In March, Wales' Face Mask Law Could Be Repealed

According to First Minister Mark Drakeford, the law forcing people to wear face masks in Wales could be repealed by the end of March.

According to the Welsh government, lowering case rates indicate it may be able to relax some of the remaining coronavirus restrictions.

From the 18th of February, Covid passes for entertainment venues, nightclubs, and large events will no longer be required.

Additionally, from February 28, students will not be required to wear masks in class, and schools will be free to set their own standards.

From February 28, the law requiring face coverings in most public areas will be loosened as well.

They will no longer be necessary in shops, public transportation, hairdressers, salons, or health and social services.

While they will continue to be necessary in locations like shops, public transportation, hairdressers, salons, and health and social services, they will no longer be required in places like churches, cinemas, and museums.

Self-isolation requirements will stay in place, but ministers will revisit this and other remaining laws at the next Covid review, which is set to take place on March 3rd.

The remaining limitations, according to Economy Minister Vaughan Gething, may be lifted by the end of March.

"At that point, we might make self-isolation optional rather than necessary," he said. "But at this point, we believe it's still important to have that as a legal safeguard," he added.

Because first minister Mark Drakeford is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid, Mr Gething will conduct Friday's press briefing on the latest Welsh government review.

Mr Gething stated on Sky News that Welsh Labour leader Carwyn Jones was "OK all things considered" and that he was able to work "through much of yesterday."

Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, has stated that self-isolation laws may be lifted by February 21.

Mr Gething said the Prime Minister's action was "very unusual" and had not been considered by the chief medical officers of the Welsh and UK governments.

"There had been no advice from SAGE, no joint recommendation or discussion between chief medical officers saying that this was the right thing to do," he continued. "There had been no scientific advice provided, no meeting between health ministers in advance."

When asked what would happen if a person with Covid who lived in England came to work in Wales without self-isolating would be "in violation of the law," Mr Gething responded such individual would be "in breach of the law."

"It's that simple," he said. "If you're in Wales, you have to follow the rules in Wales."

Mr Drakeford stated that his government is "confident" that coronavirus rates are declining and that "brighter times are ahead."

However, he stated that he would not withdraw all precautions at once "since the pandemic is still ongoing."