The First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that people in Wales will need to show a pass proving they have been fully vaccinated or had a negative Covid test to attend clubs and large-scale events.
People will be able to use an NHS Covid Pass to show they have been vaccinated, or had a negative lateral flow test in the past 48 hours.
All people over the age of 18 will need to have a pass to enter:
- Nightclubs
- Indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people, such as concerts or conventions
- Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people
- Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance
Therefore, large scale sports events, such as games at the Swansea dot come stadium will be affected by the new rules, meaning fans will need to show a COVID 19 pass to gain entry, when the new rules come into effect on 11 October 2021.
With that date being less than a week before the first South Wales derby in Swansea on Sunday, 17 October, it will make for an even more frantic derby day than usual.
Mark Drakeford made the announcement as part of the latest review of coronavirus restrictions at lunchtime.
Mr Drakeford continued: “My message to you today is a simple but serious one – the pandemic is not over and we all need to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“We have high levels of the virus in our communities and while our fantastic vaccination programme has helped stop thousands more people from becoming seriously ill or dying, the pressure on the NHS is increasing.
“We hope introducing the requirement to show a COVID pass will help keep venues and events – many of which have only recently started trading again – open.
“Showing a COVID Pass is already part of our collective effort to keep businesses open with some major events, such as the successful Green Man Festival, using it.
“We will continue to work closely with all businesses affected to ensure a smooth introduction and operation of this system.”
How to get your NHS COVID Pass
The gov.wales website has instructions for people wishing to get the NHS COVID Pass to prove that you are vaccinated against COVID-19.