Face coverings to remain compulsory on public transport in Wales but not England
The continuing differences in Covid rules between England and Wales show no signs of disappearing with the Welsh Government announcing that face masks will still be needed on public transport.
Earlier this month the UK Government, which decides the Covid rules for England, announced people would no longer be required to wear face masks in any setting as of July 19 – subject to confirmation on Monday.
The Welsh government has now said that it still sees face masks as a key part of protecting the public and that they will still be required on public transport and taxis, and health and social care setting, "as a minimum".
It means that someone travelling from Shropshire to Wales will be obliged to put a face covering on as soon as their bus or train crosses the border.
The requirement for coverings continue to be worn in shops in Wales is also being considered.
The announcement comes as the Welsh Government is set to announce its plans for the next steps in Covid regulations in its updated 'Coronavirus Control Plan' on Wednesday.
Wales is currently at what is has named 'alert level one', where face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public places.
However on Friday, it was announced that face coverings will not be routinely recommended in classrooms across Wales from September.
A statement from the Welsh Government said "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."
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.”
Health Minister Eluned Morgan added: “Wearing face masks is an effective way of reducing the transmission of coronavirus.
“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.”
