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Visitors to cinemas, theaters and concert halls in Wales will have to show a Covid pass from next week after members of Senedd backed plans to expand their use.
Currently, Covid passes – which show people have been fully vaccinated, tested negative for the coronavirus, or recently had the virus – are being used to allow people to enter large events and in nightclubs.
But after Plaid Cymru backed the Welsh government in a Senedd vote, the use of Covid passes will cover cinemas, theaters and concert halls from November 15.
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Ahead of the vote, Health Minister Eluned Morgan warned Wales still has the UK’s highest Covid rate as she takes stock of the latest coronavirus situation at the weekly briefing from the Welsh government on Tuesday.
Describing the introduction of passes for nightclubs and major events as a success, she said: “Today we will be proposing regulations in the Senedd to extend the use of the Covid Pass to cinemas, theaters concert and theaters.
“These are all covered and paid places, where people are in close contact with each other for long periods of time. Extending the Covid Pass is another way to strengthen the measures we have put in place at zero alert, when rates are this high, to help us stay safe and keep Wales open.
“But we hope that, with all the other measures that we currently have in place, their use will help bring the coronavirus under control. Because we want to do everything we can to avoid the need for additional and more severe restrictions like the ones we are doing. seen last winter. “
After the vote, the Minister of Health added: “I am delighted that the extension was approved today after the vote. Covid has not gone away and cases remain high and we must continue to take action to keep Wales safe.
“The NHS Covid Pass is one measure among many to help keep businesses open while helping to control the spread of the virus.
“The decision to introduce them was not taken lightly and the places that will be covered are indoors and see large numbers of people being closely together for long periods of time.
“As of October 11, people have to present an NHS Covid Pass or a recent negative lateral flow test result to enter nightclubs, similar places and events and the service is functioning well. We have received positive feedback from a range of companies and major event organizers, especially following recent international rugby matches. We will continue to work with the sectors that are implementing the system to provide them with the best possible support.
The latest seven-day infection rate in Wales based on cases per 100,000 people (for the seven days through 3 November) now stands at 536.9 – another drop from 546.8 reported Sunday.
Protesters gathered outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay ahead of the vote, fearing the passes would restrict personal freedom.
It comes as frontline NHS staff in England will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid from next year.
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