
"The risk of infection is significantly less outdoors than it is indoors. This is why we are phasing in the changes in this three-week cycle. This will allow more people to enjoy events outdoors and take advantage of the Welsh summer, while we continue to roll out the vaccination programme to all adults.
"We will review the public health situation again in a couple of weeks to see whether we can continue to relax the restrictions and restart indoor events."
The seven-day coronavirus case rate remains very low in Wales and the positivity rate is less than 1%. Wales also has the best vaccination rates in the UK – more than 85% of the population has had one dose and 45% have completed the course.
But there is growing concern about the spread of the delta variant in many parts of the UK, especially in the North West of England. There are currently 97 cases in Wales, including a cluster of cases in Conwy.
The first phase of the move to alert level one means that from Monday June 7:
The Welsh Government will consider further changes to the regulations on indoor activity later in the month, if public health conditions allow.
These include:
The size of extended households can be increased to up to three households, and a further household with a single adult or single adult with caring responsibilities will also be able to join.
The move to alert level one will be phased, with outdoor events opening first. Ministers will review the public health situation again, ahead of June 21, to determine whether indoor events can restart.
The two-stage approach will enable more people to be vaccinated – and complete their two-dose course – amid growing concerns about the spread of the delta variant of the virus across the UK.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
"I want to thank everyone in Wales for everything they have done to control the spread of coronavirus and keep rates low. The emergence of the delta variant shows the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
"The risk of infection is significantly less outdoors than it is indoors. This is why we are phasing in the changes in this three-week cycle. This will allow more people to enjoy events outdoors and take advantage of the Welsh summer, while we continue to roll out the vaccination programme to all adults.
"We will review the public health situation again in a couple of weeks to see whether we can continue to relax the restrictions and restart indoor events."
The seven-day coronavirus case rate remains very low in Wales and the positivity rate is less than 1%. Wales also has the best vaccination rates in the UK – more than 85% of the population has had one dose and 45% have completed the course.
But there is growing concern about the spread of the delta variant in many parts of the UK, especially in the North West of England. There are currently 97 cases in Wales, including a cluster of cases in Conwy.
The first phase of the move to alert level one means that from Monday June 7:
- Up to 30 people can meet outdoors, including in private gardens, outdoor hospitality and public places.
- Larger outdoor organised gatherings and events, such as concerts, football matches and sporting activities, like organised running groups can go ahead for up to 4,000 people standing and 10,000 people seated. All organisers planning events and activities must undertake a full risk assessment and put in place measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including social distancing.
The Welsh Government will consider further changes to the regulations on indoor activity later in the month, if public health conditions allow.
These include:
- Rule of six for meeting indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
- Increased numbers for indoor organised gatherings and indoor events.
- Opening ice skating rinks.
28/05/21: New variants of coronavirus and travel - frequently asked questions
On 26 May the First Minister issued a statement on the new variants of coronavirus. In preparing for the spring half-term break and the summer tourism season, the Welsh Government is urging anyone planning a break in Wales from an area with higher rates of coronavirus in the UK to test themselves twice weekly, using the free Covid-19 lateral flow tests, before they travel. Only those who have a negative test result and no symptoms of coronavirus should travel. It is also advising travellers to bring lateral flow testing kits with them to continue regular testing while on holiday – this is an additional measure to help keep Wales safe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
We are not proposing introducing any travel restrictions with the rest of the UK at this time.
The UK Government guidance for people living in these areas advises them to minimise travel out of the area Welsh Government advice is that people from these areas should reconsider travelling into Wales at this time.
You can also provide them with information about collection points in the locality they can access tests kits from after arriving in Wales or order online - Get rapid lateral flow COVID-19 tests if you do not have symptoms.
The decision on accepting bookings is at the business’ own discretion. The Welsh Government is not introducing legal restrictions on travel within the UK at this point and the UK Government is asking people living in areas of high prevalence to minimise travel out of the area as outlined in UK Government guidance. As an accommodation provider, you should regularly monitor this advice and if legal restrictions are introduced, accommodation providers should not knowingly accommodate people who are acting in breach of the law.
Lateral flow tests are for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms. If a visitor is showing coronavirus symptoms, they must follow guidance and return home and order a PCR test immediately.
Accommodation providers may wish to communicate to all visitors with existing bookings, reminding them of the advice in respect of minimising travel and giving them a chance to cancel or postpone their bookings.
Accommodation providers are recommended to consider what their approach will be. It is also recommended that the approach allows individuals a right to discuss their particular circumstances before a final decision is taken to refuse admission.
Lateral flow tests are only available for those who are not showing symptoms. The steps to follow are included in this guide on What you need to do if you fall ill with COVID-19 whilst visiting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- Can visitors from an area within the UK that has a high prevalence of coronavirus travel to Wales and stay in visitor accommodation?
We are not proposing introducing any travel restrictions with the rest of the UK at this time.
The UK Government guidance for people living in these areas advises them to minimise travel out of the area Welsh Government advice is that people from these areas should reconsider travelling into Wales at this time.
- Where are the high prevalence areas in the UK?
- Can I accept bookings from visitors from areas with high prevalence of coronavirus?
You can also provide them with information about collection points in the locality they can access tests kits from after arriving in Wales or order online - Get rapid lateral flow COVID-19 tests if you do not have symptoms.
The decision on accepting bookings is at the business’ own discretion. The Welsh Government is not introducing legal restrictions on travel within the UK at this point and the UK Government is asking people living in areas of high prevalence to minimise travel out of the area as outlined in UK Government guidance. As an accommodation provider, you should regularly monitor this advice and if legal restrictions are introduced, accommodation providers should not knowingly accommodate people who are acting in breach of the law.
- Can I ask for proof of a negative Covid test before the visitors arrive?
Lateral flow tests are for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms. If a visitor is showing coronavirus symptoms, they must follow guidance and return home and order a PCR test immediately.
- Can I refuse a booking if my prospective guests refuse to take a test before travelling?
Accommodation providers may wish to communicate to all visitors with existing bookings, reminding them of the advice in respect of minimising travel and giving them a chance to cancel or postpone their bookings.
Accommodation providers are recommended to consider what their approach will be. It is also recommended that the approach allows individuals a right to discuss their particular circumstances before a final decision is taken to refuse admission.
- How do visitors access lateral flow tests in Wales?
In Wales, lateral flow tests are available to people who are visiting Wales from elsewhere. Visitors can collect lateral flow tests at collection points across Wales or order online - Get rapid lateral flow COVID-19 tests if you do not have symptoms. - What advice do I give to a guest who shows coronavirus symptoms while at my accommodation?
Lateral flow tests are only available for those who are not showing symptoms. The steps to follow are included in this guide on What you need to do if you fall ill with COVID-19 whilst visiting.
- What advice do I give to a guest who tests positive with a lateral flow test while at my accommodation?
- What if people refuse to take a lateral flow test?
26/05/21: Message from welsh gov - 'don't forget to pack your covid test, if you're holidaying in wales'
Visitors are being urged to pack lateral flow tests in their suitcases if they are holidaying in Wales from areas in the UK with higher rates of coronavirus.
The First Minister has asked all visitors from Covid hotspots, including areas in England with high levels of the India variant of concern, to take extra measures to help keep Wales safe. But the advice stops short of restricting travel beyond these areas.
As Wales’ tourism sector prepares for late Spring bank holiday weekend and the start of the summer season, the First Minister urged travellers from all over the UK, especially the eight hotspot areas in England, to use and pack lateral flow testing kits if they are coming to Wales. Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
The First Minister has asked all visitors from Covid hotspots, including areas in England with high levels of the India variant of concern, to take extra measures to help keep Wales safe. But the advice stops short of restricting travel beyond these areas.
As Wales’ tourism sector prepares for late Spring bank holiday weekend and the start of the summer season, the First Minister urged travellers from all over the UK, especially the eight hotspot areas in England, to use and pack lateral flow testing kits if they are coming to Wales. Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
26/05/21: Written statement: new variants of coronavirus
A Written Statement has been made by Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister:
Throughout the course of the pandemic, a clear and consistent pattern in the spread of coronavirus along travel corridors has emerged. This is true within Wales; across the UK and internationally. The virus moves with people, and people bring the virus into new areas as they move around.
Analysis of the different variants of the virus in the UK has indicated the majority were first observed in England. Cases in Wales often appeared a few days later.
The Kent variant – the dominant form of the virus in the UK – very quickly spread across the whole of the UK, even though there were high levels of restrictions in place, including travel restrictions, during November and December.
A new variant has been identified, which appears to be even more transmissible than the Kent variant. First identified in India, it is likely to become the dominant variant in the UK, in the same way as the Kent variant did. Cases have been identified in many areas across the UK – particularly in Bolton, Blackburn, Kirklees, Bedford, Burnley, Leicester, Hounslow and North Tyneside. We have also recorded 57 cases of the India variant of concern in Wales.
There is still much we do not know about this new variant. We do not know enough to say whether it could lead to more people becoming seriously ill or dying. The emerging evidence suggests that vaccination is still effective, especially in terms of protecting against severe disease.
With each week that passes, our fantastic vaccination programme continues to protect more people. I would encourage everyone who is offered the vaccine to take up the invitation.
At the moment, we are not seeing any increases in admissions to hospitals linked to the India variant in Wales. We are closely monitoring the situation in England, especially the areas with a high prevalence of the variant of concern, which will provide us with an early warning.
The UK Government’s guidance for people living in the eight areas where the India variant of concern is circulating advises against non-essential travel and for regular testing.
We are not introducing any legal restrictions on travel within the UK at this point but it is our clear advice that people should not travel to areas with high prevalence of coronavirus if they can avoid it. This includes Bolton, Blackburn, Kirklees, Bedford, Burnley, Leicester, Hounslow and North Tyneside where the India variant of concern is circulating. There is an increased risk of contracting Covid-19, even if vaccinated, in those areas so you should avoid travelling to these areas if possible.
As we approach the late Spring bank holiday and the half-term break, our tourism businesses will be looking forward to a busy week and the start of the summer season.
We would urge anyone planning a break in Wales from an area with higher rates of coronavirus, to test themselves twice weekly, using the free Covid-19 lateral flow tests, before they travel. Only those who have a negative test result and no symptoms of coronavirus should travel.
Everyone coming to Wales from areas with a higher prevalence of coronavirus should bring lateral flow testing kits with them to continue regular testing while on holiday – this is an additional measure to help keep Wales safe. Lateral flow testing kits are also available in Wales from local collection points.
We have always been clear about the risks of a third wave, driven by new variants of concern emerging. We will take a cautious approach to relaxing the restrictions and will continue to be guided by the latest available scientific advice. We will flex our highly effective Test Trace Protect and vaccination programmes where necessary. We are retaining surge capacity in our NHS in case it is needed. And we continue to work closely with local partners on controlling and containing local outbreaks.
Our best route out of this pandemic remains our impressive vaccination programme. I urge everyone to continue adopting the same caution and protective behaviours we have done throughout this pandemic while we continue to vaccinate the remainder of the eligible population in Wales.
Please check back and continue to follow us online as updated FAQs will follow over the next 2 days, with further clarification.
In the interim, in order for us to facilitate a quick turnaround to queries, please submit any questions you may have on the subject covered in the statement, via email, using quality.tourism@gov.wales.
23/04/21: letter to the visitor economy sector from dr frank atherton, chief medical officer
See the letter from Dr Frank Atherton, Chief Medical Officer/Medical Director NHS Wales for the attention of the visitor economy sector - "Maintaining a Covid secure environment in the visitor economy to protect staff and customers."
23/04/21: Written statement from mark drakeford
Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restriction) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020
20/04/21 Outdoor hospitality given go-ahead to reopen and rules on mixing outdoors relaxed in Wales
Six people will be able to meet outdoors in Wales from Saturday 24 April while outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26 April as cases of new COVID-19 infections continue to fall, First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed.
The current rule provides for up to six people (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) from a maximum of two households to meet outdoors. The new rules from Saturday will allow up to 6 people from any household (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) to meet outdoors.
People should observe social distancing from people from outside their household or support bubble when meeting others outside.
The rules for meeting indoors remain unchanged.
The First Minister has also confirmed outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26 April 2021.
First Minister, Mark Drakeford said: "The public health context in Wales remains favourable, with cases falling and our vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength. Because meeting outdoors continues to be lower risk than meeting indoors, we are able to bring forward changes to allow any six people to meet outdoors.
"This will provide more opportunities for people, especially young people, to meet outdoors with their friends. This will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on people’s wellbeing.
"I’m also pleased to confirm outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26 April.
"These changes will help the hospitality sector recover after a difficult twelve months.
"It is thanks to the continuing efforts of people across Wales we are able to introduce this change. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe."
On Friday (23 April 2021), the First Minister will confirm further relaxations to the covid rules that will come into force on Monday 26 April 2021.
The current rule provides for up to six people (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) from a maximum of two households to meet outdoors. The new rules from Saturday will allow up to 6 people from any household (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) to meet outdoors.
People should observe social distancing from people from outside their household or support bubble when meeting others outside.
The rules for meeting indoors remain unchanged.
The First Minister has also confirmed outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26 April 2021.
First Minister, Mark Drakeford said: "The public health context in Wales remains favourable, with cases falling and our vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength. Because meeting outdoors continues to be lower risk than meeting indoors, we are able to bring forward changes to allow any six people to meet outdoors.
"This will provide more opportunities for people, especially young people, to meet outdoors with their friends. This will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on people’s wellbeing.
"I’m also pleased to confirm outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26 April.
"These changes will help the hospitality sector recover after a difficult twelve months.
"It is thanks to the continuing efforts of people across Wales we are able to introduce this change. Together, we will continue to keep Wales safe."
On Friday (23 April 2021), the First Minister will confirm further relaxations to the covid rules that will come into force on Monday 26 April 2021.
12/04/21: COVID-19 restriction relaxations in Wales brought forward
The Welsh Government will be accelerating elements of its programme to relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases of new infections continue to fall across Wales, the First Minister has announced.
People will be able to form an extended household, visit the gym or take part in organised outdoor activities a week earlier than planned, as the public health situation - and vaccination rates - continue to improve.
The First Minister last week set out a detailed timetable for moving Wales firmly into alert level three. But some of these measures will now be introduced sooner than planned as cases have fallen markedly from 37 cases per 100,000 people to fewer than 21 per 100,000 this week.
The pressure on hospitals also continues to ease. Confirmed cases in hospital beds continue to reduce, and now stands at 89. This is 26% lower than last Thursday and is the lowest position since 22 September 2020.
The planned opening date for organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions will be moved forward to Monday 26 April from 3 May.
And, from Monday 3 May, a week earlier than previously signalled, gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities will be able to reopen for individual or one-to-one training. Extended households will also be allowed again, enabling two households to meet and have contact indoors.
First Minister, Mark Drakeford said:
“The public health situation in Wales continues to improve thanks to everything you are doing to help us control this awful virus. Cases of the virus are falling and our incredible vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength.
“Last week, we set out our programme to further re-open the economy and relax the restrictions we have lived with for so long, as part of our careful, step-by-step approach to keeping everyone safe. This week, because of the improvements we continue to see, we can bring forward some of our plans.
This is only possible because of the efforts everyone is making to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
From today, Monday 12 April, the following relaxations are in place:
Further easements to restrictions in the coming weeks will be subject to the public health situation remaining favourable. These will be confirmed at the next three-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations on 22 April.
On Monday 26 April:
People will be able to form an extended household, visit the gym or take part in organised outdoor activities a week earlier than planned, as the public health situation - and vaccination rates - continue to improve.
The First Minister last week set out a detailed timetable for moving Wales firmly into alert level three. But some of these measures will now be introduced sooner than planned as cases have fallen markedly from 37 cases per 100,000 people to fewer than 21 per 100,000 this week.
The pressure on hospitals also continues to ease. Confirmed cases in hospital beds continue to reduce, and now stands at 89. This is 26% lower than last Thursday and is the lowest position since 22 September 2020.
The planned opening date for organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions will be moved forward to Monday 26 April from 3 May.
And, from Monday 3 May, a week earlier than previously signalled, gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities will be able to reopen for individual or one-to-one training. Extended households will also be allowed again, enabling two households to meet and have contact indoors.
First Minister, Mark Drakeford said:
“The public health situation in Wales continues to improve thanks to everything you are doing to help us control this awful virus. Cases of the virus are falling and our incredible vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength.
“Last week, we set out our programme to further re-open the economy and relax the restrictions we have lived with for so long, as part of our careful, step-by-step approach to keeping everyone safe. This week, because of the improvements we continue to see, we can bring forward some of our plans.
This is only possible because of the efforts everyone is making to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
From today, Monday 12 April, the following relaxations are in place:
- The full return of children to schools for face-to-face education, all post-16 learners return to further education and training centres, and university campuses are able to open for blended face-to-face/online learning for all students
- All remaining shops reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail
- All remaining close contact services open, including mobile services
- Travel restrictions on traveling into and out of Wales are lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. The Common Travel Area means the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland
- Wedding ‘show-arounds’ by appointment are allowed
- Restrictions on political canvassing are removed, subject to canvassers doing so safely
Further easements to restrictions in the coming weeks will be subject to the public health situation remaining favourable. These will be confirmed at the next three-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations on 22 April.
On Monday 26 April:
- Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, would be allowed to reopen
- Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain closed except for takeaways
- Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place (previously Monday 3 May)
- Weddings receptions can take place outdoors for up to 30 people (previously Monday 3 May)
- Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes
- Extended household will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors
01/04/21: First Minister sets out plans to further relax COVID restrictions
The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, is today setting out a series of measures that will take Wales fully into Alert Level 3 by 17th May, subject to public health conditions remaining favourable.
All remaining non-essential retail and close contact services will be allowed to reopen from Monday 12 April, while the rules will also be changed to allow travel into and out of Wales from the rest of the United Kingdom and Common Travel Area. Changes remain subject to public health conditions continuing to remain favourable.
The Welsh Government is also signalling further changes it aims to confirm at the 22 April review, subject to public health conditions and final confirmation by Ministers, which would see outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality reopen, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants on Monday 26 April.
By early May, plans include allowing organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people to take place, and for gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities to reopen for individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes.
Should public health conditions remain favourable, from Monday 12th April, the following relaxations can go ahead:
Ministers are now signalling further easements to restrictions in the coming weeks subject to the public health situation remaining favourable. These are consistent with the cautious and phased approach set out in the updated Coronavirus Control Plan: Revised Alert Levels in Wales.
On Monday 26 April:
The reopening/resumption of the following, from the first week of the new cycle, i.e. Monday 17 May:
These are indicative dates to give the sectors time to plan and prepare –decisions on these will be made nearer the time, once the impact of other relaxations have been assessed and subject to the health situation allowing the relaxations to go ahead.
All remaining non-essential retail and close contact services will be allowed to reopen from Monday 12 April, while the rules will also be changed to allow travel into and out of Wales from the rest of the United Kingdom and Common Travel Area. Changes remain subject to public health conditions continuing to remain favourable.
The Welsh Government is also signalling further changes it aims to confirm at the 22 April review, subject to public health conditions and final confirmation by Ministers, which would see outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality reopen, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants on Monday 26 April.
By early May, plans include allowing organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people to take place, and for gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities to reopen for individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes.
Should public health conditions remain favourable, from Monday 12th April, the following relaxations can go ahead:
- The full return of children to schools for face-to-face education, all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres, and university campus’ will be able to open for blended face-to-face/online learning for all students;
- All remaining shops can reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail;
- All remaining close contact services can open, including mobile services;
- Travel restrictions on traveling into and out of Wales will be lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. The Common Travel Area means the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland;
- Viewings at wedding venues can resume by appointment;
- Outdoor canvassing for elections can begin.
Ministers are now signalling further easements to restrictions in the coming weeks subject to the public health situation remaining favourable. These are consistent with the cautious and phased approach set out in the updated Coronavirus Control Plan: Revised Alert Levels in Wales.
On Monday 26 April:
- Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, would be allowed to reopen;
- Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain restricted.
- Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place;
- Weddings receptions can take place outdoors, but will also be limited to 30 people.
- Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes;
- Extended household will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors.
The reopening/resumption of the following, from the first week of the new cycle, i.e. Monday 17 May:
- Children’s indoor activities;
- Community centres;
- Organised indoor activities for adults, limited to a maximum of 15 people. This includes exercise classes.
These are indicative dates to give the sectors time to plan and prepare –decisions on these will be made nearer the time, once the impact of other relaxations have been assessed and subject to the health situation allowing the relaxations to go ahead.
26/03/21: Wales' tourism sector starts to re-open as restrictions are relaxed
Wales’ tourism sector will be able to start re-opening from Saturday March 27 as the stay-local rule is lifted, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.
The rules will also be changed to enable organised outdoor activities and sports for children and under-18s to take place and up to six people from two different households to meet and exercise outdoors.
The relaxations continue the Welsh Government’s planned, step-by-step approach to relaxing the coronavirus restrictions, taking account of the highly-infectious Kent variant, which is now the dominant form of the virus in Wales.
These are the final stages of the relaxations in this three-week review cycle and they follow the successful return of primary pupils and many older secondary school and college students to face-to-face learning and the start of the phased re-opening of non-essential retail, including the opening of hairdressers and barbers.
Wales is moving out of alert level four, and now starting to move into level three. Welsh Ministers will consider further alert level three measures in the next review of the regulations.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“These further relaxations are part of our careful and phased approach to unlocking the restrictions and enabling people and businesses to resume their activities in the safest possible way.
“We’re only able to do this because of the sacrifices everyone across Wales has made over the last few months – everything you are doing to keep your loved ones safe is also keeping Wales safe.
“The public health position remains stable; our incredible vaccination programme goes from strength to strength – we have headroom to make these changes.”
Self-contained holiday accommodation, including hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, will be able to reopen to people from the same household or support bubble.
The stay local rule will be replaced by an interim all-Wales travel area, which will remain in place until April 12, subject to the public health situation. For the next two weeks, only those with a reasonable excuse, such as work, will be able to travel into or out of Wales.
The current restrictions on international travel for holidays will remain in place.
Other changes include:
“We are taking a step-by step approach to relaxing restrictions and want to carry on being able to open up Wales.
“To do that we need everyone’s help. That means staying vigilant for signs of infection; isolating if we have symptoms and arranging to get tested.
“It also means following the basic steps to keep us all safe while we’re out and about – keeping our distance from others; not mixing indoors; avoiding crowds; washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings.”
The next review of the regulations will take place next week. Welsh Ministers will consider the following relaxations, which will come into effect from April 12, subject to the public health situation:
The rules will also be changed to enable organised outdoor activities and sports for children and under-18s to take place and up to six people from two different households to meet and exercise outdoors.
The relaxations continue the Welsh Government’s planned, step-by-step approach to relaxing the coronavirus restrictions, taking account of the highly-infectious Kent variant, which is now the dominant form of the virus in Wales.
These are the final stages of the relaxations in this three-week review cycle and they follow the successful return of primary pupils and many older secondary school and college students to face-to-face learning and the start of the phased re-opening of non-essential retail, including the opening of hairdressers and barbers.
Wales is moving out of alert level four, and now starting to move into level three. Welsh Ministers will consider further alert level three measures in the next review of the regulations.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“These further relaxations are part of our careful and phased approach to unlocking the restrictions and enabling people and businesses to resume their activities in the safest possible way.
“We’re only able to do this because of the sacrifices everyone across Wales has made over the last few months – everything you are doing to keep your loved ones safe is also keeping Wales safe.
“The public health position remains stable; our incredible vaccination programme goes from strength to strength – we have headroom to make these changes.”
Self-contained holiday accommodation, including hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, will be able to reopen to people from the same household or support bubble.
The stay local rule will be replaced by an interim all-Wales travel area, which will remain in place until April 12, subject to the public health situation. For the next two weeks, only those with a reasonable excuse, such as work, will be able to travel into or out of Wales.
The current restrictions on international travel for holidays will remain in place.
Other changes include:
- Six people from two different households, excluding children under 11, will be able to meet and exercise outdoors and in private gardens;
- Organised outdoor activities and sports for children and under 18s will be able to resume;
- There will be a limited opening of outdoor areas of some historic places and gardens;
- Libraries and archives will be able to re-open.
“We are taking a step-by step approach to relaxing restrictions and want to carry on being able to open up Wales.
“To do that we need everyone’s help. That means staying vigilant for signs of infection; isolating if we have symptoms and arranging to get tested.
“It also means following the basic steps to keep us all safe while we’re out and about – keeping our distance from others; not mixing indoors; avoiding crowds; washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings.”
The next review of the regulations will take place next week. Welsh Ministers will consider the following relaxations, which will come into effect from April 12, subject to the public health situation:
- All pupils and students can return to schools, colleges and other education;
- All shops and close contact services can open;
- The interim all-Wales travel area can be lifted.
22/03/21: let's shape the future - recovery plan published
"Let's Shape the Future: working in partnership to reconstruct a resilient future for the visitor economy in Wales"
A new recovery plan for the tourism, hospitality and events sector has now been published. Developed in consultation with the Tourism Taskforce and informed by wide-ranging conversation with other important groups, stakeholders and businesses across the sector, the plan includes a shared partnership framework of essential themes around which interventions will be built to support businesses through short to medium-term recovery. The 8 essential themes include:
The plan recommends a Task & Finish Group is formed to drive forward a more tactical action plan including more detail behind the interventions and agreed delivery leads. Further consideration will be given towards how this group will be formed and the associated Terms of Reference.
A new recovery plan for the tourism, hospitality and events sector has now been published. Developed in consultation with the Tourism Taskforce and informed by wide-ranging conversation with other important groups, stakeholders and businesses across the sector, the plan includes a shared partnership framework of essential themes around which interventions will be built to support businesses through short to medium-term recovery. The 8 essential themes include:
- Supporting business.
- Valuing people.
- Reopening safely.
- Rebuilding consumer confidence.
- Stimulating and managing demand.
- Developing local visitor economies.
- Transforming the sector to be more resilient.
- Developing tailored recovery plans.
The plan recommends a Task & Finish Group is formed to drive forward a more tactical action plan including more detail behind the interventions and agreed delivery leads. Further consideration will be given towards how this group will be formed and the associated Terms of Reference.
19/03/21: Welsh Government updates Coronavirus Control Plan
The Welsh Government has today updated its Coronavirus Control Plan, setting out how and when more people and businesses will be able to resume their activities in the safest possible way.
In December, the First Minister published the Coronavirus Control Plan: Alert Levels for Wales, which set out how the national measures would be introduced in a more predictable way based on a framework of four alert levels.
The plan has been updated to take account of Wales’ fast-moving vaccination programme and the emergence of the highly-infectious Kent variant of the virus, which is now dominant throughout Wales. It also reflects the risk of new, potentially vaccine-resistant variants of coronavirus being imported into Wales from people holidaying and travelling overseas.
The new plan will support the Welsh Government to continue to relax restrictions while the public health situation continues to remain positive – rates have fallen significantly across Wales thanks to all the hard work and sacrifices made by people during the winter months. It sets out a range of indictors the Welsh Government will analyse and assess, alongside professional expert advice and intelligence from local partners, to determine how restrictions are relaxed.
But if there are strong signs of a growth in infections, it also sets out how the relaxations may need to be slowed, paused or in the worst case, reversed.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“The coronavirus pandemic has turned all our lives upside down. Over the last 12 months, everyone in Wales has made sacrifices to help protect themselves and their families and help bring coronavirus under control.
“This is a cruel virus – far too many families have lost loved ones, and unfortunately, we know that many more people will fall seriously ill and sadly will die before the pandemic is over. But the way people and communities have pulled together across Wales, and followed the rules, has undoubtedly saved many more lives.
“We are now entering a critical phase in the pandemic. We can see light at the end of the tunnel as we approach the end of a long and hard second wave, thanks to the amazing efforts of scientists and researchers across the world to develop effective vaccines. Our amazing vaccination programme has made vaccines available to people in the most at-risk groups at incredible speed.”
More than 1.2m people in Wales have said yes to vaccination and have received their first dose; more than 300,000 people have completed the two-dose course. The aim is to offer the first nine priority groups of adults vaccination by mid-April and all eligible adults a first dose by the end of July.
Early results about the effectiveness of the vaccines are promising in terms of their effect in both preventing severe disease and transmission. But, until the vaccination programme is more advanced, a large proportion of the population will remain vulnerable to infection.
The uncertainty and unpredictability of the Kent variant means that Ministers are adopting a more cautious approach to coming out of lockdown.
The updated Coronavirus Control Plan sets out the following phased steps for moving from alert level four into alert level three:
From Monday 22 March:
Next week, Ministers will confirm if the conditions allow for the following relaxations to come into force:
From 12 April (if conditions allow):
The following areas will be considered as part of the 22 April review, if the public health situation continues to remain positive and vaccination rates continue to increase:
“Just as we are rolling out vaccination, we are facing a very different virus in Wales today. The highly-infectious Kent variant is now dominant in all parts of Wales.
“This means the protective behaviours we have all learned to adopt are even more important than ever – getting tested and isolating when we have symptoms; keeping our distance from others; not mixing indoors; avoiding crowds; washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings.
“The pandemic is not over – spring and summer give us hope of more freedom, as rates of infection fall and more people are vaccinated.
“But we must be need to careful – we can’t rush the process of relaxing restrictions and risk a resurgence of the virus.”
We will revisit this plan after vaccination has been offered to all eligible adults – currently scheduled for the end of July – when more evidence and data about its impact will be available.
In December, the First Minister published the Coronavirus Control Plan: Alert Levels for Wales, which set out how the national measures would be introduced in a more predictable way based on a framework of four alert levels.
The plan has been updated to take account of Wales’ fast-moving vaccination programme and the emergence of the highly-infectious Kent variant of the virus, which is now dominant throughout Wales. It also reflects the risk of new, potentially vaccine-resistant variants of coronavirus being imported into Wales from people holidaying and travelling overseas.
The new plan will support the Welsh Government to continue to relax restrictions while the public health situation continues to remain positive – rates have fallen significantly across Wales thanks to all the hard work and sacrifices made by people during the winter months. It sets out a range of indictors the Welsh Government will analyse and assess, alongside professional expert advice and intelligence from local partners, to determine how restrictions are relaxed.
But if there are strong signs of a growth in infections, it also sets out how the relaxations may need to be slowed, paused or in the worst case, reversed.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“The coronavirus pandemic has turned all our lives upside down. Over the last 12 months, everyone in Wales has made sacrifices to help protect themselves and their families and help bring coronavirus under control.
“This is a cruel virus – far too many families have lost loved ones, and unfortunately, we know that many more people will fall seriously ill and sadly will die before the pandemic is over. But the way people and communities have pulled together across Wales, and followed the rules, has undoubtedly saved many more lives.
“We are now entering a critical phase in the pandemic. We can see light at the end of the tunnel as we approach the end of a long and hard second wave, thanks to the amazing efforts of scientists and researchers across the world to develop effective vaccines. Our amazing vaccination programme has made vaccines available to people in the most at-risk groups at incredible speed.”
More than 1.2m people in Wales have said yes to vaccination and have received their first dose; more than 300,000 people have completed the two-dose course. The aim is to offer the first nine priority groups of adults vaccination by mid-April and all eligible adults a first dose by the end of July.
Early results about the effectiveness of the vaccines are promising in terms of their effect in both preventing severe disease and transmission. But, until the vaccination programme is more advanced, a large proportion of the population will remain vulnerable to infection.
The uncertainty and unpredictability of the Kent variant means that Ministers are adopting a more cautious approach to coming out of lockdown.
The updated Coronavirus Control Plan sets out the following phased steps for moving from alert level four into alert level three:
From Monday 22 March:
- First phased opening of non-essential retail – restrictions on the sale of items will be lifted for shops, which are currently open;
- Garden centres re-open.
Next week, Ministers will confirm if the conditions allow for the following relaxations to come into force:
- Stay local requirement lifted, moving Wales into alert level three;
- First phased opening of the tourism sector as self-contained accommodation opens;
- Organised outdoor children’s activities resume;
- Limited opening of outdoor areas of some historic places and gardens;
- Libraries re-open.
From 12 April (if conditions allow):
- Full return to schools, colleges and other education;
- All shops to open;
- Close contact services to open.
The following areas will be considered as part of the 22 April review, if the public health situation continues to remain positive and vaccination rates continue to increase:
- Gyms, leisure and fitness facilities;
- Outdoor attractions;
- Outdoor hospitality;
- Weddings;
- Community centres;
- Organised activities (30 outdoors, 15 indoors);
- Extended households.
“Just as we are rolling out vaccination, we are facing a very different virus in Wales today. The highly-infectious Kent variant is now dominant in all parts of Wales.
“This means the protective behaviours we have all learned to adopt are even more important than ever – getting tested and isolating when we have symptoms; keeping our distance from others; not mixing indoors; avoiding crowds; washing our hands regularly and wearing face coverings.
“The pandemic is not over – spring and summer give us hope of more freedom, as rates of infection fall and more people are vaccinated.
“But we must be need to careful – we can’t rush the process of relaxing restrictions and risk a resurgence of the virus.”
We will revisit this plan after vaccination has been offered to all eligible adults – currently scheduled for the end of July – when more evidence and data about its impact will be available.
26/02/21: Approved licensed premises - use of wedding venues - clarification
From March 1st 2021 venues that are “approved premises” for hosting a marriage or civil partnership ceremony may be open, but only for that purpose (or for an alternative marriage ceremony such as a humanist wedding). Those attending the ceremony also have a reasonable excuse to leave home for that purpose.
Couples who have a wedding or civil partnership ceremony already arranged may also visit the venue in advance, if necessary, to plan the ceremony.
However, at this stage this does not mean that venues may open on a speculative basis by allowing “show-arounds” for those who may wish to have a ceremony at the venue.
This is likely to be relaxed once Alert Level 3 restrictions apply in Wales (or in any specific area of Wales as applicable). Further information will be provided as part of the Welsh Government’s regular 21 day reviews.
Couples who have a wedding or civil partnership ceremony already arranged may also visit the venue in advance, if necessary, to plan the ceremony.
However, at this stage this does not mean that venues may open on a speculative basis by allowing “show-arounds” for those who may wish to have a ceremony at the venue.
This is likely to be relaxed once Alert Level 3 restrictions apply in Wales (or in any specific area of Wales as applicable). Further information will be provided as part of the Welsh Government’s regular 21 day reviews.
05/02/21 Mandatory hotel quarantine to be introduced from 15 February 2021
From 15 February anyone travelling to the UK from a country on the UK’s travel ban list will be required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for 10 days. Further details will be set soon on how passengers will be able to book into the designated accommodation facilities.
>>Read Government announcement here
>>Read Government announcement here
24/09/20 NHS Covid-19 app launches across england and wales
People across Wales and England are being urged to download the NHS COVID-19 app to help stop the spread of coronavirus and protect themselves and their loved ones as case numbers rise.
It will be available to those aged 16 and over, and forms a central part of the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme identifying contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus.
The app works by logging the amount of time you spend near other app users, and the distance between you, so it can alert you if someone you have been close to later tests positive for COVID-19 – even if you don’t know each other.
What this means for businesses
This doesn’t replace the existing need for high risk businesses across Wales to record details of visitors and customers to their premises.
It is still the law in Wales for high risk businesses to record visitors and to keep those details for 21 days.
This includes pubs, restaurants, close contact services such as hairdressers and barbers, indoor leisure centres and gyms, cinemas, casinos and bingo halls.
Find out more information about the app and download the unique QR code for your business.
It will be available to those aged 16 and over, and forms a central part of the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme identifying contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus.
The app works by logging the amount of time you spend near other app users, and the distance between you, so it can alert you if someone you have been close to later tests positive for COVID-19 – even if you don’t know each other.
What this means for businesses
This doesn’t replace the existing need for high risk businesses across Wales to record details of visitors and customers to their premises.
It is still the law in Wales for high risk businesses to record visitors and to keep those details for 21 days.
This includes pubs, restaurants, close contact services such as hairdressers and barbers, indoor leisure centres and gyms, cinemas, casinos and bingo halls.
Find out more information about the app and download the unique QR code for your business.
Guidance for tourism & hospitality businesses for a phased and safe reopening
MWT Members: We have added a simplified table of the various guidance to your Members Area. This has been separated by business sector, to help avoid confusion. N.B. All businesses should still read the Welsh Government guidance in full
>> Summary of Guidelines
>> Summary of Guidelines
"We're Good To Go"
“We’re Good To Go” is the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
We encourage all businesses to apply. It's free of charge and upon successful completion of the application, you will be sent a secure link to download your certificate, mark and a toolkit with practical steps for telling your customers that your business is Good to Go. |
26/02/21: UK businesses registered ‘We’re Good To Go’ get global ‘Safe Travels’ stamp
VisitBritain has announced that tourism businesses in the UK registered to the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard scheme can now be automatically issued with the international ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The “We’re Good To Go” scheme, launched last year by VisitEngland in partnership with the tourism boards of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, has been recognised by WTTC as meeting its international global standardised health and hygiene protocols and for its role in supporting the recovery of the UK tourism sector.
The WTTC stamp enables travellers to recognise destinations around the world which have adopted global standardised protocols - so they can experience ‘Safe Travels.’
VisitBritain is coordinating the Safe Travels stamp issue in the UK, on behalf of the WTTC, for businesses registered to its We’re Good To Go scheme, with those who welcome international visitors particularly encouraged to apply. View in more detail on the VisitBritain website.
If you are not already registered, you can apply to the “We’re Good to Go” scheme now, as part of your preparations to re-open your business as soon as the time is right.
The “We’re Good To Go” scheme, launched last year by VisitEngland in partnership with the tourism boards of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, has been recognised by WTTC as meeting its international global standardised health and hygiene protocols and for its role in supporting the recovery of the UK tourism sector.
The WTTC stamp enables travellers to recognise destinations around the world which have adopted global standardised protocols - so they can experience ‘Safe Travels.’
VisitBritain is coordinating the Safe Travels stamp issue in the UK, on behalf of the WTTC, for businesses registered to its We’re Good To Go scheme, with those who welcome international visitors particularly encouraged to apply. View in more detail on the VisitBritain website.
If you are not already registered, you can apply to the “We’re Good to Go” scheme now, as part of your preparations to re-open your business as soon as the time is right.
Download the free business toolkit: Visit Wales. Safely.
Useful Links
More information is available from:
MWT Cymru Press Releases
Click on the + symbol to expand the boxes.
23/04/21: May 17 reopening of indoor tourism and hospitality welcomed in Mid Wales
Tourism leaders in Mid Wales have welcomed today’s Welsh Government’s decision to reopen indoor hospitality and the wider tourism sector on May 17.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the plans to lift lockdown restrictions on hospitality and tourism following a call from the Covid-19 Tourism Taskforce, set up by Welsh Government, to bring forward the reopening dates in line with England and Scotland. The taskforce represents the hospitality and tourism industry in Wales.
Today’s announcement means that people will be able to have a drink or meal inside a pub or restaurant in Wales for the first time in more than five months from May 17.
All tourist accommodation, indoor entertainment and attractions in Wales will also reopen on that date in time for the Spring Bank Holiday. Outdoor hospitality and tourism reopen on April 26.
Rowland Rees-Evans, chairman of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd, warmly welcomed the announcement.
Earlier this week, he backed the taskforce’s letter to the First Minister and warned that the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales would lose out if the reopening dates were not in alignment with England.
“It’s very pleasing that the First Minister has listened to the hospitality and tourism industry and that we now have a roadmap so that we know exactly where we are. We now have the summer to look forward to and it shows that the vaccination programme is working.
“We all must continue to work together to ensure that we keep everyone safe.”
Taskforce member Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair and chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) at Llanelwedd, also welcomed the announcement.
“Taking account of all the data, which is moving quickly, the Taskforce felt the time was right to move to indoor hospitality as soon as we could after an assessment of the impact of reopening outdoor hospitality,” he said.
“We are delighted the First Minister has take scientific advice, looked at the data and moved quicker than the original time frame.”
Speaking on behalf of the RWAS, he added: “As a member of the Event Wales Industry Advisory Group, we continue to work very closely with the Welsh Government with regards to the events sector.
“We continue to push for test events and the safe reopening of the events sector which has been the worst affected during the pandemic as we have been unable to open in any form since March last year.”
Fellow taskforce member, Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) chairman Andrew Campbell said he felt a deep sense of relief with the announcement.
“I would like to thank the First Minister and the Welsh Government for listening to our representations,” he added. “The announcement is very welcome and is just what is needed. I am delighted for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wales.
“Visitors to Wales will now have a number of options of where to go and it will certainly make destination management easier.”
Other taskforce members based in Mid Wales include Adrian Greason-Walker, WTA’s policy advisor who lives at Nantmel, near Rhayader and Anthony Rosser, Hospitality Cymru’s chair who is general manager and operations director of Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the plans to lift lockdown restrictions on hospitality and tourism following a call from the Covid-19 Tourism Taskforce, set up by Welsh Government, to bring forward the reopening dates in line with England and Scotland. The taskforce represents the hospitality and tourism industry in Wales.
Today’s announcement means that people will be able to have a drink or meal inside a pub or restaurant in Wales for the first time in more than five months from May 17.
All tourist accommodation, indoor entertainment and attractions in Wales will also reopen on that date in time for the Spring Bank Holiday. Outdoor hospitality and tourism reopen on April 26.
Rowland Rees-Evans, chairman of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd, warmly welcomed the announcement.
Earlier this week, he backed the taskforce’s letter to the First Minister and warned that the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales would lose out if the reopening dates were not in alignment with England.
“It’s very pleasing that the First Minister has listened to the hospitality and tourism industry and that we now have a roadmap so that we know exactly where we are. We now have the summer to look forward to and it shows that the vaccination programme is working.
“We all must continue to work together to ensure that we keep everyone safe.”
Taskforce member Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair and chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) at Llanelwedd, also welcomed the announcement.
“Taking account of all the data, which is moving quickly, the Taskforce felt the time was right to move to indoor hospitality as soon as we could after an assessment of the impact of reopening outdoor hospitality,” he said.
“We are delighted the First Minister has take scientific advice, looked at the data and moved quicker than the original time frame.”
Speaking on behalf of the RWAS, he added: “As a member of the Event Wales Industry Advisory Group, we continue to work very closely with the Welsh Government with regards to the events sector.
“We continue to push for test events and the safe reopening of the events sector which has been the worst affected during the pandemic as we have been unable to open in any form since March last year.”
Fellow taskforce member, Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) chairman Andrew Campbell said he felt a deep sense of relief with the announcement.
“I would like to thank the First Minister and the Welsh Government for listening to our representations,” he added. “The announcement is very welcome and is just what is needed. I am delighted for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wales.
“Visitors to Wales will now have a number of options of where to go and it will certainly make destination management easier.”
Other taskforce members based in Mid Wales include Adrian Greason-Walker, WTA’s policy advisor who lives at Nantmel, near Rhayader and Anthony Rosser, Hospitality Cymru’s chair who is general manager and operations director of Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair.
19/04/21: mid wales backs taskforce's call to reopen welsh tourism and hospitality
Tourism leaders in Mid Wales have backed a call by a Welsh Government taskforce to bring forward the reopening of indoor hospitality and the wider tourism sector.
Under the existing plans for Wales, outdoor hospitality and tourism are set to reopen on April 26, with indoor hospitality and indoor tourism attractions earmarked for the end of May. Now the Covid-19 Tourism Taskforce, set up by Welsh Government and representing the hospitality and tourism industry in Wales, has written to First Minister Mark Drakeford asking him to forward the reopening dates in line with England and Scotland, or even sooner. This would see indoor hospitality and indoor attractions reopen on May 17. |
MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd, has backed the letter and commended the work of the taskforce throughout the pandemic.
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman, is calling for the taskforce to continue its work during the Covid-19 recovery period and beyond and for the next Welsh Government to create a Cabinet Minister for Tourism.
“We welcome the taskforce’s letter to the First Minister because it comes from the whole hospitality and tourism industry,” he said. “The Welsh Government has said all along that the reopening dates are guided by the Covid-19 infection rate data because it doesn’t want the NHS to be overwhelmed.
“We are now at the stage where the data has overtaken the dates, so why can’t we reopen faster. If we don’t reopen the industry in line with England, Wales is going to lose out again and people are going to book holidays and short breaks in other parts of the UK.
“We feel that the Welsh Parliament-Senedd Cymru election should have been delayed because purdah is standing in the way of important decisions during an absolutely crucial time for the industry.
“We would like to thank the Covid-19 Tourism Taskforce for its excellent work during the pandemic and we think it’s essential that it carries on representing the hospitality and tourism industry during the recovery and beyond. We also believe there is a definite need for a Cabinet Minister for Tourism in the next Welsh Government.”
Taskforce member, Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Andrew Campbell said: “We are calling for flexibility in bringing forward the reopening of indoor hospitality and attractions, following the excellent work done by the Welsh Government in controlling the Covid-19 infection rate in Wales.
“We must get the sector open because businesses need to start trading as their cash reserves are low. It’s essential that the sector continues to have the ability to feed in concerns and issues to the Welsh Government as and when they arise.”
Representing Mid Wales on the taskforce is Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair and chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society at Llanelwedd.
Other taskforce members based in Mid Wales include Adrian Greason-Walker, Wales Tourism Alliance’s Wales policy advisor who lives at Nantmel, near Rhayader and Anthony Rosser, Hospitality Cymru’s chair who is general manager and operations director of Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
The taskforce’s letter praises the First Minister and Welsh Government for saving lives in Wales and protecting health services from being overwhelmed. However, it says the time has come to reopen the hospitality and tourism sector.
“We appeal with urgency for an early reopening and the positive opportunity to help you begin the economic rebuild that our great industry can help the new government to deliver in the coming months,” it states.
“As a taskforce, we very much look forward to working together with that government to bring forward business stability, staff wellbeing, community replenishment and a Croeso Cynnes to our customers and visitors.”
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman, is calling for the taskforce to continue its work during the Covid-19 recovery period and beyond and for the next Welsh Government to create a Cabinet Minister for Tourism.
“We welcome the taskforce’s letter to the First Minister because it comes from the whole hospitality and tourism industry,” he said. “The Welsh Government has said all along that the reopening dates are guided by the Covid-19 infection rate data because it doesn’t want the NHS to be overwhelmed.
“We are now at the stage where the data has overtaken the dates, so why can’t we reopen faster. If we don’t reopen the industry in line with England, Wales is going to lose out again and people are going to book holidays and short breaks in other parts of the UK.
“We feel that the Welsh Parliament-Senedd Cymru election should have been delayed because purdah is standing in the way of important decisions during an absolutely crucial time for the industry.
“We would like to thank the Covid-19 Tourism Taskforce for its excellent work during the pandemic and we think it’s essential that it carries on representing the hospitality and tourism industry during the recovery and beyond. We also believe there is a definite need for a Cabinet Minister for Tourism in the next Welsh Government.”
Taskforce member, Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Andrew Campbell said: “We are calling for flexibility in bringing forward the reopening of indoor hospitality and attractions, following the excellent work done by the Welsh Government in controlling the Covid-19 infection rate in Wales.
“We must get the sector open because businesses need to start trading as their cash reserves are low. It’s essential that the sector continues to have the ability to feed in concerns and issues to the Welsh Government as and when they arise.”
Representing Mid Wales on the taskforce is Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair and chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society at Llanelwedd.
Other taskforce members based in Mid Wales include Adrian Greason-Walker, Wales Tourism Alliance’s Wales policy advisor who lives at Nantmel, near Rhayader and Anthony Rosser, Hospitality Cymru’s chair who is general manager and operations director of Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
The taskforce’s letter praises the First Minister and Welsh Government for saving lives in Wales and protecting health services from being overwhelmed. However, it says the time has come to reopen the hospitality and tourism sector.
“We appeal with urgency for an early reopening and the positive opportunity to help you begin the economic rebuild that our great industry can help the new government to deliver in the coming months,” it states.
“As a taskforce, we very much look forward to working together with that government to bring forward business stability, staff wellbeing, community replenishment and a Croeso Cynnes to our customers and visitors.”
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
16/04/21: mid wales tourism businesses bouncing back from pandemic lockdowns
Tourism businesses across Mid Wales are bouncing back strongly as visitors from across the English border return following the continued relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.
Such is the pent up demand for a ‘staycation’ break in Mid Wales that Lon Lodges at Nantmel, near Rhayader, which offers luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in two lodge cottages and a Stellar Safari Lodge, has only a few dates available until December.
Owners Kerena and Stephen Pugh, who normally report a high annual occupancy rate for their five-star holiday accommodation, have not been surprised by the demand.
Some bookings have been rolled over from 2020 when pandemic restrictions prevented guests from visiting. However, Kerena says enquiries continue to flood in from people who are finding it difficult to find available accommodation.
Wherever possible, she is directing callers to other quality accommodation businesses in the Rhayader area. Lon Lodges is a member of the Rhayader 2000 tourism group which is currently going through a process to rebrand the town and surrounding area, including the spectacular Elan Valley, as The Outdoors Capital of Wales.
“It’s really busy and I have few availability gaps for the lodges until December,” said Kerena. “It hasn’t come as a surprise to be honest, but the lodges have been booked up much earlier this year.
“We are getting guests booking who do not normally holiday in this country, but the pandemic is preventing them from going abroad. People are so grateful to get away and it doesn’t seem to matter how far they have to travel.
“Since Monday, when people living in England were allowed to resume visiting Wales, Rhayader has been much busier. People love the outdoors here with walking, cycling, fishing, wildlife and golf very popular.”
It’s a similar story at the Mid Wales coast, where Islawrffordd Luxury Holiday Park at Talybont, near Barmouth is expecting a bumper year.
The park, owned by the Evans family, has 201 holiday homes, 75 fully serviced, super pitches for touring caravans and motorhome and luxury facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Director Dylan Evans says he is expecting to see the touring park full throughout the holiday season. “It’s definitely busier with bookings this year and the calls keep coming,” he said.
“We are grateful to have a second bite of tourism industry this year because people who normally go abroad on holiday are now staycationing. After a horrendous 2020, when we were shut for the majority of the year, we are looking forward to bouncing back.
“It is going to be a great summer and I just hope we have good weather like last year. We have been getting busier every day this week and we are expecting to be full at the weekend.
“The only disappointment is that our award-winning facilities cannot open. Subject to Covid cases remaining low, we will be able to serve food and alcohol outdoors on April 26 and indoors from May 17, when our shower and toilet facilities will also reopen.”
Plas Robin Rural Retreats at Llandyssil, Montgomery has reported high demand for the company’s two luxury lodges, with bookings taken until September.
Since the lodges opened last July, Carol and David Parry have welcomed guests from across England, Wales and Scotland who love escaping to the peace and tranquillity of the Mid Wales countryside.
“We have invested around £500,000 in the lodges and have planning permission for a third, which would have been built by now were it not for Covid,” said Carol.
“We were only open for 11 weeks last year due to the lockdowns but were fully booked throughout and we are delighted that there had been a lot of repeat bookings.
“We have chosen high end lodges because people want to come to somewhere unique and quite luxurious. Our guests really enjoy the views, tranquillity and the opportunity to experience country living.
“We have met some lovely people and it’s great to be able to bring them to an area where there are so many places to visit and see.”
All three businesses are members of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd.
Picture captions:
One of the lodges at Lon Lodges, Nantmel, near Rhayader.
Carol and David Parry outside one of their lodges at Plas Robin Rural Retreats in Llandyssil, near Montgomery.
An aerial shot of Islawrffordd Luxury Holiday Park at Talybont, near Barmouth.
Such is the pent up demand for a ‘staycation’ break in Mid Wales that Lon Lodges at Nantmel, near Rhayader, which offers luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in two lodge cottages and a Stellar Safari Lodge, has only a few dates available until December.
Owners Kerena and Stephen Pugh, who normally report a high annual occupancy rate for their five-star holiday accommodation, have not been surprised by the demand.
Some bookings have been rolled over from 2020 when pandemic restrictions prevented guests from visiting. However, Kerena says enquiries continue to flood in from people who are finding it difficult to find available accommodation.
Wherever possible, she is directing callers to other quality accommodation businesses in the Rhayader area. Lon Lodges is a member of the Rhayader 2000 tourism group which is currently going through a process to rebrand the town and surrounding area, including the spectacular Elan Valley, as The Outdoors Capital of Wales.
“It’s really busy and I have few availability gaps for the lodges until December,” said Kerena. “It hasn’t come as a surprise to be honest, but the lodges have been booked up much earlier this year.
“We are getting guests booking who do not normally holiday in this country, but the pandemic is preventing them from going abroad. People are so grateful to get away and it doesn’t seem to matter how far they have to travel.
“Since Monday, when people living in England were allowed to resume visiting Wales, Rhayader has been much busier. People love the outdoors here with walking, cycling, fishing, wildlife and golf very popular.”
It’s a similar story at the Mid Wales coast, where Islawrffordd Luxury Holiday Park at Talybont, near Barmouth is expecting a bumper year.
The park, owned by the Evans family, has 201 holiday homes, 75 fully serviced, super pitches for touring caravans and motorhome and luxury facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Director Dylan Evans says he is expecting to see the touring park full throughout the holiday season. “It’s definitely busier with bookings this year and the calls keep coming,” he said.
“We are grateful to have a second bite of tourism industry this year because people who normally go abroad on holiday are now staycationing. After a horrendous 2020, when we were shut for the majority of the year, we are looking forward to bouncing back.
“It is going to be a great summer and I just hope we have good weather like last year. We have been getting busier every day this week and we are expecting to be full at the weekend.
“The only disappointment is that our award-winning facilities cannot open. Subject to Covid cases remaining low, we will be able to serve food and alcohol outdoors on April 26 and indoors from May 17, when our shower and toilet facilities will also reopen.”
Plas Robin Rural Retreats at Llandyssil, Montgomery has reported high demand for the company’s two luxury lodges, with bookings taken until September.
Since the lodges opened last July, Carol and David Parry have welcomed guests from across England, Wales and Scotland who love escaping to the peace and tranquillity of the Mid Wales countryside.
“We have invested around £500,000 in the lodges and have planning permission for a third, which would have been built by now were it not for Covid,” said Carol.
“We were only open for 11 weeks last year due to the lockdowns but were fully booked throughout and we are delighted that there had been a lot of repeat bookings.
“We have chosen high end lodges because people want to come to somewhere unique and quite luxurious. Our guests really enjoy the views, tranquillity and the opportunity to experience country living.
“We have met some lovely people and it’s great to be able to bring them to an area where there are so many places to visit and see.”
All three businesses are members of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd.
Picture captions:
One of the lodges at Lon Lodges, Nantmel, near Rhayader.
Carol and David Parry outside one of their lodges at Plas Robin Rural Retreats in Llandyssil, near Montgomery.
An aerial shot of Islawrffordd Luxury Holiday Park at Talybont, near Barmouth.
18/12/20: A personal Message From Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru Chief Executive
After such a challenging year for everyone, I would firstly like to thank all our members for your support, and our small team at MWT who have worked tirelessly to support our members during these difficult 10 months.
Our priority as always is to be on hand to help our members with advice and timely information and to work with our partners to support our local communities and the wider tourism economy.
This year it is more vital than ever and our voice has been heard and listened to at the highest level of Government. Relationships and experience that MWT has built over many years have been so important in this most difficult of times.
As the pandemic has unfolded, our approach has been to communicate concerns and the needs of our sector through the appropriate channels to gain maximum effect.
I understand how difficult this year has been for our businesses, and how frustrating it has been when the Welsh Government has taken decisions that have impacted our sector. We are very aware that what is said in anger can lead to unintended consequences for Wales and our industry.
We have adopted a balanced approach in our dealings with UK and WG officials through this difficult period, and at all times in our approach when dealing with the media avoiding negative headlines that could be misinterpreted by the UK media.
I have many people to thank on behalf of our MWT members for their help and support over these difficult times. Firstly, will have seen our Chairman, Rowland Rees-Evans, and other members on numerous TV interviews presenting the viewpoint from our sector.
A huge thank you also to Andrew Campbell and Adrian Greason-Walker from the WTA, and Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Tourism Forum Chairman who have been working tirelessly for the sector, representing members on the WG & UK Tourism Task Force and often getting up sometimes at the crack of dawn to represent us on radio and TV interviews.
My thanks also to the Welsh Government / Visit Wales / Welsh Government Teams and specially to Helen Jones, Rob Holt and Lucy von Weber who still take our calls even when they know it could be a ‘heated discussion’ at the end of it, but who have always listened and done all that they can to ensure our concerns are heard.
And thank you to our PR officer Duncan Foulkes who has always been available at the end of the phone/email to support us all with our journalist visits, official MWT press releases, expert advice and assisting our members with their press releases.
To our Chairman Rowland Rees Evans, and to all our MWT directors who although running their own businesses have always been available when we’ve needed them and to our small team Zoe, Andrea, Claire, Davina & Julie who have kept everything ticking over.
Ultimately, we couldn’t do this without you, our members. Through such tough times your support allows us to continue our work to support the sector in Mid Wales.
As we approach the start of a New Year, we all expect some challenges ahead, but hopeful that with the introduction of a vaccine and the expected rise in Staycations, we will start to see a recovery grow through 2021.
I wish you all have a happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year and here’s to 2021!
#StaySafe
Nadolig Llawen
Val
Our priority as always is to be on hand to help our members with advice and timely information and to work with our partners to support our local communities and the wider tourism economy.
This year it is more vital than ever and our voice has been heard and listened to at the highest level of Government. Relationships and experience that MWT has built over many years have been so important in this most difficult of times.
As the pandemic has unfolded, our approach has been to communicate concerns and the needs of our sector through the appropriate channels to gain maximum effect.
I understand how difficult this year has been for our businesses, and how frustrating it has been when the Welsh Government has taken decisions that have impacted our sector. We are very aware that what is said in anger can lead to unintended consequences for Wales and our industry.
We have adopted a balanced approach in our dealings with UK and WG officials through this difficult period, and at all times in our approach when dealing with the media avoiding negative headlines that could be misinterpreted by the UK media.
I have many people to thank on behalf of our MWT members for their help and support over these difficult times. Firstly, will have seen our Chairman, Rowland Rees-Evans, and other members on numerous TV interviews presenting the viewpoint from our sector.
A huge thank you also to Andrew Campbell and Adrian Greason-Walker from the WTA, and Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Tourism Forum Chairman who have been working tirelessly for the sector, representing members on the WG & UK Tourism Task Force and often getting up sometimes at the crack of dawn to represent us on radio and TV interviews.
My thanks also to the Welsh Government / Visit Wales / Welsh Government Teams and specially to Helen Jones, Rob Holt and Lucy von Weber who still take our calls even when they know it could be a ‘heated discussion’ at the end of it, but who have always listened and done all that they can to ensure our concerns are heard.
And thank you to our PR officer Duncan Foulkes who has always been available at the end of the phone/email to support us all with our journalist visits, official MWT press releases, expert advice and assisting our members with their press releases.
To our Chairman Rowland Rees Evans, and to all our MWT directors who although running their own businesses have always been available when we’ve needed them and to our small team Zoe, Andrea, Claire, Davina & Julie who have kept everything ticking over.
Ultimately, we couldn’t do this without you, our members. Through such tough times your support allows us to continue our work to support the sector in Mid Wales.
As we approach the start of a New Year, we all expect some challenges ahead, but hopeful that with the introduction of a vaccine and the expected rise in Staycations, we will start to see a recovery grow through 2021.
I wish you all have a happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year and here’s to 2021!
#StaySafe
Nadolig Llawen
Val
18/12/10: Tourism collaboration needed to help mid wales bounce back from covid-19
Organisations with an interest in tourism and hospitality across Mid Wales must collaborate to help the region bounce back from the rigours of the Covid-19 pandemic.
That was the clear message that emerged from the virtual annual meeting of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 businesses in the sector in Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd.
Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive, told the meeting: “As we emerge from the pandemic, it is imperative that we all work closely together and speak with one voice for Mid Wales, thereby avoiding mixed messaging to visitors.
“It is going to take a huge effort by all of us working in the sector, but the late summer demonstrated just how popular our region is for ‘staycations’. With the ‘staycation’ trend expected to gather pace in 2021, I am confident our members will be ready to meet this growing demand.”
Mrs Hawkins outlined MWT Cymru’s plans for 2021 which seek to attract younger visitors, aged 27 to 40 years, from target markets, including South Wales, within two to four hours’ drive time of Mid Wales.
A ‘This is Mid Wales’ campaign, which had been delayed by the pandemic, will focus on four key themes: Travel routes, Nature and wildlife, Health and wellbeing and The outdoors, including adventure and sport.
The company’s website - VisitMidWales.co.uk - has been redesigned for 2021, having attracted nearly 1.5 million users and nearly 11.2 million page views in the past year.
Media packs have been developed to support broader marketing and social media campaigns and to focus on key themes and local areas. Mrs Hawkins said MWT Cymru would be pressing Visit Wales to launch a targeted marketing campaign to welcome visitors back to Wales in 2021.
Following feedback from members, MWT Cymru agreed to form a marketing focus group to consider suggestions including changing the Mid Wales brand name to the Heart of Wales and to develop marketing campaigns for specific destinations within the region.
More work will also be done to identify and promote charging points across the region for the rising number of visitors driving electric vehicles.
Chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, a director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, said despite the huge Covid-19 challenges, national media coverage of Mid Wales as a tourism destination had been at an all-time high and the region must capitalise on that exposure in 2021.
He hoped that tourism in Mid Wales would return to some normality by April next year as Covid-19 vaccines are rolled out. “I think we would all prefer to be trading again rather than continue to be on life support,” he added.
“The return of visitors in August and September, when we were allowed to reopen, highlighted the growing popularity of ‘staycationing’. There is a huge opportunity for us to sell Mid Wales as a great visitor destination.
“Forward bookings in most sectors are up for 2021 and, hopefully, this trend will continue. It’s very important that MWT Cymru is here to shout for Mid Wales because if we don’t, no one else will.”
He thanked Mrs Hawkins and her team, Wales Tourism Alliance’s chairman Andrew Campbell and policy advocate Adrian Greason-Walker and Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chairman Steve Hughson, for their work during the pandemic.
Greg Loweth, business development manager of the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, will be joined by Charles Dark, owner of the Wynnstay Hotel, Machynlleth as a trade director for Powys. Mr Dark replaces Owen James of Crickhowell who was thanked for his service.
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
That was the clear message that emerged from the virtual annual meeting of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 businesses in the sector in Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd.
Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive, told the meeting: “As we emerge from the pandemic, it is imperative that we all work closely together and speak with one voice for Mid Wales, thereby avoiding mixed messaging to visitors.
“It is going to take a huge effort by all of us working in the sector, but the late summer demonstrated just how popular our region is for ‘staycations’. With the ‘staycation’ trend expected to gather pace in 2021, I am confident our members will be ready to meet this growing demand.”
Mrs Hawkins outlined MWT Cymru’s plans for 2021 which seek to attract younger visitors, aged 27 to 40 years, from target markets, including South Wales, within two to four hours’ drive time of Mid Wales.
A ‘This is Mid Wales’ campaign, which had been delayed by the pandemic, will focus on four key themes: Travel routes, Nature and wildlife, Health and wellbeing and The outdoors, including adventure and sport.
The company’s website - VisitMidWales.co.uk - has been redesigned for 2021, having attracted nearly 1.5 million users and nearly 11.2 million page views in the past year.
Media packs have been developed to support broader marketing and social media campaigns and to focus on key themes and local areas. Mrs Hawkins said MWT Cymru would be pressing Visit Wales to launch a targeted marketing campaign to welcome visitors back to Wales in 2021.
Following feedback from members, MWT Cymru agreed to form a marketing focus group to consider suggestions including changing the Mid Wales brand name to the Heart of Wales and to develop marketing campaigns for specific destinations within the region.
More work will also be done to identify and promote charging points across the region for the rising number of visitors driving electric vehicles.
Chairman Rowland Rees-Evans, a director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, said despite the huge Covid-19 challenges, national media coverage of Mid Wales as a tourism destination had been at an all-time high and the region must capitalise on that exposure in 2021.
He hoped that tourism in Mid Wales would return to some normality by April next year as Covid-19 vaccines are rolled out. “I think we would all prefer to be trading again rather than continue to be on life support,” he added.
“The return of visitors in August and September, when we were allowed to reopen, highlighted the growing popularity of ‘staycationing’. There is a huge opportunity for us to sell Mid Wales as a great visitor destination.
“Forward bookings in most sectors are up for 2021 and, hopefully, this trend will continue. It’s very important that MWT Cymru is here to shout for Mid Wales because if we don’t, no one else will.”
He thanked Mrs Hawkins and her team, Wales Tourism Alliance’s chairman Andrew Campbell and policy advocate Adrian Greason-Walker and Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chairman Steve Hughson, for their work during the pandemic.
Greg Loweth, business development manager of the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, will be joined by Charles Dark, owner of the Wynnstay Hotel, Machynlleth as a trade director for Powys. Mr Dark replaces Owen James of Crickhowell who was thanked for his service.
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
04/12/20: Support Mid Wales tourism and hospitality businesses this Christmas
MWT Press release 04/12/20:
Online shoppers are being encouraged to consider buying a holiday, short break, visitor experience, craft items or food and drink products from Mid Wales tourism and hospitality businesses as Christmas presents this year.
The call comes from MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd. The company has created a new page on its Visit Mid Wales website - www.visitmidwales.co.uk/christmas - to promote gift ideas in the run up to Christmas.
Gift ideas range from animal, falconry and pottery experiences to rides on narrow gauge railways and a selection of Mid Wales craftware and food and drink products.
With some Mid Wales hotels closing temporarily due to new COVID-19 restrictions imposed in Wales, which begin at 6pm today (Friday), shoppers are being urged to go online to book a short break, holiday or visitor experience as a special gift to look forward to in 2021.
Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive, said: “2020 has been a really challenging year and I would appeal to local people in Mid Wales and those living outside our region to continue to support our member businesses this Christmas,” she said.
“Traditionally, December is one of the busiest months for our businesses, many of whom offer exciting experiences and craftware which make great Christmas gifts. It’s also a great time to book new year breaks and holidays in Mid Wales.”
The new restrictions imposed in Wales stop pubs, restaurants and cafes from serving alcohol and they are unable to open to customers beyond 6pm. Businesses can offer a takeaway service after 6pm and, if they have an off-licence, can sell takeaway alcohol up until 10pm. Indoor visitor attractions must also close.
The Welsh Government will review these restrictions on December 17.
Picture captions:
Support local businesses Mid Wales.
Buy award winning gin from The Dyfi Distillery at Corris.
Online shoppers are being encouraged to consider buying a holiday, short break, visitor experience, craft items or food and drink products from Mid Wales tourism and hospitality businesses as Christmas presents this year.
The call comes from MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd. The company has created a new page on its Visit Mid Wales website - www.visitmidwales.co.uk/christmas - to promote gift ideas in the run up to Christmas.
Gift ideas range from animal, falconry and pottery experiences to rides on narrow gauge railways and a selection of Mid Wales craftware and food and drink products.
With some Mid Wales hotels closing temporarily due to new COVID-19 restrictions imposed in Wales, which begin at 6pm today (Friday), shoppers are being urged to go online to book a short break, holiday or visitor experience as a special gift to look forward to in 2021.
Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive, said: “2020 has been a really challenging year and I would appeal to local people in Mid Wales and those living outside our region to continue to support our member businesses this Christmas,” she said.
“Traditionally, December is one of the busiest months for our businesses, many of whom offer exciting experiences and craftware which make great Christmas gifts. It’s also a great time to book new year breaks and holidays in Mid Wales.”
The new restrictions imposed in Wales stop pubs, restaurants and cafes from serving alcohol and they are unable to open to customers beyond 6pm. Businesses can offer a takeaway service after 6pm and, if they have an off-licence, can sell takeaway alcohol up until 10pm. Indoor visitor attractions must also close.
The Welsh Government will review these restrictions on December 17.
Picture captions:
Support local businesses Mid Wales.
Buy award winning gin from The Dyfi Distillery at Corris.
13/10/20: Warm welcome awaits visitors to Mid Wales says tourism leader
The chairman of an organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales has hit back at negative social media comments and stressed that visitors can expect a warm welcome in the region.
Rowland Rees-Evans, who heads MWT Cymru, appealed for a united, balanced approach during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic to support tourism and hospitality businesses and communities across Mid Wales. |
His appeal follows negative social media comments in response to media interviews with international travel journalist Simon Calder and celebrities Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash last week.
Appearing on ITV’s This Morning show, Mr Calder said Mid Wales is a great place to visit, referring to Machynlleth, the Centre for Alternative Technology and Barmouth. Solomon and Swash revealed that they had enjoyed a visit to the Elan Valley near Rhayader.
“It’s a great shame that high profile travel journalist Simon Calder is castigated for suggesting that Mid Wales is a good place to go on holiday,” said Mr Rees-Evans, a director of the family-owned Penrhos holiday, golf and leisure park at Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth. “Mid Wales is open for business and is a great place to visit on holiday or to take a short break.
“It is very disappointing that such a positive story for tourism in Mid Wales, which gave a much-needed boost to our region in these difficult times, resulted in negative comments on social media channels.
“Whilst it is understandable that a small minority may wish to project their fear and anger online, some of these people do not even live or work in Mid Wales. The resulting negative media coverage has the potential to impact our reputation as a warm and welcoming destination and could even affect the speed of our recovery following this crisis.
“We all need to be aware of the unintended consequences of online comments which could be putting our independent businesses in imminent risk of closure, negatively impacting jobs and livelihoods.”
Mid Wales - Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd - covers more than 42% of Wales and is not currently subject to any lockdown restrictions. The region relies heavily on tourism, which supports thousands of jobs directly and in the supply chain.
“The region has one of the lowest Covid -19 rates in the UK, which is a reflection on who we are in Mid Wales, the way our visitors, communities and businesses have all pulled together to protect our fragile economy whilst keeping everyone safe,” stressed Mr Rees-Evans.
“Our businesses have invested in all the necessary Covid-secure measures and have worked so hard to safeguard their employees, visitors and local communities since the start of the Covid-19 crisis.
“Mid Wales business owners are doing their very best to keep themselves and their families afloat through very difficult times. They are protecting jobs and livelihoods whilst keeping families and local communities safe.
“With a long winter ahead of us, and virus infection cases rising in all parts of the UK, it is more important than ever that we all pull together to help each other through this difficult time.
Appearing on ITV’s This Morning show, Mr Calder said Mid Wales is a great place to visit, referring to Machynlleth, the Centre for Alternative Technology and Barmouth. Solomon and Swash revealed that they had enjoyed a visit to the Elan Valley near Rhayader.
“It’s a great shame that high profile travel journalist Simon Calder is castigated for suggesting that Mid Wales is a good place to go on holiday,” said Mr Rees-Evans, a director of the family-owned Penrhos holiday, golf and leisure park at Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth. “Mid Wales is open for business and is a great place to visit on holiday or to take a short break.
“It is very disappointing that such a positive story for tourism in Mid Wales, which gave a much-needed boost to our region in these difficult times, resulted in negative comments on social media channels.
“Whilst it is understandable that a small minority may wish to project their fear and anger online, some of these people do not even live or work in Mid Wales. The resulting negative media coverage has the potential to impact our reputation as a warm and welcoming destination and could even affect the speed of our recovery following this crisis.
“We all need to be aware of the unintended consequences of online comments which could be putting our independent businesses in imminent risk of closure, negatively impacting jobs and livelihoods.”
Mid Wales - Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd - covers more than 42% of Wales and is not currently subject to any lockdown restrictions. The region relies heavily on tourism, which supports thousands of jobs directly and in the supply chain.
“The region has one of the lowest Covid -19 rates in the UK, which is a reflection on who we are in Mid Wales, the way our visitors, communities and businesses have all pulled together to protect our fragile economy whilst keeping everyone safe,” stressed Mr Rees-Evans.
“Our businesses have invested in all the necessary Covid-secure measures and have worked so hard to safeguard their employees, visitors and local communities since the start of the Covid-19 crisis.
“Mid Wales business owners are doing their very best to keep themselves and their families afloat through very difficult times. They are protecting jobs and livelihoods whilst keeping families and local communities safe.
“With a long winter ahead of us, and virus infection cases rising in all parts of the UK, it is more important than ever that we all pull together to help each other through this difficult time.
“Our fantastic visitors love coming to our rural region to stay, relax and experience the great outdoors. They take in our peaceful countryside, visit local shops, independent restaurants, attractions and frequently comment about our warm and welcoming communities.
“This is the Mid Wales we all know and love, and it’s important that visitors who are planning future visits see this reflected in balanced media coverage and online commentary.” He stressed the difficult task facing MWT Cymru in navigating the delicate balance between promoting the region, encouraging people to visit safely, supporting member businesses and reassuring communities that all possible measures have been implemented to minimise any potential risk. |
“As a tourism membership organisation, we have never felt closer to our 600 plus tourism and hospitality member businesses and have worked incredibly closely with the Welsh Government and officials,” he added.
“Everyone has worked tirelessly over the last few months to enable our sector to re-open safely following months of closure. Since re-opening in July, our members have reported that visitors to Mid Wales have been respectful and understanding of the situation, they have followed the rules and been vigilant.”
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
An example of the beautiful autumn landscape awaiting visitors to Mid Wales.
“Everyone has worked tirelessly over the last few months to enable our sector to re-open safely following months of closure. Since re-opening in July, our members have reported that visitors to Mid Wales have been respectful and understanding of the situation, they have followed the rules and been vigilant.”
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
An example of the beautiful autumn landscape awaiting visitors to Mid Wales.
13/10/20: MWT Official statement
Visit Mid Wales – a delicate balance to support tourism and keep communities safe
As a region, Mid Wales relies heavily on tourism. The region - Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd - covers more than 42% of Wales and is not currently subject to any lockdown restrictions. Mid Wales currently has one of the lowest Covid -19 rates in the country and this is a reflection on who we are in Mid Wales, the way our visitors, communities and businesses have all pulled together to protect our fragile economy whilst keeping everyone safe.
MWT Cymru has had a difficult task of navigating the delicate balance between promoting the region, encouraging people to visit safely, supporting our members and reassuring our communities that all possible measures have been implemented by our businesses to minimise any potential risk. As a tourism membership organisation, we have never felt closer to our 600 plus tourism and hospitality member businesses and have worked incredibly closely with the Welsh Government and officials. Everyone has worked tirelessly over the last few months to enable our sector to re-open safely following months of closure.
Since re-opening in July, our member businesses have reported that visitors to Mid Wales have been respectful and understanding of the situation, they have followed the rules and been vigilant. International travel journalist Simon Calder’s recent comments on ITV’s This Morning show, and the recent visit and comments by Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash to the Elan Valley praised Mid Wales as a great place to visit - a good, positive story for Mid Wales and a much-needed boost for our region in these difficult times. It was disappointing, therefore, that the coverage received negative comments on social media channels.
Our businesses have all worked so hard to safeguard their employees, visitors and local communities since the start of the Covid-19 crisis. They have invested in all the necessary Covid-secure measures to protect their communities. It is understandable that a small minority project their fear and anger online but some of these people do not even live or work in our region. The resulting negative media coverage has the potential to impact our reputation as a warm and welcoming destination and could even affect the speed of our recovery following this crisis.
Mid Wales business owners are doing their very best to keep themselves and their families afloat through very difficult times. They are protecting jobs and livelihoods whilst keeping families and local communities safe. With a long winter ahead of us, and virus infection cases rising in all parts of the UK, it is more important than ever that we all pull together to help each other through this difficult time.
We all need to be aware of the unintended consequences of online comments which could be putting our independent businesses in imminent risk of closure, negatively impacting on jobs and livelihoods. Our fantastic visitors love coming to our rural region to stay, relax and experience the great outdoors. They take in our peaceful countryside, visit local shops, independent restaurants, attractions and frequently comment about our warm and welcoming communities. This is the Mid Wales be all know and love, and it’s important that visitors who are planning future visits see this reflected in balanced media coverage and online commentary.
As a region, Mid Wales relies heavily on tourism. The region - Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd - covers more than 42% of Wales and is not currently subject to any lockdown restrictions. Mid Wales currently has one of the lowest Covid -19 rates in the country and this is a reflection on who we are in Mid Wales, the way our visitors, communities and businesses have all pulled together to protect our fragile economy whilst keeping everyone safe.
MWT Cymru has had a difficult task of navigating the delicate balance between promoting the region, encouraging people to visit safely, supporting our members and reassuring our communities that all possible measures have been implemented by our businesses to minimise any potential risk. As a tourism membership organisation, we have never felt closer to our 600 plus tourism and hospitality member businesses and have worked incredibly closely with the Welsh Government and officials. Everyone has worked tirelessly over the last few months to enable our sector to re-open safely following months of closure.
Since re-opening in July, our member businesses have reported that visitors to Mid Wales have been respectful and understanding of the situation, they have followed the rules and been vigilant. International travel journalist Simon Calder’s recent comments on ITV’s This Morning show, and the recent visit and comments by Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash to the Elan Valley praised Mid Wales as a great place to visit - a good, positive story for Mid Wales and a much-needed boost for our region in these difficult times. It was disappointing, therefore, that the coverage received negative comments on social media channels.
Our businesses have all worked so hard to safeguard their employees, visitors and local communities since the start of the Covid-19 crisis. They have invested in all the necessary Covid-secure measures to protect their communities. It is understandable that a small minority project their fear and anger online but some of these people do not even live or work in our region. The resulting negative media coverage has the potential to impact our reputation as a warm and welcoming destination and could even affect the speed of our recovery following this crisis.
Mid Wales business owners are doing their very best to keep themselves and their families afloat through very difficult times. They are protecting jobs and livelihoods whilst keeping families and local communities safe. With a long winter ahead of us, and virus infection cases rising in all parts of the UK, it is more important than ever that we all pull together to help each other through this difficult time.
We all need to be aware of the unintended consequences of online comments which could be putting our independent businesses in imminent risk of closure, negatively impacting on jobs and livelihoods. Our fantastic visitors love coming to our rural region to stay, relax and experience the great outdoors. They take in our peaceful countryside, visit local shops, independent restaurants, attractions and frequently comment about our warm and welcoming communities. This is the Mid Wales be all know and love, and it’s important that visitors who are planning future visits see this reflected in balanced media coverage and online commentary.
14/07/20 Ten new members join Mid Wales tourism organisation during pandemic
Ten new members have joined an independent organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
MWT Cymru, which has member businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd, has been busy supporting members throughout the lockdown.
In addition to keeping businesses informed and helping them to access financial support, MWT Cymru has been working closely with Visit Wales, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum, Wales Tourism Alliance and local authorities to ensure that tourism remains high on the political agenda.
The 10 new members are Cambrian Coast Caravan Park, Ynyslas, Borth; Dolau Afon Holidays, Llanafan, Aberystwyth; The Original Shandals Company, Machynlleth; Poppies Guest House, Newtown; Open Newtown; Trenewydd Farm Holiday Cottages, Moylegrove, Cardigan; Coedmor Self-catering Holiday Cottages, Caerdeon, Barmouth, Dyffryn Café and Restaurant, Foel, Erwbarfe Farm Caravan Park, Devil’s Bridge, Aberystwyth and Earthbound Organics, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells.
“We are delighted to have been able to increase our membership at such a challenging time for all tourism and hospitality businesses,” said MWT Cymru’s chief executive Val Hawkins. “It’s very encouraging that these businesses have approached us wishing to become members.
“We shall continue doing our utmost to represent and support all our members as we all find ways of operating safely and successfully in the coming weeks and months as Mid Wales bounces back from the pandemic.
“Collaboration is going to be more important than ever to help the tourism sector bounce back from the severe impact of the pandemic on businesses and communities across Mid Wales.
“The tourism sector employs 23,000 people in Mid Wales and generates more than £1 billion annually to the local economy. Tourism is vital, now more than ever.”
MWT Cymru, which has member businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd, has been busy supporting members throughout the lockdown.
In addition to keeping businesses informed and helping them to access financial support, MWT Cymru has been working closely with Visit Wales, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum, Wales Tourism Alliance and local authorities to ensure that tourism remains high on the political agenda.
The 10 new members are Cambrian Coast Caravan Park, Ynyslas, Borth; Dolau Afon Holidays, Llanafan, Aberystwyth; The Original Shandals Company, Machynlleth; Poppies Guest House, Newtown; Open Newtown; Trenewydd Farm Holiday Cottages, Moylegrove, Cardigan; Coedmor Self-catering Holiday Cottages, Caerdeon, Barmouth, Dyffryn Café and Restaurant, Foel, Erwbarfe Farm Caravan Park, Devil’s Bridge, Aberystwyth and Earthbound Organics, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells.
“We are delighted to have been able to increase our membership at such a challenging time for all tourism and hospitality businesses,” said MWT Cymru’s chief executive Val Hawkins. “It’s very encouraging that these businesses have approached us wishing to become members.
“We shall continue doing our utmost to represent and support all our members as we all find ways of operating safely and successfully in the coming weeks and months as Mid Wales bounces back from the pandemic.
“Collaboration is going to be more important than ever to help the tourism sector bounce back from the severe impact of the pandemic on businesses and communities across Mid Wales.
“The tourism sector employs 23,000 people in Mid Wales and generates more than £1 billion annually to the local economy. Tourism is vital, now more than ever.”
08/07/20: Mid Wales tourism business praised for collaboration during pandemic
Tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales have been praised for their positive collaboration with each other and their communities, as the region prepares to reopen to visitors following the pandemic lockdown.
Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd, is impressed by the ways many businesses are helping each other and consulting with communities about reopening. |
As the Welsh Government continues to lift travel restrictions in Wales, pub beer gardens, restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating, self-contained accommodation and caravan holiday parks will be allowed to reopen from July 11, if cases of coronavirus continue to fall. This follows the easement of restrictions on July 6, allowing journeys to outdoor tourist attractions and destinations.
MWT has been supporting members throughout this crisis to help keep businesses informed and access financial support, working closely with Visit Wales, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum, Wales Tourism Alliance and local authorities.
“Collaboration is going to be more important than ever to help the tourism sector bounce back from the severe impact of the pandemic on businesses and communities across Mid Wales,” said Mrs Hawkins.
“We have undertaken specific research to understand how visitors, as well as local communities, feel about reopening and we are using these insights to develop our recovery programme.”
“The tourism sector employs 23,000 people in Mid Wales and generates over £1 billion annually to the local economy. Tourism is vital, now more than ever. We need people in Wales and beyond to choose Mid Wales as a destination.
“However, there is a delicate balance that needs to be struck in reopening. Safety is at the forefront of everybody’s minds, and all our member businesses are committed to creating a safe experience – both for visitors and our local communities.”
MWT is encouraging all businesses in Mid Wales to sign up for Visit Britain’s new industry standard mark, ‘We're Good To Go’.
“We’re Good To Go is the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing,” said Mrs Hawkins.
“When you see the ‘Good To Go’ accreditation logo on our Visit Mid Wales website, you can be confident that these businesses are operating in line with Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidelines.
“When visitors return, we also urge them to play their part to help keep our communities safe by practicing safe behaviours like social distancing, regular hand washing and wearing masks when in public spaces (e.g. shops, public transport).
“Visitors can help Mid Wales families and communities by shopping locally and visiting our local attractions. Every pound invested in our communities will help us recover from this pandemic.”
She added: “We must remember that even now, whilst lockdown is easing, coronavirus has not gone away. We need to adapt and recover, and this will be the collective responsibility of everyone. We hope that our visitors will support us and help Mid Wales to recover from this crisis.”
She said she had been heartened to see excellent examples of positive collaboration between businesses and communities during the lockdown and is confident this will continue.
“Businesses have been sharing ideas, creating opportunities to work together and supporting each other,” she added. “Our MWT Cymru Members Facebook Group is very active.
“Other businesses have used the lockdown to improve and change their accommodation ready to welcome back visitors.”
Mrs Hawkins quoted the awarding winning Fforest Fields caravan, camping and glamping site at Hundred House, near Llandrindod Wells as an excellent example of a member working with 13 other local businesses to respect their local community.
In a joint message to the community of the Edw Valley and surrounding area, the businesses said: "We are proud to call Radnorshire our home. Although each of our tourism businesses is different, we are united in safeguarding our local community as we look to re-open our businesses after lockdown.
“Before we are able to reopen, we want to reassure our friends and neighbours that we are treading cautiously and are focused on your safety. We are following guidelines and advice from policymakers, the Government, our governing bodies and business networks.
“We will do everything needed with due care and diligence. All our decisions will be weighted by our respect for our community and an understanding of the limits of our local health service.
“Tourism is an important sector for the local economy. Our guests come here because they love the rural beauty of Mid Wales and want to escape their day to day lives. They are respectful and supportive. We want to work to ensure there is harmony between those living and working here and those visiting when the time is right.
“We openly ask anyone who lives and works within the community of the Edw Valley and surrounding area to get in touch if they have any concerns or questions. We thank you for the support shown by so many of you during this difficult time for our businesses, families and teams."
Picture caption: Val Hawkins MWT Cymru’s chief executive.
MWT has been supporting members throughout this crisis to help keep businesses informed and access financial support, working closely with Visit Wales, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum, Wales Tourism Alliance and local authorities.
“Collaboration is going to be more important than ever to help the tourism sector bounce back from the severe impact of the pandemic on businesses and communities across Mid Wales,” said Mrs Hawkins.
“We have undertaken specific research to understand how visitors, as well as local communities, feel about reopening and we are using these insights to develop our recovery programme.”
“The tourism sector employs 23,000 people in Mid Wales and generates over £1 billion annually to the local economy. Tourism is vital, now more than ever. We need people in Wales and beyond to choose Mid Wales as a destination.
“However, there is a delicate balance that needs to be struck in reopening. Safety is at the forefront of everybody’s minds, and all our member businesses are committed to creating a safe experience – both for visitors and our local communities.”
MWT is encouraging all businesses in Mid Wales to sign up for Visit Britain’s new industry standard mark, ‘We're Good To Go’.
“We’re Good To Go is the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing,” said Mrs Hawkins.
“When you see the ‘Good To Go’ accreditation logo on our Visit Mid Wales website, you can be confident that these businesses are operating in line with Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidelines.
“When visitors return, we also urge them to play their part to help keep our communities safe by practicing safe behaviours like social distancing, regular hand washing and wearing masks when in public spaces (e.g. shops, public transport).
“Visitors can help Mid Wales families and communities by shopping locally and visiting our local attractions. Every pound invested in our communities will help us recover from this pandemic.”
She added: “We must remember that even now, whilst lockdown is easing, coronavirus has not gone away. We need to adapt and recover, and this will be the collective responsibility of everyone. We hope that our visitors will support us and help Mid Wales to recover from this crisis.”
She said she had been heartened to see excellent examples of positive collaboration between businesses and communities during the lockdown and is confident this will continue.
“Businesses have been sharing ideas, creating opportunities to work together and supporting each other,” she added. “Our MWT Cymru Members Facebook Group is very active.
“Other businesses have used the lockdown to improve and change their accommodation ready to welcome back visitors.”
Mrs Hawkins quoted the awarding winning Fforest Fields caravan, camping and glamping site at Hundred House, near Llandrindod Wells as an excellent example of a member working with 13 other local businesses to respect their local community.
In a joint message to the community of the Edw Valley and surrounding area, the businesses said: "We are proud to call Radnorshire our home. Although each of our tourism businesses is different, we are united in safeguarding our local community as we look to re-open our businesses after lockdown.
“Before we are able to reopen, we want to reassure our friends and neighbours that we are treading cautiously and are focused on your safety. We are following guidelines and advice from policymakers, the Government, our governing bodies and business networks.
“We will do everything needed with due care and diligence. All our decisions will be weighted by our respect for our community and an understanding of the limits of our local health service.
“Tourism is an important sector for the local economy. Our guests come here because they love the rural beauty of Mid Wales and want to escape their day to day lives. They are respectful and supportive. We want to work to ensure there is harmony between those living and working here and those visiting when the time is right.
“We openly ask anyone who lives and works within the community of the Edw Valley and surrounding area to get in touch if they have any concerns or questions. We thank you for the support shown by so many of you during this difficult time for our businesses, families and teams."
Picture caption: Val Hawkins MWT Cymru’s chief executive.
19/06/20 Welcome news as Mid Wales prepares to welcome back tourists
The chief executive of an organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in Mid Wales has welcomed the Welsh Government’s first step towards reopening the tourism sector from July 6.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced at lunchtime today (Friday) that travel restrictions in Wales will be lifted on July 6, allowing journeys to outdoor tourist attractions and destinations. Bookings for self-contained accommodation and visits to caravan holiday parks will be allowed from July 13. |
“We are relieved that at least some of our member businesses are going to be able to reopen from July 6, but it’s just the first step on a very long journey to the new normal for our sector,” said Val Hawkins, from MWT Cymru.
“Today’s announcement is down to the hard work that the Wales Tourism Alliance, of which MWT Cymru is a member and others have been doing behind the scenes with Visit Wales throughout the pandemic lockdown.”
MWT Cymru, which has member businesses of all sizes across Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd, says Mid Wales is going to need a robust tourism sector as the region bounces back from the pandemic.
Mrs Hawkins stressed that a huge combined effort by the Welsh Government, local authorities, communities, businesses and everybody involved in the tourism sector will be needed to ensure that Mid Wales is ready to welcome back visitors from July 6.
“Our members take public security and safety seriously and will take all the necessary measures to keep our businesses, employees, visitors and communities safe,” she added. “It’s vital that everybody continues to follow the public health advice and guidance from the Welsh Government to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“The pandemic is having a huge impact on the tourism industry due to the loss of income and continued restrictions imposed on many businesses. We must now all focus on our marketing to ensure that people are aware that Mid Wales is reopening to visitors from July 6.
“Undoubtedly, there will be confusion about what can and cannot reopen. We are here to help to advise our members and provide practical support remotely, wherever possible, as we have done throughout this crisis.”
“Today’s announcement is down to the hard work that the Wales Tourism Alliance, of which MWT Cymru is a member and others have been doing behind the scenes with Visit Wales throughout the pandemic lockdown.”
MWT Cymru, which has member businesses of all sizes across Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd, says Mid Wales is going to need a robust tourism sector as the region bounces back from the pandemic.
Mrs Hawkins stressed that a huge combined effort by the Welsh Government, local authorities, communities, businesses and everybody involved in the tourism sector will be needed to ensure that Mid Wales is ready to welcome back visitors from July 6.
“Our members take public security and safety seriously and will take all the necessary measures to keep our businesses, employees, visitors and communities safe,” she added. “It’s vital that everybody continues to follow the public health advice and guidance from the Welsh Government to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“The pandemic is having a huge impact on the tourism industry due to the loss of income and continued restrictions imposed on many businesses. We must now all focus on our marketing to ensure that people are aware that Mid Wales is reopening to visitors from July 6.
“Undoubtedly, there will be confusion about what can and cannot reopen. We are here to help to advise our members and provide practical support remotely, wherever possible, as we have done throughout this crisis.”
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman and a director of the family-owned Penrhos Park holiday, golf and leisure park at Llanrhystud, near Aberystwyth, said:
“Tourism is very important not only to the rural economy, but to the Welsh economy as a whole. “Having already lost a big chunk of the season, we are relieved that the Welsh Government has now set out a roadmap to reopen the industry. |
“I believe we can run our businesses safely by putting in place measures to stop the spread of the virus and we look forward to welcoming our customers and friends back in July.”
Mr Drakeford said; “The visitor economy in Wales should use the next three weeks to prepare to re-open self-contained accommodation in Wales during the month of July.
"If you have a static caravan that has its own kitchen or bathroom, if you're renting a cottage or going to a hotel that has turned itself into self-contained accommodation, there is a clear signal from me today that you should use the next three weeks to get everything you need in place, and you will be able to start taking bookings for after July 13.”
The tourism sector is worth £864.5 million a year to the Powys economy, supporting 11,662 jobs and attracting around 4.69 million visitors. In Ceredigion, tourism contributes around £331 million annually to the economy, supporting 5,400 jobs and attracting more than 2.73 million visitors.
Picture caption:
Val Hawkins MWT Cymru’s chief executive.
MWT Cymru’s chairman Rowland Rees-Evans.
Mr Drakeford said; “The visitor economy in Wales should use the next three weeks to prepare to re-open self-contained accommodation in Wales during the month of July.
"If you have a static caravan that has its own kitchen or bathroom, if you're renting a cottage or going to a hotel that has turned itself into self-contained accommodation, there is a clear signal from me today that you should use the next three weeks to get everything you need in place, and you will be able to start taking bookings for after July 13.”
The tourism sector is worth £864.5 million a year to the Powys economy, supporting 11,662 jobs and attracting around 4.69 million visitors. In Ceredigion, tourism contributes around £331 million annually to the economy, supporting 5,400 jobs and attracting more than 2.73 million visitors.
Picture caption:
Val Hawkins MWT Cymru’s chief executive.
MWT Cymru’s chairman Rowland Rees-Evans.
26/05/20: Mid Wales will need a robust tourism sector for pandemic recovery
Mid Wales will need a robust tourism sector as the region bounces back from the Covid-19 virus pandemic, says the chief executive of an organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses.
MWT Cymru, which has member businesses of all sizes across Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd, has been busier than ever since the pandemic lockdown restrictions began in March. Chief executive Val Hawkins says the company is supporting members remotely and has assisted many of them to apply for grants and receive much needed funding. |
“When we emerge from this crisis, Mid Wales is going to need a robust tourism sector to support the country’s economic recovery,” she said. “The total economic impact of tourism on the Powys economy is £864.5 million a year, supporting 11,662 jobs and attracting around 4.69 million visitors.
“In Ceredigion, tourism contributes around £331 million annually to the economy, supports 5,400 jobs and attracts more than 2.73 million visitors.
“The lockdown restrictions have had a massive impact on Mid Wales tourism and hospitality businesses, as the vast majority have been completely closed since the start of this crisis,” she explained.
“On a brighter note, many members are reporting that they are already receiving enquiries for later in the year and there are waiting lists of people wishing to buy caravans on some holiday parks. There is definitely pent up demand as people are planning to staycation in Mid Wales.
“We and our members look forward to welcoming visitors back to Mid Wales but only when the time is right and with the support of friends and neighbours in the local community.
“It’s important that our businesses and communities have plans in place for when the restrictions are lifted. Our members take public security and safety seriously and will take all the necessary measures to keep our businesses, employees, visitors and communities safe.”
She revealed that MWT Cymru’s members were generally supportive of the Welsh Government’s cautious approach to lifting the lockdown restrictions in Wales to control the virus and keep people safe.
They also welcomed the financial support made available to businesses by the Welsh and UK Governments during the lockdown.
“It’s vital that everyone heeds the sensible advice given by the Welsh Government, so that we avoid a second spike of the virus which would be disastrous not only for the tourism industry but the country in general,” she added.
“Whilst holidays are important, here in Wales we are all looking forward to spending time with our friends and family again, but only when it’s safe to do so.
“We believe the pandemic is going to have a huge impact on the tourism industry going forward due to the loss of income and the likely restrictions imposed on businesses. However, we hope that even more British people will plan to visit Mid Wales in the future now that quarantine restrictions are being imposed on overseas travel.”
Picture caption: Val Hawkins MWT Cymru’s chief executive.
“In Ceredigion, tourism contributes around £331 million annually to the economy, supports 5,400 jobs and attracts more than 2.73 million visitors.
“The lockdown restrictions have had a massive impact on Mid Wales tourism and hospitality businesses, as the vast majority have been completely closed since the start of this crisis,” she explained.
“On a brighter note, many members are reporting that they are already receiving enquiries for later in the year and there are waiting lists of people wishing to buy caravans on some holiday parks. There is definitely pent up demand as people are planning to staycation in Mid Wales.
“We and our members look forward to welcoming visitors back to Mid Wales but only when the time is right and with the support of friends and neighbours in the local community.
“It’s important that our businesses and communities have plans in place for when the restrictions are lifted. Our members take public security and safety seriously and will take all the necessary measures to keep our businesses, employees, visitors and communities safe.”
She revealed that MWT Cymru’s members were generally supportive of the Welsh Government’s cautious approach to lifting the lockdown restrictions in Wales to control the virus and keep people safe.
They also welcomed the financial support made available to businesses by the Welsh and UK Governments during the lockdown.
“It’s vital that everyone heeds the sensible advice given by the Welsh Government, so that we avoid a second spike of the virus which would be disastrous not only for the tourism industry but the country in general,” she added.
“Whilst holidays are important, here in Wales we are all looking forward to spending time with our friends and family again, but only when it’s safe to do so.
“We believe the pandemic is going to have a huge impact on the tourism industry going forward due to the loss of income and the likely restrictions imposed on businesses. However, we hope that even more British people will plan to visit Mid Wales in the future now that quarantine restrictions are being imposed on overseas travel.”
Picture caption: Val Hawkins MWT Cymru’s chief executive.
17/04/20: Tourism boss warns of business casualties if virus lockdown is prolonged
The chairman of an organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales is warning of dire consequences for the industry if the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown continues into June.
Rowland Rees-Evans, who leads MWT Cymru and is a director of the family-owned Penrhos holiday, golf and leisure park at Llanrhystyd, near Aberystwyth, says most tourism operators have planned to remain closed until the end of May. |
Should the lockdown continue later into the main tourist season, businesses would have missed Easter and the May Bank Holidays period and any cash received from the UK and Welsh Governments would have run out.
He accepted that the lockdown would only be lifted when the UK and Welsh Governments’ medical experts advised that it was safe to do so. He urged the public to heed the ‘stay at home to save lives’ message to help reduce the lockdown period and praised the heroic NHS staff on the front line for “keeping the country going” through the crisis.
He called on the UK and Welsh Governments to help business planning by urgently revealing the exit strategy from the crisis and criticised some banks for not supporting tourism businesses through the crisis by providing low interest loans to ensure companies survive.
The UK Government, Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority have all urged banks to support the economy by ensuring that low interest rates are passed on to businesses.
“From our conversations with member businesses, it appears that where banks have been good with their support, they have been brilliant, but where they have been bad, they have been woeful,” said Mr Rees-Evans.
“This is very surprising when the Bank of England has asked all banks to pass on the benefits of low interest rates to their customers. Banks seem to have forgotten that the country stepped in to support them when they were in trouble. Now it’s payback time.”
He welcomed the Welsh and UK Governments’ support for businesses, including grants, the furloughing of employees, 100 per cent business rate relief and deferred VAT payments.
But he warned that tourism business would be unable make up the money they were losing during the shutdown, which they traditionally relied on through the quiet winter months.
“Businesses are having to cover their staff costs until they receive cash from the furlough scheme which is putting pressure on cash flow,” added Mr Rees-Evans. “The Governments’ support is a short-term lifeline and businesses have put in place robust business plans until the end of May.
“They now need to know, sooner rather than later, what the Governments’ exit strategy is. If they are unable to reopen in June, they will have lost a key part of the prime tourist season which is going to be very tough on them and I fear that we are going to lose some businesses.
“Even if businesses do reopen in June, the economic hit on tourism is going to be massive. The fear is that people will have less money to spend on holidays and it is going to be crucial that we all work together in Mid Wales and Wales as a whole to get marketing up and running as quickly as possible.
“MWT Cymru is working closely with Visit Wales and we shall be doing everything possible to ensure that visitors are attracted back to Mid Wales when the lockdown ends. We sincerely hope that British people will support our tourism sector by staycationing this year.”
Mr Rees-Evans acknowledged the great work being done by Wales Tourism Alliance to ensure the UK and Welsh Governments understand the tourism sector issues in Wales.
MWT Cymru has members in Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd. The total economic impact of tourism on the Powys economy is £864.5 million a year, supporting 11,662 jobs and attracting around 4.69 million visitors.
In Ceredigion, tourism contributes around £331 million annually to the economy, supports 5,400 jobs and attracts more than 2.73 million visitors.
MWT Cymru continues to lobby politicians in Cardiff and Westminster with feedback from tourism businesses in Mid Wales.
Picture caption: Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
He accepted that the lockdown would only be lifted when the UK and Welsh Governments’ medical experts advised that it was safe to do so. He urged the public to heed the ‘stay at home to save lives’ message to help reduce the lockdown period and praised the heroic NHS staff on the front line for “keeping the country going” through the crisis.
He called on the UK and Welsh Governments to help business planning by urgently revealing the exit strategy from the crisis and criticised some banks for not supporting tourism businesses through the crisis by providing low interest loans to ensure companies survive.
The UK Government, Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority have all urged banks to support the economy by ensuring that low interest rates are passed on to businesses.
“From our conversations with member businesses, it appears that where banks have been good with their support, they have been brilliant, but where they have been bad, they have been woeful,” said Mr Rees-Evans.
“This is very surprising when the Bank of England has asked all banks to pass on the benefits of low interest rates to their customers. Banks seem to have forgotten that the country stepped in to support them when they were in trouble. Now it’s payback time.”
He welcomed the Welsh and UK Governments’ support for businesses, including grants, the furloughing of employees, 100 per cent business rate relief and deferred VAT payments.
But he warned that tourism business would be unable make up the money they were losing during the shutdown, which they traditionally relied on through the quiet winter months.
“Businesses are having to cover their staff costs until they receive cash from the furlough scheme which is putting pressure on cash flow,” added Mr Rees-Evans. “The Governments’ support is a short-term lifeline and businesses have put in place robust business plans until the end of May.
“They now need to know, sooner rather than later, what the Governments’ exit strategy is. If they are unable to reopen in June, they will have lost a key part of the prime tourist season which is going to be very tough on them and I fear that we are going to lose some businesses.
“Even if businesses do reopen in June, the economic hit on tourism is going to be massive. The fear is that people will have less money to spend on holidays and it is going to be crucial that we all work together in Mid Wales and Wales as a whole to get marketing up and running as quickly as possible.
“MWT Cymru is working closely with Visit Wales and we shall be doing everything possible to ensure that visitors are attracted back to Mid Wales when the lockdown ends. We sincerely hope that British people will support our tourism sector by staycationing this year.”
Mr Rees-Evans acknowledged the great work being done by Wales Tourism Alliance to ensure the UK and Welsh Governments understand the tourism sector issues in Wales.
MWT Cymru has members in Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd. The total economic impact of tourism on the Powys economy is £864.5 million a year, supporting 11,662 jobs and attracting around 4.69 million visitors.
In Ceredigion, tourism contributes around £331 million annually to the economy, supports 5,400 jobs and attracts more than 2.73 million visitors.
MWT Cymru continues to lobby politicians in Cardiff and Westminster with feedback from tourism businesses in Mid Wales.
Picture caption: Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
23/03/20: Chairman praises Mid Wales tourism businesses for Coronavirus shutdown
The chairman of an organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales has praised members for taking the responsible decision to close down to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
Rowland Rees-Evans, who leads MWT Cymru and is a director of the family-owned Penrhos holiday, golf and leisure park at Llanrhystyd, near Aberystwyth, says the shutdown is the correct decision but warns it will cause hardship to many businesses.
Having called on the Welsh Government for a specific cash package for the tourism and hospitality industry last week, MWT Cymru has welcomed the announcement by Economy Minister Ken Skates of £1.4 billion support for businesses and employees.
Mr Rees-Evans stresses the key importance of the industry to the Welsh economy, as it employs more than 100,000 people. It is crucial that tourism and hospitality businesses are supported so that they are in a position to welcome visitors following the Coronavirus crisis, he says.
Whilst holiday home owners and potential visitors were currently being told by the UK and Welsh Governments to stay at home and not travel to Mid Wales to prevent the spread of the virus, he emphasises that tourists will be welcomed with open arms when the crisis has passed.
“It’s an impossible situation – the perfect storm,” said Mr Rees-Evans. “We have all got a responsibility, regardless of our businesses, to minimise the risk. By taking the responsible decision to close down, we will hopefully reduce the impact of the virus on the NHS over the next few weeks.
“It has been a difficult decision for many businesses, but what is the alternative? What people must remember is that we are talking livelihoods and jobs.
“The responsibility to stop the spread of the disease does not fall on the businesses alone; it’s down to the public as well. They must obey Government guidance on unnecessary travel and social distancing.
“In the case of our business, we have found that customers are very responsible and understanding, and they are all waiting for the big party when we eventually emerge from the crisis.”
Thankfully, most businesses will be able to receive Government support payments to cover some of their losses, he adds. The industry urgently needs to hear from the Welsh Government about how to access this support, as their income will be zero following shutdown.
“The key is to retain our staff throughout the crisis, so that businesses are in a position to resume when the virus has cleared,” said Mr Rees-Evans.
“We must show loyalty to our staff because without them we haven’t got a business.
“There are some small businesses that are in a desperate situation and need support quickly. Our industry also relies on many self-employed ancillary workers and I hope the Government will announce support for them soon.
“Whatever the support packages cost the Government it will pale into insignificance if all our businesses go bust. I would advise our members to talk to their banks and leasing companies because they are all listening and wanting to help.
“Be in no doubt, this crisis will end and we all look forward to that day.”
MWT Cymru’s staff, who are in close contact with the Welsh Government and its tourism arm, Visit Wales, are busy handling calls from worried businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd.
The company is also gathering intelligence from Mid Wales businesses to feed back to the Bank of England and UK policymakers.
As the scale of Coronavirus and its impact on the industry comes into sharper focus, MWT Cymru’s chief executive Val Hawkins and her team remain committed to supporting its members and their employees.
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
Rowland Rees-Evans, who leads MWT Cymru and is a director of the family-owned Penrhos holiday, golf and leisure park at Llanrhystyd, near Aberystwyth, says the shutdown is the correct decision but warns it will cause hardship to many businesses.
Having called on the Welsh Government for a specific cash package for the tourism and hospitality industry last week, MWT Cymru has welcomed the announcement by Economy Minister Ken Skates of £1.4 billion support for businesses and employees.
Mr Rees-Evans stresses the key importance of the industry to the Welsh economy, as it employs more than 100,000 people. It is crucial that tourism and hospitality businesses are supported so that they are in a position to welcome visitors following the Coronavirus crisis, he says.
Whilst holiday home owners and potential visitors were currently being told by the UK and Welsh Governments to stay at home and not travel to Mid Wales to prevent the spread of the virus, he emphasises that tourists will be welcomed with open arms when the crisis has passed.
“It’s an impossible situation – the perfect storm,” said Mr Rees-Evans. “We have all got a responsibility, regardless of our businesses, to minimise the risk. By taking the responsible decision to close down, we will hopefully reduce the impact of the virus on the NHS over the next few weeks.
“It has been a difficult decision for many businesses, but what is the alternative? What people must remember is that we are talking livelihoods and jobs.
“The responsibility to stop the spread of the disease does not fall on the businesses alone; it’s down to the public as well. They must obey Government guidance on unnecessary travel and social distancing.
“In the case of our business, we have found that customers are very responsible and understanding, and they are all waiting for the big party when we eventually emerge from the crisis.”
Thankfully, most businesses will be able to receive Government support payments to cover some of their losses, he adds. The industry urgently needs to hear from the Welsh Government about how to access this support, as their income will be zero following shutdown.
“The key is to retain our staff throughout the crisis, so that businesses are in a position to resume when the virus has cleared,” said Mr Rees-Evans.
“We must show loyalty to our staff because without them we haven’t got a business.
“There are some small businesses that are in a desperate situation and need support quickly. Our industry also relies on many self-employed ancillary workers and I hope the Government will announce support for them soon.
“Whatever the support packages cost the Government it will pale into insignificance if all our businesses go bust. I would advise our members to talk to their banks and leasing companies because they are all listening and wanting to help.
“Be in no doubt, this crisis will end and we all look forward to that day.”
MWT Cymru’s staff, who are in close contact with the Welsh Government and its tourism arm, Visit Wales, are busy handling calls from worried businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd.
The company is also gathering intelligence from Mid Wales businesses to feed back to the Bank of England and UK policymakers.
As the scale of Coronavirus and its impact on the industry comes into sharper focus, MWT Cymru’s chief executive Val Hawkins and her team remain committed to supporting its members and their employees.
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
18/03/20: CRISIS SUPPORT PACKAGE CALL FOR MID WALES TOURISM BUSINESSES
An organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Mid Wales is calling on the Welsh Government to announce a specific support package to help the industry through the Coronavirus crisis.
MWT Cymru, based in Machynlleth, wants the package to at least cover part of the cost of job losses during the crisis and to waive this year’s business rates for all tourism and hospitality businesses, irrespective of size. The company will be lobbying politicians in Cardiff and Westminster to make the case for government support for the industry. |
Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive, said it was important to the Welsh economy that tourism and hospitality operators emerged from the crisis in a position to carry on their businesses and continue attracting visitors to Mid Wales.
She and her staff have been busy for the past two weeks handling calls from worried businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd.
MWT Cymru is in close contact with Visit Wales, the Wales Tourism Alliance and a number of other organisations. The company is also gathering intelligence from Mid Wales businesses to feed back to the Bank of England and UK policymakers.
“The importance of the tourism industry to the rural economy in Wales cannot be overstated,” said Mrs Hawkins. “More than 100,000 people are employed directly in the tourism sector across Wales which also supports thousands of jobs in the associated supply chain.
“Our members are doing everything they can to protect their businesses so that they will be in a position to carry on and provide jobs at the end of this crisis.
“Businesses need an immediate cash injection to help them through this period of uncertainty. We urgently need to hear from the Welsh Government what help is available to these businesses which, in many cases, are now, reluctantly, having to consider laying off staff and closing temporarily.
“The UK Government’s offer of unlimited loans for businesses in general is very welcome because I think businesses will need help to resume after the crisis.”
As the scale of Coronavirus and its impact on the industry comes into sharper focus, Mrs Hawkins said MWT Cymru remained committed to offering full support to its members.
“One of the most frequently asked questions we're receiving from tourism and hospitality members is: ‘Should my business remain open?’, she added. “Unfortunately, there is no easy answer and it will depend on personal circumstances or a business decision.
“Around the world we’ve seen positive stories of businesses and communities coming together collectively to face the challenges faced by Coronavirus,” added Mrs Hawkins.
“We are asking our members to help us spread good news stories and positivity during these troubling times by using #RealMidWales on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to let us know how their business is helping people deal with the pandemic.”
Picture caption: Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive.
She and her staff have been busy for the past two weeks handling calls from worried businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and South Gwynedd.
MWT Cymru is in close contact with Visit Wales, the Wales Tourism Alliance and a number of other organisations. The company is also gathering intelligence from Mid Wales businesses to feed back to the Bank of England and UK policymakers.
“The importance of the tourism industry to the rural economy in Wales cannot be overstated,” said Mrs Hawkins. “More than 100,000 people are employed directly in the tourism sector across Wales which also supports thousands of jobs in the associated supply chain.
“Our members are doing everything they can to protect their businesses so that they will be in a position to carry on and provide jobs at the end of this crisis.
“Businesses need an immediate cash injection to help them through this period of uncertainty. We urgently need to hear from the Welsh Government what help is available to these businesses which, in many cases, are now, reluctantly, having to consider laying off staff and closing temporarily.
“The UK Government’s offer of unlimited loans for businesses in general is very welcome because I think businesses will need help to resume after the crisis.”
As the scale of Coronavirus and its impact on the industry comes into sharper focus, Mrs Hawkins said MWT Cymru remained committed to offering full support to its members.
“One of the most frequently asked questions we're receiving from tourism and hospitality members is: ‘Should my business remain open?’, she added. “Unfortunately, there is no easy answer and it will depend on personal circumstances or a business decision.
“Around the world we’ve seen positive stories of businesses and communities coming together collectively to face the challenges faced by Coronavirus,” added Mrs Hawkins.
“We are asking our members to help us spread good news stories and positivity during these troubling times by using #RealMidWales on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to let us know how their business is helping people deal with the pandemic.”
Picture caption: Val Hawkins, MWT Cymru’s chief executive.
General Advice
- If you are concerned about cash flow, look at the options for financial support.
- Remind your guests to take out their own holiday insurance.
- Communicate with your guests to provide reassurance.
- If you have a cancellation policy in place, please review it.
- If you don't have a cancellation policy, put one in place.
- If you employ staff, read ACAS guidelines.
- If you are a member of MWT, or are considering joining us, please feel free to call our friendly team on 01654 702653 to see how we can help support you and your business / community / event / area.
Marketing & Communications
MWT e-news updates
Members Only: Please log-in to the members area to view all Coronavirus e-news updates.
MWT has issued a number of specialist e-news updates and we will continue to support our members in this way. If you are interested in becoming a member of MWT and accessing additional content, please call us on 01654 702653 or apply online - we would love to welcome you.
MWT E-news 04/06/20:
MWT Priorities - transitioning towards re-opening
Over the next few weeks, MWT will be sharing with members the priorities that we are working on in preparation for the transition 're-opening phase' which we hope - cautiously - will be possible later in the summer season.
Both Val & Zoe have been at the end of the phone since the start of the Covid-19 crisis and have been heartened to be able to advise and help a number of our members access financial help from the various UK & Welsh Government schemes.
We have shared information as quickly as possible through our MWT enews updates, MWTCymru.co.uk and FB group.
It's so important that our members are really well-informed, and access channels of advice and support as quickly as possible.
MWT maintains a good working relationship with Welsh Government and elected representatives in Wales - vital in times such as these when everyone needs to come together.
As we move to the next phase and lay the foundations for re-opening and recovery, this close working relationship between the business community and the public sector will be more important than ever - we really do need each other.
Practically, businesses need to put in place new processes prior to re-opening to visitors and we are working with other organisations to get this information and guidance to you as quickly as possible.
Guidance for each of the different tourism sectors is currently in draft form and we hope to be able to share this with you shortly.
Its going to be difficult to re-open - when safe to do so - if our local communities are fearful.
This is something that we will ask local community-led groups to start to plan around and consider what needs to happen in your individual towns and villages to address local concerns.
We know many of our members are very engaged locally and we urge you all to start the conversation locally around re-opening priorities to ensure our communities remain 'safe'.
We will shortly be resuming our Mid Wales regional marketing campaign in preparation for when we may be able to reopen.
We anticipate a rise in domestic tourism as many countries will continue to have in place travel restrictions and there is great uncertainty from the domestic market about travelling abroad. - but with this comes its own challenges.
Our visitors, businesses and communities have all experienced something unprecedented in our lifetime and we have seen examples of increasing concern, fear, and sometimes aggression towards visitors who have travelled to the region during lockdown. This sentiment, if it continues may have the potential to harm our tourism economy even after restrictions are lifted and things start to return to normal.
Tourism in Wales is worth £6.3 Billion to the Welsh economy and supports thousands of jobs so it will be vital that we work with our local communities to help reduce some of these fears and provide reassurance at a local level.
We also need to be mindful of the types of visitors we target through external channels (Social Media, Press & PR and www.visitmidwales.co.uk) - the tone of messaging we release will be an integral part of our recovery, helping to market to the types of visitors who share our sense of safety, rural understanding and sense of community – repeat visitors who have a connection with the region will play a key role in this recovery.
With this in mind, MWT are in the process of appointing a behavioural specialist who can help MWT and our social media agency (S3) work though the messaging and sentiment research to provide a 'toolkit' which will be built around the above campaign objectives -
This will be freely available to all businesses (available middle of July ) and we will work with all members who would like to help with this messaging to ensure that their own communications achieves the regional objectives
We are also re-focusing our target audience to include 'In Wales' visitors and will be developing fresh new content and new ‘look and feel’ on VisitMidWales.co.uk.
Click here if you would like to feedback any comments or suggestions to our team - We'd love to hear your thoughts!
MWT has issued a number of specialist e-news updates and we will continue to support our members in this way. If you are interested in becoming a member of MWT and accessing additional content, please call us on 01654 702653 or apply online - we would love to welcome you.
MWT E-news 04/06/20:
MWT Priorities - transitioning towards re-opening
Over the next few weeks, MWT will be sharing with members the priorities that we are working on in preparation for the transition 're-opening phase' which we hope - cautiously - will be possible later in the summer season.
- Priority No.1: B2B Support & Information
Both Val & Zoe have been at the end of the phone since the start of the Covid-19 crisis and have been heartened to be able to advise and help a number of our members access financial help from the various UK & Welsh Government schemes.
We have shared information as quickly as possible through our MWT enews updates, MWTCymru.co.uk and FB group.
It's so important that our members are really well-informed, and access channels of advice and support as quickly as possible.
- Priority No. 2: Lobbying and Liaising with UK, WG & Local Authority officials
MWT maintains a good working relationship with Welsh Government and elected representatives in Wales - vital in times such as these when everyone needs to come together.
As we move to the next phase and lay the foundations for re-opening and recovery, this close working relationship between the business community and the public sector will be more important than ever - we really do need each other.
- Priority No. 3: Business preparations & Sector Guidance Information
Practically, businesses need to put in place new processes prior to re-opening to visitors and we are working with other organisations to get this information and guidance to you as quickly as possible.
Guidance for each of the different tourism sectors is currently in draft form and we hope to be able to share this with you shortly.
- Priority No: 4: Working with local communities
Its going to be difficult to re-open - when safe to do so - if our local communities are fearful.
This is something that we will ask local community-led groups to start to plan around and consider what needs to happen in your individual towns and villages to address local concerns.
We know many of our members are very engaged locally and we urge you all to start the conversation locally around re-opening priorities to ensure our communities remain 'safe'.
- Priority No 5: Regional Marketing Campaign / Behavioural Analysis
We will shortly be resuming our Mid Wales regional marketing campaign in preparation for when we may be able to reopen.
We anticipate a rise in domestic tourism as many countries will continue to have in place travel restrictions and there is great uncertainty from the domestic market about travelling abroad. - but with this comes its own challenges.
Our visitors, businesses and communities have all experienced something unprecedented in our lifetime and we have seen examples of increasing concern, fear, and sometimes aggression towards visitors who have travelled to the region during lockdown. This sentiment, if it continues may have the potential to harm our tourism economy even after restrictions are lifted and things start to return to normal.
Tourism in Wales is worth £6.3 Billion to the Welsh economy and supports thousands of jobs so it will be vital that we work with our local communities to help reduce some of these fears and provide reassurance at a local level.
We also need to be mindful of the types of visitors we target through external channels (Social Media, Press & PR and www.visitmidwales.co.uk) - the tone of messaging we release will be an integral part of our recovery, helping to market to the types of visitors who share our sense of safety, rural understanding and sense of community – repeat visitors who have a connection with the region will play a key role in this recovery.
With this in mind, MWT are in the process of appointing a behavioural specialist who can help MWT and our social media agency (S3) work though the messaging and sentiment research to provide a 'toolkit' which will be built around the above campaign objectives -
This will be freely available to all businesses (available middle of July ) and we will work with all members who would like to help with this messaging to ensure that their own communications achieves the regional objectives
We are also re-focusing our target audience to include 'In Wales' visitors and will be developing fresh new content and new ‘look and feel’ on VisitMidWales.co.uk.
Click here if you would like to feedback any comments or suggestions to our team - We'd love to hear your thoughts!
07/07/20 MWT Marketing update
As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we will slowly begin posting on our social channels again - Visit Mid Wales Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.
We understand that no matter how important the tourism sector is to us, any visitors we welcome will have to understand the challenge our rural communities could face if impacted by an outbreak of coronavirus.
Responsible visitors will be welcome and we have to strike a balance. We therefore want to use our social media channels as an opportunity for people to experience and get a feel for the people and places of Mid Wales.
As part of this, we will be introducing a new hashtag, but for now please continue to use #RealMidWales and #VisitMidWales.
We want our followers to feel a collective responsibility for keeping Mid Wales safe when they do choose to visit, and we want to promote our wonderful local towns and MWT members - this is where we need your help!
MWT Members: Log-in to the Members Area to contact S3 with your marketing content
Danny Hayes-Lissack is PR & Content Lead at S3:
Ideally, we want to hear directly from you. Pick up your phone and shoot us a video. Our team are on hand to edit it and package it up so it’s distinctly Visit Mid Wales, ready for us to share with our thousands of followers.
Perhaps you want to tell our followers what you’ve been up to since lockdown restrictions were introduced, or how you’ve reopened – or you're preparing to reopen – so you can welcome back guests safely - whenever they choose to visit.
Tell us more about where you’re located and why it’s important to you so our future visitors can get to know the area, strike a connection with it – and with you, so they have a deeper understanding of its significance.
While restaurants still face some restrictions, maybe you have the perfect recipe people can try at home so they can enjoy a taste of Mid Wales and keep you in mind for a future visit?
If you want to discuss further best practice when it comes to shooting video, feel free to drop us a message – and don’t forget, if you’re posting on your own channels, keep tagging us - @visitmidwales so we can keep on sharing.
Use the Hashtags: #RealMidWales #VisitMidWales
Press & Media Activity
Press & Media Activity
MWT has been working closely with PR officer Duncan Foulkes throughout lockdown, issuing positive press releases to the media.
As lockdown begins to ease, we are already noticing a steady increase in journalist requests for information about the region, and we will continue to do our utmost to bang the drum for Mid Wales and our members!
MWT Members: Log-in to the Members Area to contact Duncan with your press releases
Keep an eye out for the Mid Wales article appearing in the August edition of Country Walking; it's a four page spread covering the Devil's Bridge / inland Ceredigion area and just one example of some of the great coverage that's being generated.
Welsh Language Portal
We are mindful of the types of visitors we target through external channels (Social Media, Press & PR and www.visitmidwales.co.uk ) - the tone of messaging we release will be an integral part of our recovery, helping to market to the types of visitors who share our sense of safety, rural understanding and sense of community – repeat visitors who have a connection with the region will play a key role in this recovery.
We are also re-focusing our target audience to include 'In Wales' visitors and with this in mind, a welsh language portal on the website is currently being developed.
We are also in the process of developing fresh new content and a new ‘look and feel’ on VisitMidWales.co.uk to support the new campaign which will run through until March 2021.
We understand that no matter how important the tourism sector is to us, any visitors we welcome will have to understand the challenge our rural communities could face if impacted by an outbreak of coronavirus.
Responsible visitors will be welcome and we have to strike a balance. We therefore want to use our social media channels as an opportunity for people to experience and get a feel for the people and places of Mid Wales.
As part of this, we will be introducing a new hashtag, but for now please continue to use #RealMidWales and #VisitMidWales.
We want our followers to feel a collective responsibility for keeping Mid Wales safe when they do choose to visit, and we want to promote our wonderful local towns and MWT members - this is where we need your help!
MWT Members: Log-in to the Members Area to contact S3 with your marketing content
Danny Hayes-Lissack is PR & Content Lead at S3:
Ideally, we want to hear directly from you. Pick up your phone and shoot us a video. Our team are on hand to edit it and package it up so it’s distinctly Visit Mid Wales, ready for us to share with our thousands of followers.
Perhaps you want to tell our followers what you’ve been up to since lockdown restrictions were introduced, or how you’ve reopened – or you're preparing to reopen – so you can welcome back guests safely - whenever they choose to visit.
Tell us more about where you’re located and why it’s important to you so our future visitors can get to know the area, strike a connection with it – and with you, so they have a deeper understanding of its significance.
While restaurants still face some restrictions, maybe you have the perfect recipe people can try at home so they can enjoy a taste of Mid Wales and keep you in mind for a future visit?
If you want to discuss further best practice when it comes to shooting video, feel free to drop us a message – and don’t forget, if you’re posting on your own channels, keep tagging us - @visitmidwales so we can keep on sharing.
Use the Hashtags: #RealMidWales #VisitMidWales
Press & Media Activity
Press & Media Activity
MWT has been working closely with PR officer Duncan Foulkes throughout lockdown, issuing positive press releases to the media.
As lockdown begins to ease, we are already noticing a steady increase in journalist requests for information about the region, and we will continue to do our utmost to bang the drum for Mid Wales and our members!
MWT Members: Log-in to the Members Area to contact Duncan with your press releases
Keep an eye out for the Mid Wales article appearing in the August edition of Country Walking; it's a four page spread covering the Devil's Bridge / inland Ceredigion area and just one example of some of the great coverage that's being generated.
Welsh Language Portal
We are mindful of the types of visitors we target through external channels (Social Media, Press & PR and www.visitmidwales.co.uk ) - the tone of messaging we release will be an integral part of our recovery, helping to market to the types of visitors who share our sense of safety, rural understanding and sense of community – repeat visitors who have a connection with the region will play a key role in this recovery.
We are also re-focusing our target audience to include 'In Wales' visitors and with this in mind, a welsh language portal on the website is currently being developed.
We are also in the process of developing fresh new content and a new ‘look and feel’ on VisitMidWales.co.uk to support the new campaign which will run through until March 2021.
If you would like to get involved with our marketing and PR campaign and you're not currently a member of MWT, please contact us for more information about joining, or complete our online application form here
Consumer sentiment reports
Tracking Consumer Sentiment on the Impact of COVID-19 Weekly Updates – Travel & Mobility, Leisure & Hospitality, Personal finance
BVA BDRC & Alligator Digital
MWT Members: Log-in to your Members Area to access consumer sentiment reports.
BVA BDRC & Alligator Digital
MWT Members: Log-in to your Members Area to access consumer sentiment reports.
how to guide: facebook live streaming
We are seeing an increasing number of businesses live streaming to their customers during this difficult time. It can be a great way to keep in touch.
This guide was produced by Populate Social for MWT Cymru.
This guide was produced by Populate Social for MWT Cymru.
"What should I live stream?"
It depends on your type of business. You could give people a behind the scenes perspective on what you're doing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. You could show them the beautiful scenery where you are, to remind people there are fantastic places to visit in Mid Wales. If your attraction or activity is physically closed, you could take people on a virtual tour. If you're camera shy you could simply show people the view from your window, and remind them it will be waiting for them when this crisis is over.
MWTs experience with live streaming:
Live streaming took place at four locations on four consecutive days in October 2019 as part of MWTs #RealMidWales Campaign: Lake Vyrnwy, Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Blaenhafren Falls in Hafren Forest, and Mwnt Beach. Eight hours of live video per day was streamed straight onto Visit Mid Wales’ You Tube and Facebook channels. Visit Wales and other project partners e.g. National Trust Wales, National Resources Wales and RSPB Cymru, plus supporters including Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa, Mid Wales My Way and Wales Coast Path also live streamed the footage.
The aim of the project was to immerse potential visitors in Mid Wales direct from their desk/phone. No actors, retouching, editing or special effects. Click here to view the campaign results.
It depends on your type of business. You could give people a behind the scenes perspective on what you're doing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. You could show them the beautiful scenery where you are, to remind people there are fantastic places to visit in Mid Wales. If your attraction or activity is physically closed, you could take people on a virtual tour. If you're camera shy you could simply show people the view from your window, and remind them it will be waiting for them when this crisis is over.
MWTs experience with live streaming:
Live streaming took place at four locations on four consecutive days in October 2019 as part of MWTs #RealMidWales Campaign: Lake Vyrnwy, Ynys-hir RSPB reserve, Blaenhafren Falls in Hafren Forest, and Mwnt Beach. Eight hours of live video per day was streamed straight onto Visit Mid Wales’ You Tube and Facebook channels. Visit Wales and other project partners e.g. National Trust Wales, National Resources Wales and RSPB Cymru, plus supporters including Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa, Mid Wales My Way and Wales Coast Path also live streamed the footage.
The aim of the project was to immerse potential visitors in Mid Wales direct from their desk/phone. No actors, retouching, editing or special effects. Click here to view the campaign results.
Archived Resources
MWT has posted information and advisory updates as the coronavirus situation has evolved, some of which you may wish to refer back to:
Key Dates: March - July 2021
From March 27 2021 self-contained holiday accommodation, including hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, reopened to people from the same household or support bubble.
What does 'self contained' accommodation include?
'Self contained' holiday accommodation includes:
- Hotels and other serviced accommodation (e.g. B&Bs, hostels, etc.) that do provide en-suite rooms and can provide room service meals.
- Other accommodation that is entirely self-contained (e.g. self-catering cottages, apartments, etc.)
- Glamping or any other accommodation with en-suite shower/bath, WC and kitchen facilities
- Holiday caravans, Touring caravans (including seasonal), motorhomes and campervans where they have their own on-board shower, WC and kitchen facilities
- Caravan & Touring Sites will need to ensure the strict application of industry guidance on shared waste disposal and water points.
- All shared facilities, aside from water and disposal points will remain closed including toilets, shower blocks, laundry, nightclubs, swimming pools
- Bars, Restaurants and Cafes can operate a Take Away service only.
From Monday 12 April:
From Monday 3 May:
From 17 May:
- All remaining shops reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail
- All remaining close contact services open, including mobile services
- Travel restrictions on traveling into and out of Wales are lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. The Common Travel Area means the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland
From Saturday 24 April: - Six people able to meet outdoors in Wales. The new rules from Saturday 24 April allow up to 6 people from any household (not including children under 11 years of age or carers) to meet outdoors.
From Monday 26 April: - Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, allowed to reopen
- Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain closed except for takeaways
- Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place (previously Monday 3 May)
- Weddings receptions can take place outdoors for up to 30 people (previously Monday 3 May)
From Monday 3 May:
- Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place;
- Weddings receptions can take place outdoors, but will also be limited to 30 people.
From Monday 3 May (previously 10 May): - Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes;
- Extended household will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors.
From 17 May:
- Indoor hospitality can reopen
- Remainder of holiday accommodation can open (e.g. campsites with shared facilities) to members of single households or extended households
- Entertainment venues can open, including cinemas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, indoor play centres and areas, casinos, and amusement arcades
- Indoor visitor attractions can open, including museums, galleries, educational and heritage attractions, and heritage sites such as stately homes
- The rule of four applies for gatherings in regulated premises like a café (up to 4 people from 4 households) or a single household if more than 4 people.
- The rule of six continues outdoors. Meeting indoors in private homes will still be limited to the extended household only (exclusive bubble).
- The limits on organised activities increases to 30 indoors and 50 outdoors.
- Wedding receptions can take place indoors in regulated premises for up to 30 people.
May 17 reopening of indoor tourism and hospitality welcomed in Mid Wales
MWT Cymru press release 23/04/21:
Tourism leaders in Mid Wales have welcomed today’s Welsh Government’s decision to reopen indoor hospitality and the wider tourism sector on May 17.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the plans to lift lockdown restrictions on hospitality and tourism following a call from the Covid-19 Tourism Taskforce, set up by Welsh Government, to bring forward the reopening dates in line with England and Scotland. The taskforce represents the hospitality and tourism industry in Wales.
Today’s announcement means that people will be able to have a drink or meal inside a pub or restaurant in Wales for the first time in more than five months from May 17.
All tourist accommodation, indoor entertainment and attractions in Wales will also reopen on that date in time for the Spring Bank Holiday. Outdoor hospitality and tourism reopen on April 26.
Rowland Rees-Evans, chairman of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd, warmly welcomed the announcement.
Earlier this week, he backed the taskforce’s letter to the First Minister and warned that the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales would lose out if the reopening dates were not in alignment with England.
“It’s very pleasing that the First Minister has listened to the hospitality and tourism industry and that we now have a roadmap so that we know exactly where we are. We now have the summer to look forward to and it shows that the vaccination programme is working.
“We all must continue to work together to ensure that we keep everyone safe.”
Taskforce member Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair and chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) at Llanelwedd, also welcomed the announcement.
“Taking account of all the data, which is moving quickly, the Taskforce felt the time was right to move to indoor hospitality as soon as we could after an assessment of the impact of reopening outdoor hospitality,” he said.
“We are delighted the First Minister has take scientific advice, looked at the data and moved quicker than the original time frame.”
Speaking on behalf of the RWAS, he added: “As a member of the Event Wales Industry Advisory Group, we continue to work very closely with the Welsh Government with regards to the events sector.
“We continue to push for test events and the safe reopening of the events sector which has been the worst affected during the pandemic as we have been unable to open in any form since March last year.”
Fellow taskforce member, Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) chairman Andrew Campbell said he felt a deep sense of relief with the announcement.
“I would like to thank the First Minister and the Welsh Government for listening to our representations,” he added. “The announcement is very welcome and is just what is needed. I am delighted for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wales.
“Visitors to Wales will now have a number of options of where to go and it will certainly make destination management easier.”
Other taskforce members based in Mid Wales include Adrian Greason-Walker, WTA’s policy advisor who lives at Nantmel, near Rhayader and Anthony Rosser, Hospitality Cymru’s chair who is general manager and operations director of Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair.
Tourism leaders in Mid Wales have welcomed today’s Welsh Government’s decision to reopen indoor hospitality and the wider tourism sector on May 17.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the plans to lift lockdown restrictions on hospitality and tourism following a call from the Covid-19 Tourism Taskforce, set up by Welsh Government, to bring forward the reopening dates in line with England and Scotland. The taskforce represents the hospitality and tourism industry in Wales.
Today’s announcement means that people will be able to have a drink or meal inside a pub or restaurant in Wales for the first time in more than five months from May 17.
All tourist accommodation, indoor entertainment and attractions in Wales will also reopen on that date in time for the Spring Bank Holiday. Outdoor hospitality and tourism reopen on April 26.
Rowland Rees-Evans, chairman of MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd, warmly welcomed the announcement.
Earlier this week, he backed the taskforce’s letter to the First Minister and warned that the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales would lose out if the reopening dates were not in alignment with England.
“It’s very pleasing that the First Minister has listened to the hospitality and tourism industry and that we now have a roadmap so that we know exactly where we are. We now have the summer to look forward to and it shows that the vaccination programme is working.
“We all must continue to work together to ensure that we keep everyone safe.”
Taskforce member Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair and chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) at Llanelwedd, also welcomed the announcement.
“Taking account of all the data, which is moving quickly, the Taskforce felt the time was right to move to indoor hospitality as soon as we could after an assessment of the impact of reopening outdoor hospitality,” he said.
“We are delighted the First Minister has take scientific advice, looked at the data and moved quicker than the original time frame.”
Speaking on behalf of the RWAS, he added: “As a member of the Event Wales Industry Advisory Group, we continue to work very closely with the Welsh Government with regards to the events sector.
“We continue to push for test events and the safe reopening of the events sector which has been the worst affected during the pandemic as we have been unable to open in any form since March last year.”
Fellow taskforce member, Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA) chairman Andrew Campbell said he felt a deep sense of relief with the announcement.
“I would like to thank the First Minister and the Welsh Government for listening to our representations,” he added. “The announcement is very welcome and is just what is needed. I am delighted for tourism and hospitality businesses in Wales.
“Visitors to Wales will now have a number of options of where to go and it will certainly make destination management easier.”
Other taskforce members based in Mid Wales include Adrian Greason-Walker, WTA’s policy advisor who lives at Nantmel, near Rhayader and Anthony Rosser, Hospitality Cymru’s chair who is general manager and operations director of Lake Vyrnwy Hotel.
Picture caption:
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman.
Steve Hughson, Mid Wales Regional Tourism Forum chair.
who can stay in shared accommodation?
17/05/21: The rules for shared accommodation have now changed.
2 households can form one 'extended household'. There is no limit on the number of people, ONLY that they are from 2 households.
A third household can join this extended household IF they are in a 'support bubble' with one of the households. These can be formed in the below circumstances:
There has been some confusion over this so if any MWT members are unsure, please do not hesitate to give our team a call on 01654 702653.
2 households can form one 'extended household'. There is no limit on the number of people, ONLY that they are from 2 households.
A third household can join this extended household IF they are in a 'support bubble' with one of the households. These can be formed in the below circumstances:
- a household with an adult living alone
- a household with a single responsible adult
- a household where you are 16 or 17 living alone or with others of the same age, with no adult
There has been some confusion over this so if any MWT members are unsure, please do not hesitate to give our team a call on 01654 702653.
From Monday June 7:
- Up to 30 people can meet outdoors, including in private gardens, outdoor hospitality and public places.
- Larger outdoor organised gatherings and events, such as concerts, football matches and sporting activities, like organised running groups can go ahead for up to 4,000 people standing and 10,000 people seated. All organisers planning events and activities must undertake a full risk assessment and put in place measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including social distancing.
- The size of extended households can be increased to up to three households, and a further household with a single adult or single adult with caring responsibilities will also be able to join.
- The move to alert level one will be phased, with outdoor events opening first. Ministers will review the public health situation again, ahead of 21 June, to determine whether indoor events can restart.
From Friday 17 July, Alert Level One:
- Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
- Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing.
- Ice rinks can reopen.
- New rules for children’s residential activity centres so children in groups of up to 30 can visit.
- A specific requirement for employees to provide comprehensive information on the risks and mitigations identified in the COVID risk assessment with their employees.
16/10/20 Travel restrictions
Since 6pm Friday 16 October 2020, people who live in areas of high coronavirus infection rates across the UK are not allowed to travel to Wales unless it is for work, education or other essential purpose (a reasonable excuse). This applies to Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas in England, the central belt of Scotland and all of Northern Ireland. For up to date information about areas in the UK - please use and save the links below:The guidance answers the following questions:
- What reasonable measures should I take as a tourism or hospitality business to ensure compliance with the new travel restrictions?
- Should I be asking customers already staying at my premises to leave before the travel restrictions come into effect?
- Can people from high incidence areas still travel to a second home or caravan they own in Wales?
- Can caravan owners from high incidence areas return to a park to collect their belongings and secure their caravans for winter?
- If the new regulation means I now have to cancel bookings from visitors outside the area, what is the position with regards to refunds?
- Can people from high incidence areas still travel through Wales?
Visitors from areas with higher incidence of coronavirus
There is Welsh Government guidance available on taking all reasonable measures to minimise risk to exposure of Coronavirus and this includes detail relating to visitors to accommodation and other businesses.
Visit Wales advise: Premises that are in a position to do so may wish to consider their approach to accepting guests from areas/regions where incidence is higher. Many types of premises, such as hotels and other accommodation providers, will have discretion to refuse admission to people, and are likely to have advance information on the home address of upcoming visitors.
Any legal obligations with regard to individuals residing in areas of higher incidence will be on those individuals. For example, where restrictions on making overnight stays are placed into law for residents within a certain area, it will be those residents who will be responsible for abiding by the law. There will be no legal obligation for accommodation providers outside an area where travel restrictions are in place to check whether guests are resident within that area, or to enforce the law by turning people from that area away. They should not, however, knowingly accommodate people who are acting in breach of the law.
We encourage all accommodation providers to consider their approach towards guests who may come from areas experiencing lockdown restrictions or other areas of high incidence. Accommodation providers may wish to communicate to all customers with existing bookings, reminding them of the law and giving them a chance to cancel or postpone their bookings.
All managers of premises are recommended to consider what their approach will be. It is also recommended that the approach allows individuals a right to discuss their particular circumstances before a final decision is taken to refuse admission.
Visit Wales advise: Premises that are in a position to do so may wish to consider their approach to accepting guests from areas/regions where incidence is higher. Many types of premises, such as hotels and other accommodation providers, will have discretion to refuse admission to people, and are likely to have advance information on the home address of upcoming visitors.
Any legal obligations with regard to individuals residing in areas of higher incidence will be on those individuals. For example, where restrictions on making overnight stays are placed into law for residents within a certain area, it will be those residents who will be responsible for abiding by the law. There will be no legal obligation for accommodation providers outside an area where travel restrictions are in place to check whether guests are resident within that area, or to enforce the law by turning people from that area away. They should not, however, knowingly accommodate people who are acting in breach of the law.
We encourage all accommodation providers to consider their approach towards guests who may come from areas experiencing lockdown restrictions or other areas of high incidence. Accommodation providers may wish to communicate to all customers with existing bookings, reminding them of the law and giving them a chance to cancel or postpone their bookings.
All managers of premises are recommended to consider what their approach will be. It is also recommended that the approach allows individuals a right to discuss their particular circumstances before a final decision is taken to refuse admission.
14/09/20 Reminder & guidance
Further constraints on meeting socially and compulsory face coverings to help prevent new coronavirus crisis
Following Friday’s announcements from the First Minister (11 September) - read in full: Further constraints on meeting socially and compulsory face coverings to help prevent new coronavirus crisis - updated guidance has been published:
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Friday a new limit on the number of people who can meet indoors as evidence shows indoor gatherings are the main source of transmission for the virus in Wales.
From today, it will be compulsory for people over 11 to wear a face covering in public indoor spaces, such as shops. There are exemptions for people who cannot wear face coverings for health or medical reasons, similar to those for public transport.
Face coverings will not be required in pubs or restaurants for the time being but the Welsh Government is carrying out a rapid review of the evidence about whether they should be extended to the hospitality sector.
The rules on face coverings are being changed because of an increase in the overall incidence rate of new cases of coronavirus in Wales, which indicates there is a serious risk of the virus spreading more widely once again.
From today, face coverings are now mandatory in indoor public places across Wales as rules are tightened to prevent a fresh coronavirus crisis. Only a maximum of six people from the extended household are able to meet indoors at any one time. This rule applies in pubs and restaurants as well as in people’s homes. Children under 11 are not counted in the six.
However, this will not apply in Caerphilly County Borough Council area where stricter local restrictions have been introduced to control a sharp rise in coronavirus cases and protect public health – extended households are no longer allowed and no social meetings with anyone you don’t live with are allowed. This applies in pubs and restaurants as well as in people’s homes.
Ministers are also giving local authorities new powers to close premises on public health grounds to tackle the spread of the virus.
Following Friday’s announcements from the First Minister (11 September) - read in full: Further constraints on meeting socially and compulsory face coverings to help prevent new coronavirus crisis - updated guidance has been published:
- A list of frequently asked questions is currently being updated by Visit Wales.
- Face coverings: guidance on measures to be taken by employers and managers of premises
- Face coverings guidance for the general public
- Guidance on extended households: coronavirus
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Friday a new limit on the number of people who can meet indoors as evidence shows indoor gatherings are the main source of transmission for the virus in Wales.
From today, it will be compulsory for people over 11 to wear a face covering in public indoor spaces, such as shops. There are exemptions for people who cannot wear face coverings for health or medical reasons, similar to those for public transport.
Face coverings will not be required in pubs or restaurants for the time being but the Welsh Government is carrying out a rapid review of the evidence about whether they should be extended to the hospitality sector.
The rules on face coverings are being changed because of an increase in the overall incidence rate of new cases of coronavirus in Wales, which indicates there is a serious risk of the virus spreading more widely once again.
From today, face coverings are now mandatory in indoor public places across Wales as rules are tightened to prevent a fresh coronavirus crisis. Only a maximum of six people from the extended household are able to meet indoors at any one time. This rule applies in pubs and restaurants as well as in people’s homes. Children under 11 are not counted in the six.
However, this will not apply in Caerphilly County Borough Council area where stricter local restrictions have been introduced to control a sharp rise in coronavirus cases and protect public health – extended households are no longer allowed and no social meetings with anyone you don’t live with are allowed. This applies in pubs and restaurants as well as in people’s homes.
Ministers are also giving local authorities new powers to close premises on public health grounds to tackle the spread of the virus.
cancellations & No-shows
To avoid problems with cancellation or curtailment (when a guest cuts their stay short), you are strongly recommended to have a cancellation policy. The link below is not specific to the Coronavirus, but contains useful advice. It is written with accommodation providers in mind, but can be adapted for other business types.
When guests cancel, remember they may be a customer in the future. In most cases, the reason for cancelling is genuine and important i.e. the Coronavirus. You may be able to negotiate something to suit you both.
It's also important to remember the crisis will pass and your business is for the long-term. If you keep the goodwill of your customers in difficult times, it can pay off in the future.
When guests cancel, remember they may be a customer in the future. In most cases, the reason for cancelling is genuine and important i.e. the Coronavirus. You may be able to negotiate something to suit you both.
It's also important to remember the crisis will pass and your business is for the long-term. If you keep the goodwill of your customers in difficult times, it can pay off in the future.
We found the following blog article from Trekksoft particularly useful, and whilst it is written with tour and activity provides in mind, it contains information of potential interest to all members and businesses about managing cancellations and refunds:
communicating with your customers
A well-worded message on your website or via email could be the reassurance guests/visitors need. Consider telling them what measures you are putting in place, e.g. staff training, providing hand washing facilities.
This example may be helpful - please adapt for your own business and tone of voice.
There is no hard and fast rule on this, do what feels right for you - but if you have not already issued a statement, you could consider having a statement ready and waiting to go at short notice; for your own communications and for the press. Being prepared will help you and your business during this period of uncertainty.
You can communicate with your customers in many ways, for example:
Be mindful when keeping in touch with customers that there is a balance to strike. We have all had our inboxes flooded with emails in recent days from companies we may not have a close relationship with, informing us of their Coronavirus response. Whilst this can be informative, consider carefully who you are targeting with your message and why. For example, if you're sending an email to guests due to stay with you in the next few weeks, your information will be highly relevant. If you're emailing your entire customer database - guests who stayed with you for one night three years ago - they will be far less motivated to engage.
There are many examples of tourism and hospitality businesses staying in touch, and doing it well.
You should adapt examples provided for your own customers and tone of voice. Generally speaking, the more a business can be seen as 'real' and natural, the more people will trust that business and be loyal to them.
This example may be helpful - please adapt for your own business and tone of voice.
There is no hard and fast rule on this, do what feels right for you - but if you have not already issued a statement, you could consider having a statement ready and waiting to go at short notice; for your own communications and for the press. Being prepared will help you and your business during this period of uncertainty.
You can communicate with your customers in many ways, for example:
- A personal email
- E-newsletter (if you have several customers to reach)
- A phone call*
- A statement on your own website
- A statement on websites you advertise on
- Posts on social media - or a combination of all these things.
*Consider updating your telephone answer phone message, especially if you are receiving high call volumes.
Every email, every supportive phone call, and every conversation you or your staff have with your customers, has the potential to influence your business' reputation.
Be mindful when keeping in touch with customers that there is a balance to strike. We have all had our inboxes flooded with emails in recent days from companies we may not have a close relationship with, informing us of their Coronavirus response. Whilst this can be informative, consider carefully who you are targeting with your message and why. For example, if you're sending an email to guests due to stay with you in the next few weeks, your information will be highly relevant. If you're emailing your entire customer database - guests who stayed with you for one night three years ago - they will be far less motivated to engage.
There are many examples of tourism and hospitality businesses staying in touch, and doing it well.
You should adapt examples provided for your own customers and tone of voice. Generally speaking, the more a business can be seen as 'real' and natural, the more people will trust that business and be loyal to them.
- accommodation example statement
Please adapt examples provided for your own customers and tone of voice.
Remaining Open
In view of the recent developments of the Coronavirus, we want to reassure you that the hotel is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our guests and our team.
We are following the guidance given by the World Health Organisation and have implemented additional measures to enhance our cleaning and hygiene protocol. Our teams are receiving ongoing information and adapting our operating methods as required.
We hope this goes some way to putting your mind at ease, if you would like to take a break we are here to welcome you.
Should you have any questions before making a booking please do not hesitate to contact us.
If your holiday plans have changed and you still want to get away from it all, our midweek offer includes... etc.*
*It is important to continually gauge the mood of your customers; be mindful if you're referring to special offers or deals that customers don't feel you're exploiting the situation.
Suspending Trade
This example from Manor View Hotels & Leisure Group is one of the best examples we have seen: >> click here to visit their website
Remaining Open
In view of the recent developments of the Coronavirus, we want to reassure you that the hotel is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our guests and our team.
We are following the guidance given by the World Health Organisation and have implemented additional measures to enhance our cleaning and hygiene protocol. Our teams are receiving ongoing information and adapting our operating methods as required.
We hope this goes some way to putting your mind at ease, if you would like to take a break we are here to welcome you.
Should you have any questions before making a booking please do not hesitate to contact us.
If your holiday plans have changed and you still want to get away from it all, our midweek offer includes... etc.*
*It is important to continually gauge the mood of your customers; be mindful if you're referring to special offers or deals that customers don't feel you're exploiting the situation.
Suspending Trade
This example from Manor View Hotels & Leisure Group is one of the best examples we have seen: >> click here to visit their website
- food and drink example statement
Please adapt examples provided for your own customers and tone of voice.
Remaining Open
Social media post: If you are getting some fresh air and strolling through town, please consider supporting local businesses by picking up a take out if you would rather not sit in. Here at [name of business] we have x, y and z on offer, etc.
This post demonstrates community spirit by encouraging people to support all local businesses, not just their own. It also gets the message out about how they're diversifying their business (offering take out), and what they have to offer.
Suspending Trade
This statement from a pub in England that was published on their local news website, is one good example >> read article
Remaining Open
Social media post: If you are getting some fresh air and strolling through town, please consider supporting local businesses by picking up a take out if you would rather not sit in. Here at [name of business] we have x, y and z on offer, etc.
This post demonstrates community spirit by encouraging people to support all local businesses, not just their own. It also gets the message out about how they're diversifying their business (offering take out), and what they have to offer.
Suspending Trade
This statement from a pub in England that was published on their local news website, is one good example >> read article
- attraction example statement
The National Trust is a good example of regular and informative communication >> read statements here
- event cancellation example statement
If you have made the difficult decision to cancel your event, you will need to let people know as soon as possible.
Example statements:
MWT Members: Please update your event listings in Guestlink.
Example statements:
MWT Members: Please update your event listings in Guestlink.
adapting your business & your marketing
Accommodation: Some people may still want to travel within the UK, to escape more densely populated areas of the country*, or to move temporarily closer to vulnerable loved ones whom they wish to support. Some may still want a break-away, to retain a sense of normality.
At the time of writing (20/03/20) there have been concerns raised about people leaving 'Coronavirus hotspots' and escaping to rural areas to avoid the disease, prompting concerns over the impact on local services >> Article here.
Food & Drink: People self-isolating may wish to have restaurant quality food delivered to them at home. If customers cannot come to your place of business, can you deliver? Government is to grant permission for pubs and restaurants to operate as takeaways as part of the coronavirus response.
Attractions & Tour Operators: Can your experiences be scaled accordingly to allow for social distancing guidelines? Might virtual tours be an option?
Venues (conferences and events): Can smaller gatherings go ahead and be screened to those unable to attend?
At the time of writing (20/03/20) there have been concerns raised about people leaving 'Coronavirus hotspots' and escaping to rural areas to avoid the disease, prompting concerns over the impact on local services >> Article here.
Food & Drink: People self-isolating may wish to have restaurant quality food delivered to them at home. If customers cannot come to your place of business, can you deliver? Government is to grant permission for pubs and restaurants to operate as takeaways as part of the coronavirus response.
Attractions & Tour Operators: Can your experiences be scaled accordingly to allow for social distancing guidelines? Might virtual tours be an option?
Venues (conferences and events): Can smaller gatherings go ahead and be screened to those unable to attend?
- We encourage you to consider if and how you may feasibly adapt your product / service to meet the changing needs of your customers, and;
- Let your customers know what you are doing to keep them, your staff (if applicable), and your wider community, safe.
what to do if you have to / have decided to close (MWT Members only)
It will be important that going forward we keep our information as up to date and as accurate as possible for potential visitors.
If you have decided to close your business or cancel an event, please do the following:
1) Update your short/long description on Guestlink (please talk to our team if you're unsure how to do this).
2) Let us know that you have made this decision via members@mwtcymru.co.uk
Below is an example of text you may wish to use on your website/Guestlink entry:
** We are now closed until further notice in line with UK wide efforts to delay the spread of coronavirus. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause - please pop us an email or join us on social media for the latest updates and we look forward to welcoming you in future.**
If you have decided to close your business or cancel an event, please do the following:
1) Update your short/long description on Guestlink (please talk to our team if you're unsure how to do this).
2) Let us know that you have made this decision via members@mwtcymru.co.uk
Below is an example of text you may wish to use on your website/Guestlink entry:
** We are now closed until further notice in line with UK wide efforts to delay the spread of coronavirus. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause - please pop us an email or join us on social media for the latest updates and we look forward to welcoming you in future.**