F
Ace liners will remain mandatory on public transport in Wales and the requirement that they continue to be used in shops will also be considered.
The approach contrasts with England’s roadmap out of lockdown, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the legal obligation to wear face coverings will end once the country reaches Step 4 on July 19.
A final decision will be made on Monday on England’s way out of the restrictions.
However, in Wales, masks must still be used in taxis, trains and buses, as well as in healthcare and social care settings when coronavirus restrictions are eased, the Government of Wales said.
Keeping everyone safe has been the priority of the Government of Wales during the pandemic and will continue to be the priority in the future.
READ MORE
He added that “more active consideration” is being given to whether they will continue to be required by law in other settings, such as retail.
Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We will need everyone’s help to keep the coronavirus under control as we continue to respond to the pandemic; this virus has certainly not disappeared.
“We know that a lot of people are still worried and eager to get out. We will maintain the requirement to wear face covers in certain places, in public transportation and in health and social care settings, and others when necessary, to help keep us all safe. “
In making the announcement on Sunday, the government said scientific evidence supports the use of face coverings as a way to reduce transmission of the virus.
He said they are “particularly useful” in crowded indoor areas with poor ventilation.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “The use of masks is an effective way to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus.
“We all have a duty to help protect each other. Keeping everyone safe has been the priority of the Government of Wales during the pandemic and will continue to be the priority in the future. ‘
On Friday, it was announced that face covers will not be routinely recommended in Welsh classrooms starting in September.
Drakeford is expected to make a statement on Wednesday outlining more details on the new zero alert level for Wales.
The country is currently at alert level one and face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public places.
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to announce her country’s next steps out of lockdown in a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, but has already described Johnson’s approach as ‘something of an exception’, which seems to indicate that hers will be more cautious.
In Northern Ireland, the removal of the rules around all face coverings, with regulations potentially superseded by guidance, will be considered next month.
The Stormont Executive has already announced that the legal requirement to wear face covers in places of worship will also be removed on July 26, while the use of face masks in classrooms will be removed from the guide.
–
