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When did lockdown start? Timeline of Covid restrictions as UK marks 2nd anniversary of first lockdown in 2020

While covid is far from a thing of the past, england has now dropped all of its restrictions.

Wednesday 23 March will mark two years since Boris Johnson announced the first lockdown , as coronavirus surged through the UK.

On the first year anniversary , all four UK nations found themselves in lockdown, after the virus resurged early in 2021, before the vaccine programme had a chance to take effect.

While Covid is far from a thing of the past – rates remain at significant levels – England has now dropped all of its restrictions, including the legal requirement to self-isolate after testing positive.

Wales  is set to follow suit on March 28, a week after  Scotland  lifted nearly all of its remaining regulations, ending an era of the pandemic.

Timeline of restrictions up to now

• 23 March 2020 – First lockdown announced

The Prime Minister tells people they must stay at home, and should only leave for essential reasons such as buying food and exercising once per day.

He calls Covid-19 “the biggest threat this country has faced for decades”.

• 10 May – Lockdown starts being eased

The Prime Minister says people can now sunbathe in parks and exercise outdoors more than once per day, as the first restrictions are eased.

• 1 June – First pupils return to school

Pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 are allowed to return to the classroom for the first time in three months.

• 4 July – Pubs reopen as more restrictions eased

Lockdown restrictions are eased across England, and holidays are allowed to an initial list of 73 “travel corridor” countries.

Pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers are all allowed to reopen.

• 12 October – Regional tier system introduced

Liverpool City Region is the only area placed in the top tier, tier three, with people banned from socialising indoors.

The Government hopes the tier system will mean the country can avoid a second national lockdown.

• 31 October – Second national lockdown announced

The Prime Minister announced a four-week national “circuit breaker” lockdown . Pubs, restaurants and non-essential retail are all forced to close again.

• 2 December – Lockdown ends and is replaced by strengthened tier system

The tier system returns, with more areas placed in tier three. A fourth tier is added later in the month, as a new variant of Covid-19 spreads rapidly in London and the South East.

• 19 December – PM cancels Christmas

With the new variant now running rampant in the South East, the Prime Minister cancels plans for Christmas bubbles for around 18 million people living in the South East.

Everyone else is told to spend just a day with family, rather than the initially proposed five.

• 30 December – Most of country moved to tier four

Almost 80 per cent of the population is now in tier four as the new variant spreads beyond the South East, meaning lockdown measures are essentially in place for the majority of England.

• 4 January 2021 – PM announces third national lockdown

Schools are forced to shut again, along with pubs, restaurants and non-essential retail, as people are once again ordered to stay at home.

• 15 February – Hotel quarantine introduced

Anyone travelling to the UK from a country on the UK’s travel ban list is required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for 10 days.

• 8 March – Schools reopen in England

Under step one of the PM’s roadmap for leaving lockdown, children return to school. Boris Johnson says: “Classrooms are the best place for our young people to be”.

• 12 April – Non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality reopen

Under step two of roadmap, non-essential retail businesses, including hairdressers and gyms, are allowed to reopen, alongside hospitality venues which offer outdoor service.

• 17 May – Outdoor limit increase to 30 and indoor Rule of Six returns

Pubs and restaurants reopen indoors and sports stadiums allowed 10,000 capacity. International travel reopens under traffic light system.

• 14 June – Lockdown easing in England delayed by four weeks

Step four of the roadmap, planned for 21 June, is delayed four weeks to allow more people to receive the vaccine, as the variant causes new spike in cases and becomes the dominant strain.

• 19 July – Most remaining restrictions lifted

Nightclubs reopen, as cases decline to a relatively flat level with vaccines taking effect.

• 8 December – PM announces move to Plan B

Measures are announced as the Omicron variant begins to spread rapidly. Face masks to become compulsory in most public indoor venues, other than hospitality

• 15 December – Covid pass introduced in England

England follows Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by introducing the Covid pass, requiring adults to share vaccination or test results to enter venues.

• 18 January 2022 – PM announces England will return to Plan A with Omicron cases falling

Plans are unveiled to remove self-isolation requirements by 24 March at the latest.

• 24 February – Covid rules scrapped in England

All Covid rules are scrapped in England by the end as part of the country’s plan to “live with the virus”.

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United Kingdom–COVID-19: Travel Restrictions Update

United kingdom – travel corridors update, denmark travel restrictions, policies for england.

This GMS Flash Alert provides an update on new travel restrictions and other rules related to movement of people due to the coronavirus. The report covers alterations to the ‘travel corridor’ policy, limitations on travel into and out of Denmark, and restrictions on movement of people within, into, and out of England.

Travel Corridors Update

The “travel corridors”, travel ban implemented for arrivals from denmark, new national travel restrictions in england from 5 november 2020.

This GMS Flash Alert provides an update on new travel restrictions and other rules related to movement of people due to the coronavirus.  For example, starting on 5 November 2020, heightened national travel restrictions are being applied to individuals residing in England.  The U.K. government has confirmed that individuals in England must remain at home and avoid travel in the U.K. or overseas, unless travel is required for work, education, or other legally permitted reasons .

In addition, we report on updates to the U.K.’s travel corridors and restrictions on travel from Denmark.  

WHY THIS MATTERS

The easing or re-imposing of the travel restrictions through additions to and removals from the travel corridors list, travel bans, and national restrictions affecting U.K. residents travelling abroad and nonresidents travelling into the United Kingdom.  All this could cause some anxiety, stress, and inconvenience, especially where plans for travel and relocation are already underway. 

Individuals should be particularly aware of the consequences of non-compliance with the new policies, which could result in sanctions, an interruption in travel plans, and the disruption of planned business and leisure travel activities.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the U.K. government implemented regulations in June requiring visitors to the

U.K. to self-isolate for 14 days.  The regulations included various exemptions allowing individuals to travel to the U.K. without having to self-isolate, based on profession or industry, as well as those travelling from Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.  (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2020-271  (5 June 2020)).

By July, the U.K. government lifted travel restrictions between England and several countries/territories and from 10 July 2020, began allowing individuals to arrive in England from these locations without the need to self-isolate for 14 days.  The lifting of these restrictions on a country- and territory-specific basis, rather than profession or industry, are referred to as “travel corridors.”  (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2020-316 (16 July 2020).)

The table below shows the countries included in the “travel corridor” list 1 .  Passengers arriving from these countries/territories will not be required to self-isolate on arrival into England (information for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is published by the Devolved Authorities).  This applies to those arriving by train, ferry, coach, air, or any other route:

To make use of the travel corridors, individuals arriving in England must not have travelled to a country that is not included on the travel corridor exemption list within the last 14 days.  If a traveller has been to a country that is not on the list, then they will need to self-isolate until 14 days have passed since leaving that country.

Those arriving in England must continue to complete a passenger locator form prior to arrival.  This applies to both U.K. and non-U.K. residents.

Since 4:00am, Saturday, 7 November 2020, non-U.K. nationals (or residents) arriving from Denmark have not been permitted entry into the United Kingdom.  This excludes freight and hauliers. 2  The decision was made in response to the Danish health authorities reporting widespread outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19) in mink farms with a modified strain of the virus spreading to some areas.

British nationals, or residents, returning to the U.K. directly or indirectly from Denmark will need to self-isolate along with all other members of their household until 14 days following their return has lapsed.  No exemptions apply to this restriction.

This travel ban and extended self-isolation requirements will be reviewed.

Increased national travel restrictions have applied to individuals residing in England from 5 November 2020.  The U.K. government has confirmed that individuals in England must remain at home and avoid travel in the U.K. or overseas, unless travel is required for work, education, or other legally permitted reasons. 3    

Despite these increased restrictions, individuals can travel for the following exempt reasons:

• travelling to work where it is not possible to work from home;
• travelling to education and for caring responsibilities;
• travelling to visit individuals who are in an individual’s support or child-care bubble;
• hospital, GP, and other medical appointments or in instances where medical assistance is required because of accidents or health concerns;
• to buy goods or services from premises which are classed as essential retail have been permitted to remain open;
• to spend time outdoors or exercise outdoors – whilst this should be done locally where possible, travel is permitted to gain access to open outdoor areas if necessary;
• to attend to the needs of a pet, including veterinary services.

Individuals must not travel if they are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating, are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody who is displaying symptoms, or have been informed to self-isolate via the NHS Test and Trace app.  The minimum fine for breaching self-isolation rules is £1,000 and increases up to £10,000 for repeat offences and serious breaches.

For individuals who need to travel, the safer travel guidance 4 should be adhered to.

Individuals planning to travel into England, should check the current travel corridor list to see whether self-isolation is required.  The national travel restrictions for England will still need to be adhered to even where self-isolation is not required.  Individuals who need to travel overseas from England before 2 December should inform themselves of COVID-19 rules in place at their destination country and consider the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice. 5

U.K. residents who are currently abroad should check with their airline or travel operator for arrangements on returning to the United Kingdom.

Individuals travelling abroad from the U.K., for an exempt purpose, will also have to comply with any travel restrictions or requirements in place in the country to which they travel.  This could include self-isolation, providing travel details to the authorities or other measures.

When travelling out of the U.K., all individuals should continue to check the relevant country’s specific travel advice issued by their government, as well as generic travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. 

Visit KPMG’s COVID-19 Tracker 6 for a global perspective on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on global mobility.

1  See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors .

2  See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/travel-ban-implemented-to-protect-public-health-following-denmark-covid-19-mink-outbreak .

3  See: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1200/part/2/made .

4  See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers .

5  See: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus .

6  See: https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/03/flash-alert-covid19.html .  

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The KPMG Legal Services – Immigration Team has a wealth of experience in transactional, advisory, and compliance assurance services.  We will be able to advise your business in relation to practical considerations in light of the above changes, as well as what this means for your long-term recruitment and compliance strategies.

* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the United Kingdom.

To subscribe to GMS Flash Alert , fill out the subscription form .

© 2024 KPMG LLP a UK limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

For more detail about the structure of the KPMG global organisation please visit https://kpmg.com/governance .

GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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Timeline of Covid-19 restrictions in England – two years of lockdowns, tiers and self-isolation

We take a look back at 23 months of unprecedented restrictions on our lives

• 00:01, 24 FEB 2022

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The scrapping of all coronavirus rules in England marks the end of nearly two years of unprecedented restrictions on our lives.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled his "living with Covid" plan on Monday, aimed at transitioning the nation towards a new normal following winter's wave of Omicron cases.

The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test ends today, February 24, and free mass testing will stop on April 1.

Opposition parties and a doctors' union have voiced concern over the pace of change.

The UK government's announcement applies only to England because health matters are devolved to the administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Here we take a look back at the twists and turns of England's Covid restrictions over the past two years. Note the official government figures for infections and deaths are quoted only to give an indication of how the pandemic evolved and may not be comparable due to changing testing and recording practices.

Timeline of Covid-19 restrictions in England

March 26, 2020 – first national lockdown.

An order to stay at home announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on March 23 comes into legal effect. Very limited exceptions allow those who cannot reasonably work from home to commute. Gatherings of more than two people are prohibited, except if essential for work.

Daily number of cases: 2,633 | Daily number of deaths: 337

April 16 – National lockdown extended

Lockdown is extended for “at least” three more weeks as the government sets out five tests that must be met before restrictions can be lifted. These are: ensuring the NHS can cope; seeing a sustained fall in the daily death rate; seeing a fall in infections to manageable levels; ensuring testing and PPE capacity are in hand; and guaranteeing no risk of a second wave.

Daily number of cases: 4,362 | Daily number of deaths: 754

May 13 – Step one of unlocking

The first step of the government’s “conditional plan” to reopen society announced on May 10 is enacted as cases fall. People who cannot work from home are encouraged to return to work, but public transport should be avoided. Gatherings outside for exercise or recreation are allowed with one person from another household at a 2m social distance. Mr Johnson asks people to “stay alert”.

Daily number of cases: 2,899 | Daily number of deaths: 256

June 1 – Step two (A) of unlocking

Stay at home orders are removed as England moves to step two of the unlocking roadmap. A maximum of two people can meet indoors and six outdoors for non-work purposes. Schools can begin to reopen.

Daily number of cases: 1,318 | Daily number of deaths: 122

June 15 – Step two (B) of unlocking

Non-essential retailers can reopen. Government guidance on social distancing and hygiene is in force to offer “clarity”.

Daily number of cases: 944 | Daily number of deaths: 63

July 4 – Step three of unlocking, but not for all

Most remaining national restrictions are removed as pubs, restaurants and hairdressers are allowed to reopen. Gatherings are limited to 30 people.

But rising cases in some areas mean the first local lockdowns come into force in Leicester, Bolton, Greater Manchester and the north east.

Daily number of cases: 385 | Daily number of deaths: 31

September 14 – ‘Rule of six’

The ‘rule of six’ is introduced for non-essential gatherings as the pandemic grows again. The rule, meaning any gathering of more than six people is against the law, aims to simplify social contact guidance. It comes after a summer of falling cases and economic measures aimed at helping businesses reopen, including the 'Eat Out to Help Out' discount scheme.

Daily number of cases: 2,941 | Daily number of deaths: 17

September 22 – Restrictions tighten

Mr Johnson orders a 10pm hospitality curfew and asks office workers to work from home if they can. A legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test is soon introduced.

Daily number of cases: 5,400 | Daily number of deaths: 35

October 14 – Regional tiers

A tiered system of progressive restrictions comes into effect as cases and deaths continue to rise. Tier one (medium) covers most of the country, enforcing the rule of six and social distancing. Tier two (high) applies to many places in the Midlands and north of England, meaning people from different households can only mix outside at a social distance. Only Liverpool and the surrounding area is under tier three (very high), where pubs have to close and social mixing is banned in most settings.

Daily number of cases: 16,644 | Daily number of deaths: 102

November 5 – Second national lockdown

England enters a second national lockdown following Mr Johnson’s announcement on Halloween that further measures are needed to avoid a “medical disaster”. People are told to stay at home and only meet other households when necessary.

Daily number of cases: 21,198 | Daily number of deaths: 301

December 2 – Return to regional tiers

The national lockdown ends after four weeks and is replaced with a return to a stricter three-tier system. The majority of England is in either tiers two or three, with just Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly in tier one.

Daily number of cases: 13,663 | Daily number of deaths: 337

December 21 – 'Tier four'

London and the south east become the first regions to enter the newly-created 'tier four' of restrictions to help control the spread of the Alpha variant. Stay at home orders are reintroduced, with exceptions for work. More areas soon are elevated to tier four on Boxing Day.

Daily number of cases: 43,446 | Daily number of deaths: 496

January 6, 2021 – Third national lockdown

All of England is moved into tier four, triggering a third national lockdown. People are told to stay at home and only meet other households when necessary.

Daily number of cases: 52,753 | Daily number of deaths: 827

March 8 – Step one (A) of unlocking

The stay at home order remains in place, but schools are allowed to reopen and outdoor recreation between two people is permitted.

Daily number of cases: 5,818 | Daily number of deaths: 122

March 29 – Step one (B) of unlocking

People are urged to “stay local” as the stay at home order comes to an end. Up to two people can meet indoors and up to six outdoors, including in private gardens. Open air sports facilities can reopen.

Daily number of cases: 3,422 | Daily number of deaths: 27

April 12 – Step two of unlocking

Restrictions on social mixing remain the same, but non-essential retailers and many outdoor venues are allowed to reopen, including zoos and theme parks. Self-contained holiday accommodation can be booked.

Daily number of cases: 2,396 | Daily number of deaths: 27

May 17 – Step three of unlocking

Social mixing rules are expanded to allow the rule of six indoors and up to 30 people to meet outdoors. Indoor venues can reopen, including cinemas and pubs. Outdoor stadiums can seat up to 10,000 spectators.

Daily number of cases: 2,341 | Daily number of deaths: 6

July 19 – Step four of unlocking (‘freedom day’)

Most legal limits on social contact are removed on what is dubbed ‘freedom day’. The final sectors of the economy that are closed, such as nightclubs, can open their doors.

Daily number of cases: 43,487 | Daily number of deaths: 70

December 8 – Plan B

Mr Johnson moves England to ‘plan B’ restrictions for winter as the Omicron variant spreads. Under the plans published in September, face masks become mandatory in most public indoor venues and NHS Covid Passes must be used to gain access to specific settings. People are asked to work from home when possible.

Daily number of cases: 49,994 | Daily number of deaths: 97

January 27, 2022 – Plan A

The success of the booster vaccine drive over Christmas is credited as the nation moves to ‘plan A’. Mandatory face coverings and NHS Covid Passes are scrapped.

Daily number of cases: 82,624 | Daily number of deaths: 259

February 24 – ‘Living with Covid’ plan

All remaining restrictions end as the government’s plan to “live with Covid” comes into force. People who catch the virus no longer have to self-isolate, although they will still be advised to, and do not have to tell their employers. In a bid to reign in spending, self-isolation payments of £500 for those on low incomes and routine contact tracing stop.

For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.

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Coronavirus timeline: Welsh and UK governments’ response

A refreshed timeline for the Sixth Senedd is available . An archive version of the Fifth Senedd timeline will also remain available from this page.

The timeline below highlights key developments in Wales and the UK in response to coronavirus - COVID-19.

PDF and Excel versions of this timeline are available for you to download.

Senedd elections are held

The people of Wales head to the polls to vote for the next Senedd / Welsh Parliament.

Wales moves into alert level 3

From today the whole of Wales is under alert level 3 restrictions, as confirmed by the First Minister on 30 April.

The next review of the coronavirus restrictions is due by 13 May 2021 so will be carried out by the new Welsh Government following the Senedd election on 6 May 2021. The current Welsh Government previously indicated that Wales could move into alert level 2 on 17 May 2021.

Senedd election to go ahead on 6 May 2021

27 april 2021.

Th Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Act 2021 requires the Welsh Ministers to review the holding of the 2021 Senedd election due to coronavirus. Following the fourth and final review, it was not deemed necessary to postpone the election.

Review of the coronavirus regulations

23 april 2021.

Following the required review of the coronavirus restriction regulations, the First Minister announces that from 26 April outdoor swimming pools, outdoor attractions, organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people and wedding receptions for up to 30 people can take place along with the reopening of outdoor hospitality.

From 3 May 2021 gyms and leisure centres can reopen, extended households will be possible, children’s indoor activities and organised indoor activities for up to 15 people can begin again.

Rules on meeting outdoors relaxed

19 april 2021.

From Saturday 24 April any six people will be able to meet outdoors. A change from the current rule where six people from two households can meet outdoors.

The First Minister also confirms that outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen on 26 April.

Lateral flow tests for those who can’t work from home

14 april 2021.

The Health Minister encourages all those who cannot work from home to access lateral flow test kits are they’re rolled out across Wales. The rapid testing kits can be collected from testing sites from 16 April. It’s recommended that tests are taken twice a week, and results are recorded on the UK Government website.

Vaccines for household contacts of adults with severe immunosuppression

13 april 2021.

The Welsh Government says it has accepted the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation’s advice that people over the age of 16 who live with individuals with severe weakened immune systems should be offered COVID-19 vaccinations as a priority.

Easing of restrictions brought forward

8 april 2021.

The First Minister announces that as the public health situation continues to improve, the planned opening of organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions will be brought forward to 26 April.

From 3 May, a week earlier than previously signalled, gyms and leisure centres will be able to reopen and extended households will be allowed again.

Third vaccine arrives in Wales

7 april 2021.

The Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces that a third COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna, is being rolled out across Wales from today. It was authorised for use by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in January 2021

Relaxation of restrictions

31 march 2021.

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces how restrictions will be eased into mid-May to move Wales into alert level 3 subject to public health conditions.

On 12 April all children and students will return to face-to-face education in Wales, all non-essential retail will be able to reopen, and travel will be allowed out of Wales into the rest of the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland. Welsh Ministers are aiming to reopen outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality including cafes, pubs and restaurants on 26 April.

Updated testing strategy

30 march 2021.

The Welsh Government publishes its updated COVID-19 testing strategy , which was first published in July 2020. The update sets out how new testing technology will work alongside existing infrastructure with five priorities for testing.

Stay local restrictions lifted

25 march 2021.

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford announces that from Saturday 27 March the stay local restrictions will be lifted . From this date self-contained accommodation and libraries can re-open, outdoor children’s activities can take place and six people from households can meet outdoors.

Updated vaccination strategy

23 march 2021.

The Welsh Government publishes an update to its Vaccination Strategy for Wales which sets out the current status of the rollout and the next steps. The Government’s third milestone is to offer the first dose of a vaccine to those aged 18-49 by the end of July.

Strategy to address inequality in vaccine uptake

The Welsh Government publishes a COVID-19 vaccination equity strategy which sets out that a new Vaccine Equity Committee will ensure the equitable and fair delivery of the vaccination programme. The Committee will take a community led approach to address specific concerns and barriers to vaccination.

National coronavirus Commemorative event

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, takes part in a national coronavirus commemorative event to pay respect to those who have died during the pandemic and to express sympathy to those grieving for loved ones. A minute silence is held to remember those who have died over the last year.

Community testing programme extended

22 march 2021.

Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces that the COVID-19 community testing programme will be extended to the end of September 2021 to help manage outbreaks and target areas that see a rapid increase in cases. Asymptomatic testing has been taking place in Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf since the beginning of March 2021, with plans also progressing in Anglesey in response to an outbreak in Holyhead.

COVID-secure Senedd election

Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James, announces that the Welsh Government is making £1.5 million available to enable polling stations for the Senedd election to be made Covid-secure. The additional funding is being provided to cover the range of extra staff and equipment required to ensure the protection of staff and public health.

Recovery plan for health and social care services

The Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, publishes a recovery plan which is supported by £100 million in funding to help health and social care services in Wales to recover from the pandemic. The plan includes key aspects such as reducing health inequalities, creating supportive mental health services and providing accessible digital support.

Updated coronavirus control plan

19 march 2021.

The Welsh Government publishes an update to its coronavirus control plan which takes into account the vaccination programme and the “Kent variant of the virus”. The plan sets out how Wales will move from alert level 4 to alert level 3 from now until 22 April 2021.

Bonus payment for NHS and social care staff

17 march 2021.

Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces that the Welsh Government will fund a bonus payment for NHS and social care staff to recognise their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-off payment is equivalent to £735 per person, to cover the basic rate of tax and national insurance contributions incurred. After deductions most people will receive £500.

Commemorative woodlands to be created

16 march 2021.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces the creation of commemorative woodlands in memory of those who have died from coronavirus. Two new woodlands will be planted, one in north Wales and one in south Wales. It is hoped they will be places of commemoration where families and friends can remember lost loved ones and where the public can reflect on the pandemic.

Change to shielding advice

12 march 2021.

Wales’ Health Minister announces that on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer, the advice to the clinically extremely vulnerable to follow shielding measures should be paused from 1 April 2021.

Extra support for business in Wales

Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, announces a further £150 million has been made available to support Welsh businesses to deal with the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The additional support will help businesses in the hospitality, tourism, leisure and non-essential retail sectors that pay non-domestic rates and will operate as a top up to the Restrictions Business Fund.

First steps out of lockdown in Wales announced

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that from 13 March 2021 , the stay-at-home restrictions will be replaced by a new interim stay local rule in Wales, meaning people can leave their homes and travel within their local area, usually within 5 miles (with some flexibility). Also from 13 March, up to 4 people from 2 households can meet in their local area outdoors, including in gardens (children under 11 and carers do not count towards this limit); outdoor sports facilities can reopen (a maximum of 4 people from 2 households), and indoor care home visits can resume for one designated visitor.

From 15 March 2021 , hairdressers and barbers can reopen by appointment only. All primary pupils and those in qualifications years will return to school. Schools will have the flexibility to bring in year 10 and 12 pupils and more learners will return to colleges. There is also flexibility for in-school check-ins for all other pupils. All learners will return to on-site learning on 12 April 2021 .

From 22 March 2021 , restrictions on the sale of non-essential items will be lifted for those shops which are currently open. Garden centres will also reopen.

If the public health conditions continue to be favourable, from 27 March 2021 , the stay local restrictions will be lifted to allow people to travel within Wales; self-contained holiday accommodation will re-open for one household; organised children’s activities outdoors will restart, and libraries will reopen.

The review on 1 April 2021 will consider whether all remaining shops and close contact services can reopen on 12 April 2021

Covid-19 vaccine for homeless people

10 march 2021.

Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces that people who are or have recently experienced homelessness in Wales are to be offered a COVID-19 vaccination as part of priority group 6.

Testing for close contacts of positive cases

Wales’ Health Minister, announces that people who are close contacts of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus and have been asked to isolate by contact tracers will now be offered a coronavirus test. The Minister also announces an extra £50 million to allow health boards to extend contact tracing over the summer.

Framework for Covid-19 testing for hospital patients in Wales

9 march 2021.

Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces publication of a framework for testing hospital patients in Wales to prevent coronavirus from entering hospitals undetected, to prevent its spread within hospitals and to ensure the safe discharge of patients to their home or to community care.

Update on care home visits

4 march 2021.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, announces that routine indoor visiting to care homes by a single, designated visitor should be able to resume from 13 March 2021, as part of the package of wider measures being considered by the Welsh Government for the three-week coronavirus review.  

More pupils to return to school before Easter

3 march 2021.

Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, announces that from 15 March 2021, all secondary school settings will have the flexibility to provide learners in years 7, 8 and 9 with the opportunity of a check-in with teachers, focussed on support for wellbeing and readiness for a full return to school after the Easter holidays. This will not be a full return to school for years 7, 8 and 9 before Easter. The plans will be subject to the regular three-week review of coronavirus regulations by the Welsh Government on 12 March 2021.

£680 million COVID-19 cash boost for Wales

1 march 2021.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that Wales’ public services will receive a cash boost of more than £682 million to support their COVID-19 efforts. The package includes more than £635 million for the NHS and local councils to help them support the people of Wales over the next 6 months and an additional £206.5 million for the Local Government Hardship Fund. Funding is given to extend the Discretionary Assistance Fund, to support apprenticeships, and to maintain vital public transport provision.

Updated vaccine targets

26 february 2021.

An updated vaccine strategy for Wales has been published. This includes updated targets to offer the vaccine to all current priority groups by mid-April 2021, and to the wider adult population by the end of July 2021.

Expanded testing programme

24 february 2021.

Wales’ Health Minister announces that the scheme for workplaces to carry out testing and set up their own test sites is now being extended to public and private organisations with more than 50 employees. A workplace testing framework has been published setting out the criteria and support available. From the 1 March 2021, targeted community testing will begin in parts of Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf which aims to help identify asymptomatic people with coronavirus.

Scotland’s route out of lockdown

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announces the planned route out of lockdown for Scotland, with all primary pupils and some secondary students returning to school from 15 March 2021, and four people from two households being allowed to meet outdoors from the same date.

Roadmap for lifting lockdown in England

22 february 2021.

The UK Prime Minister makes a statement to the House of Commons outlining a roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in England. The roadmap is split into four steps, with at least five weeks between each step. Step one, which includes a return to school/further education for all children in England, begins on 8 March 2021. Step four will begin no earlier than 21 June 2021, where the aim is for all restrictions to be lifted.

Testing offer extended to upper secondary and college learners

Welsh Government Ministers announce that they are extending the offer of regular, twice weekly, lateral flow tests (LFTs) at home to all those of upper secondary age. This will start with offering tests to years 11 to 13, and to all further education college learners and those on work-based apprenticeship and traineeship programmes. The Welsh Government intends to make these tests available in line with the next phase of the return to face-to-face learning.

Lockdown to continue for further three weeks

19 february 2021.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that stay-at-home restrictions will continue in Wales for a further three weeks. Children aged three to seven and those sitting priority vocational qualifications will begin a phased return to school from 22 February 2021. Some minor changes to the current rules are also announced: from 20 February 2021, four people from two different households will be able to meet outdoors for socially distanced, local exercise (not in private gardens); from 1 March 2021, licensed wedding venues may re-open but only to perform wedding and civil partnership ceremonies; arrangements will be made for more elite athletes to resume training and playing, and with the increase in vaccination, the Welsh Government will look again at guidance for care home visiting. The First Minister says that if the situation continues to improve over the next three weeks, it may be possible for more primary school children and older students to return to school from 15 March 2021.

Welsh coronavirus control plan updated

The Welsh Government publishes an update to its Coronavirus control plan: alert levels in Wales , published in December 2020. The update - Coronavirus control plan: alert levels in Wales (coming out of lockdown) - sets out the Welsh Government’s current understanding of the impact of new variants, the systems in place to respond to the current challenges, and its approach to coming out of lockdown.

Eligibility widened for self-isolation support payments

17 february 2021.

Wales’ Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James, announces that the £500 Self-Isolation Support Payment scheme, which has been extended until June 2021, will now be open to applications from people with a personal income of less than £500 per week and those on Basic Statutory Sick Pay who have been asked to self-isolate by the Test, Trace, Protect service, the NHS Covid-19 App or by their child’s education setting.

Enhanced international travel measures introduced

13 february 2021.

Following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and to take a four nations approach, Wales’ Health Minister announces enhanced international travel measures will be introduced from 15 February 2021. Under the measures, people cannot travel directly to Wales from a ‘red list country’ . Travellers from red list countries will only be able to enter Wales via a designated port of entry (in England or Scotland) and after isolating for 10 days in a nearby managed quarantine facility. Travellers arriving in Wales from amber list countries will need to isolate for 10 days and book a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 of their isolation period.

First vaccination programme milestone achieved

12 february 2021.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that the first milestone in Wales’ vaccination programme of offering everyone in the first four priority groups vaccination has been reached.

Senedd passes the Welsh Elections Bill

10 february 2021.

Members of the Senedd pass the Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Bill which introduces a range of measures relating to the upcoming Senedd election in May. The Bill makes it possible to delay the date of the poll if it’s deemed not safe to hold the election due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Welsh Government says that “the election should go ahead on 6 May 2021 as intended”

Return to school announced for 3-7 year olds

5 february 2021.

Wales‘ Education Minister announces that a phased return to face to face learning for 3–7 year olds will begin from 22 February 2021. The next 21 day review of coronavirus restrictions on 19 February 2021 will consider whether a phased return to school for any other year groups is possible. Schools are still expected to provide education for vulnerable children and children of critical workers, and special schools and pupil referral units should continue to remain open where possible.

Twice weekly testing in schools

The Health Minister announces that daily contact testing in schools and colleges will be paused “whilst we learn more about the new variants and how this impact on transmission”. Instead there will be twice weekly testing using lateral flow tests - the Minister says this provide “a much clearer picture of what is really happening in our schools”.

More testing in care homes

4 february 2021.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething announces the introduction of an enhanced Covid-19 testing programme for care homes, which includes the twice-weekly testing of asymptomatic care home staff using rapid lateral flow test devices in addition to the weekly PCR test that is currently carried out.

Free PPE packs for taxi drivers

3 february 2021.

Welsh Government launches a free PPE initiative for all licensed taxi and private hire vehicle drivers in Wales, including Uber drivers.

Users of NHS Covid-19 app can apply for self-isolation payment

1 february 2021.

From this date, people on low incomes who are asked to self-isolate via the NHS Covid-19 app are eligible to apply for the £500 self-isolation support payment, alongside those who have been asked to self-isolate by the Test, Trace, Protect service and parents/carers whose child has been asked to self-isolate by their education setting.

Extra funding for children and young people’s mental health

Wales’ Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing announces that an additional £9.4 million will be made available to support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. £4 million of this will be used improve access to emotional and mental health support in schools, and £5.4 million will be for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for young people who need more intensive support.

CMO special report on Wales’ pandemic response

30 january 2021.

A special edition of the Chief Medical Officer for Wales’ annual report is published , focusing on Wales’ response to the first phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

Support for Welsh businesses

29 january 2021.

Economy Minister, Ken Skates, announces further details of the £200 million support package for non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses that continue to be impacted by the pandemic.

Review of coronavirus restrictions – possible February return for some primary school pupils

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, confirms that Wales will remain at alert level 4 following the latest review of the lockdown restrictions. However, primary schools could see a ‘phased and flexible’ return for the youngest pupils from 22 February if rates of coronavirus continue to fall. Two small changes will also be made to the current level 4 restrictions: two people from different households will be able to exercise outdoors together (with social distancing), and; if a support bubble arrangement has broken down, a new one can be formed as long as there is a gap of 10 days before doing so. These changes come into effect on 30 January 2021.

Extension of advice to the clinically extremely vulnerable

Minister for Health, Vaughan Gething, announces that the advice given to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable (previously ‘shielding’) that they should no longer attend work or school outside the home is extended to 31 March 2021.

28 January 2021

Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces the publication of an updated coronavirus testing strategy . A community testing framework is also published, which builds on pilot schemes in Merthyr Tydfil and Lower Cynon to test asymptomatic people to halt the spread of the virus.

Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Bill

27 january 2021.

Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James, introduces the Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Bill, which will be treated as a government Emergency Bill. Given the uncertain trajectory of the pandemic, the Bill proposes to introduce contingency measures solely for the purposes of the 2021 Senedd election. Senedd Research has published background information about the Bill.

Funding for NHS Wales digital services

26 january 2021.

Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces additional funding of £25m to support the move to more digital services across the Welsh NHS.

Carers Support Fund increased by a quarter of a million pounds

21 january 2021.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, announces that a further £250,000 has been made available to help unpaid carers in Wales cope with the financial pressures of the coronavirus pandemic. Open to carers across Wales, the Carers Support Fund will see grants of up to £300 being made available for a range of essentials, including; food, household items such as furniture or white goods, or electronics such as a laptop for access to support and services. The Carers Support Fund will be available up to 31 March 2021.

Recovery app launched to help support people with long COVID

20 january 2021.

Health minister, Vaughan Gething, announces the launch of a bilingual COVID-19 recovery app as part of wider support on offer for people experiencing the longer term effects of coronavirus. With more than 100 videos and links to advice, app users will be able to record their symptoms, track their progress and learn to manage their condition at home with support. It includes advice from therapists, psychologists, dietitians and consultants.

£40 million extra to support students

18 january 2021.

Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, announces an additional £40m for universities to support students facing financial hardship, helping those most affected by the pandemic with expenses such as accommodation costs. Universities will be asked to prioritise funding towards the most vulnerable students, as well as strengthening advice and support services. The funding will also be used to address ‘digital poverty’ among students, to enable better access to online learning, and costs incurred due to the need to self-isolate.  

Changes to regulations for supermarkets and workplaces

15 january 2021.

The First Minister for Wales, Mark Drakeford, announces that amendments will be made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 early next week. He said that the changes will “make sure people are safer when they go shopping and to strengthen protections in the workplace”.

Pilot of pharmacies administering the vaccine

The first pharmacies in Wales begin to administer the COVID-19 vaccines through a pilot scheme starting in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, said pharmacies are being piloted “to establish the quickest, safest way to deliver vaccinations in these specific settings”.

New travel rules for arrivals into Wales

From 4am on Monday 18 January 2021, inbound passengers arriving into Wales from all international destinations will have to provide a negative coronavirus test result up to 72 hours before departing the country they’re in. The Welsh Government says this is “to help protect against the new strains of coronavirus such as those seen in Brazil, Denmark and South Africa”. Passengers will be required to quarantine for 10 days when they arrive. This reflects the position across the UK.

COVID-19 vaccination strategy

11 january 2021.

Wales’ Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, publishes the Welsh Government’s strategy for the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccination strategy sets out three key milestones, the first being that by mid-February all care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care works, everyone over the age of 70 and everyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable will have been offered a vaccine.

Third COVID-19 vaccine approved in the UK

8 january 2021.

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Doses will be available for the UK from spring 2021.

Restrictions in Wales continue

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that following a formal review of the alert level four lockdown restrictions, which were introduced at midnight on 19 December 2020, all the measures will remain in place. The Welsh Government is also reviewing whether major supermarkets and retailers need to put additional measures in place to protect people in store and what else employers need to do to protect people in the workplace and support people to work from home. Also, unless there is a significant reduction in cases of coronavirus before 29 January 2021 – the date of the next three-week review of the regulations – school and college students will continue to learn online until the February half term.

Stay at home orders for England and Scotland

4 january 2021.

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announces that everyone in England must stay at home except for permitted reasons during a new coronavirus lockdown expected to last until mid-February 2021. All schools and colleges will close to most pupils and switch to remote learning from 5 January 2021. Scotland First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, orders the Scottish mainland to stay at home amid a fresh lockdown which will see schools remain closed to pupils until February 2021.

Return to schools and colleges

Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, announces that the Welsh Government, in consultation with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and Colegau Cymru, has agreed that all schools, colleges and independent schools should move to online learning until 18 January 2021. Schools and colleges will remain open for children of critical workers and vulnerable learners, as well as for learners who need to complete essential exams or assessments.

UK COVID-19 alert level moved to level 5

Following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and in light of the most recent data, the four UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England Medical Director recommend that the UK Alert Level should move from Level 4 to Level 5. This indicates that “there is a material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed”.

Second COVID-19 vaccine given go-ahead

30 december 2020.

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorises the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine as safe and effective. The Heath Minister, Vaughan Gething announces that this vaccine will start to be rolled out across Wales from next week. In a subsequent announcement (31 December 2020) the Health Minister said that Wales will follow the advice of the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and prioritise first doses of vaccine – from 1 January 2021, second doses will be given within 12 weeks of the first dose. ‘The four CMOs agree with the JCVI that at this stage of the pandemic prioritising the first doses of vaccine for as many people as possible on the priority list will protect the greatest number of at risk people overall in the shortest possible time’.

New advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable

22 december 2020.

The advice to people in Wales who are clinically extremely vulnerable (previously ‘shielding’) changes from this date. People within this group are advised to no longer attend school or work outside the home. Letters from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales (CMO) will be issued confirming this advice.

International travel restrictions

20 december 2020.

The coronavirus rules across the UK place restrictions on overseas travel. In addition, a number of countries, including France, announced they are restricting travel from the UK in response to concerns about the spread of a new strain of the virus. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about travel restrictions and entry requirements for different countries.

Rules tightened across the UK

19 december 2020.

Following a meeting with the UK and devolved Governments regarding concerns about a new strain of coronavirus, the First Minister announces that alert level 4 restrictions will be brought forward and will come into force across Wales from midnight. The rules which allowed two households to form a Christmas ‘bubble’ over a five-day period will now apply on Christmas Day only. Detailed guidance about the alert level 4 restrictions in Wales has been published.

Restrictions are also being tightened across the UK, with the Christmas rules about households mixing now applying for one day only. See announcements from the UK Prime Minister for England and Scotland’s First Minister , and further information about the restrictions in Northern Ireland .

Testing infrastructure developments

18 december 2020.

Wales’ Health Minister gives an update on coronavirus testing infrastructure across Wales.

Higher level restrictions for Wales

16 december 2020.

The First Minister announces that Wales will move to alert level 4 (the highest level of restrictions under its Coronavirus control plan) from Christmas day. All non-essential retail, close contact services and leisure and fitness centres will close at the end of trading on Christmas Eve; all hospitality premises will close from 6pm on Christmas Day, and; tighter restrictions on household mixing, staying-at-home, holiday accommodation and travel will apply from 28 December 2020. The restrictions will apply across Wales. The Welsh Government subsequently announced an additional £110 million support package for businesses affected by the alert level 4 restrictions.

Discharge arrangements

15 december 2020.

Wales’ Health Minister announces updated guidance on hospital discharge arrangements and duration of outbreaks in social care settings.

Care homes vaccination pilot announced

14 december 2020.

A pilot for the roll-out of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine to Welsh care homes will begin on 16 December 2020. A designated care home in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will be the first in Wales to receive the vaccine, with teams in additional Health Boards then taking the vaccine to care homes. ‘At first the vaccine will be issued to care homes in proximity to hospital pharmacies, but it is planned for the vaccine to be available in other settings in coming weeks, once learnings from the care home pilot has been captured’.

Updated coronavirus control plan for Wales

The Welsh Government publishes an updated coronavirus control plan . This sets out four ‘alert levels’, aligned with the measures which will be put in place to control the spread of the virus and protect people’s health. The plan states that the measures are ‘designed to be as simple, fair and clear as possible and they will provide greater certainty for people and businesses about what legal restrictions will be put in place, depending on the level of risk, helping them to plan for the future’. It also states that ‘should there be clear evidence of a sustained and ongoing variation between parts of Wales, the alert levels approach allows for regional and localised application’.

Plans for serial testing in schools

The Welsh Government announces plans to roll out serial testing in schools and colleges from January 2021.

Outdoor attractions to close

11 december 2020.

First Minister announces that from 14 December, all outdoor attractions in Wales, including funfairs, will be required to close. Trampoline parks and indoor skating parks must also close.

Secondary schools and colleges to move to online learning

10 december 2020.

The Education Minister announces that secondary schools and colleges in Wales will move to online learning from 14 December 2020. The Welsh Government is however, encouraging primary and special schools to remain open – ‘We recognise, as we did during the firebreak, that it is more difficult for primary and special school age children to undertake self-directed learning’.

Changes to self-isolation period

9 december 2020.

The Health Minister announces amendments to Wales’ coronavirus restrictions regulations so that a person required to isolate as a result of having had close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus must isolate for 10 days instead of 14. The international travel regulations are also amended, reducing the period for which a person is required to isolate from 14 days to 10 days.

Vaccine roll-out begins in Wales

8 december 2020.

Health boards start administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to care home staff, people aged over 80, and frontline health and social care workers who are most at risk. The Welsh Government says that despite the specific storage and preparation challenges associated with this vaccine, ‘work continues to ensure a safe deployment of effective vaccine to care home residents’.

New year plans for Welsh students’ return

7 december 2020.

Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, announces plans for the ‘safe return’ of students to Welsh universities after the Christmas break. Students will be invited to return to campus over a four week period, beginning 11 January 2020, Healthcare students are among those who will be prioritised for early return. There will be a phased return to in-person teaching, and lateral-flow tests for students returning to their university accommodation.

£500 payment scheme now open to parents/carers

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that the Self-Isolation Support Scheme will now be extended to parents and carers on low incomes with children who are self-isolating because of a coronavirus outbreak in their school or childcare setting.

Restrictions in hospitality and leisure sectors now in force

4 december 2020.

New restrictions on pubs and restaurants in Wales come into effect at 6pm on this date. Under the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions and Functions of Local Authorities) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2020 , hospitality businesses in Wales must close by 6pm each day and are not permitted to serve alcohol at any time. Indoor entertainment and visitor attractions must also close, as announced on 30 November. The period of closure will be reviewed by the Welsh Ministers by Thursday 17 December, and at least once in every three week period after that date.

UK coronavirus travel restrictions

3 december 2020.

The First Minister announces that travel between Wales and areas of the UK with high rates of coronavirus will not be allowed from 6pm on 4 December 2020. Wales’ coronavirus regulations will be amended to prohibit travel to and from tier three areas in England; level three and four areas in Scotland and the whole of Northern Ireland, which is currently in lockdown. People in Wales will be strongly advised not to travel to other parts of the UK with lower levels of coronavirus (tier one and two areas in England or level one and two areas in Scotland) to help control the spread of the virus. There are no restrictions on travel within Wales. All travel restrictions within the UK will be suspended between 23 and 27 December 2020 to allow people to meet members of their Christmas bubble. The travel restrictions are likely to remain in place until at least January 2021 but will be kept under constant review.

Virtual group health clinics to be rolled out

The Health Minister announces that virtual consultations across NHS Wales services are to be expanded to include virtual group clinics, for outpatients across primary, secondary and community care. The virtual group clinics will deliver care to groups of people with similar health needs, including diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, rheumatology and dermatology.

Vaccine Deployment in Wales

2 december 2020.

Wales’ Health Minister welcomes the news that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine temporary authorisation for use based on evidence of safety and effectiveness. The vaccine will be deployed based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommends that the vaccine be offered in the first instance to care home residents and health and social care workers, alongside people aged 80 and over. Wales is ready to deploy the vaccine in phases, starting with hospital sites and then community settings. People will automatically be sent appointments. The vaccine will not be mandatory.

New targeted restrictions in hospitality and leisure

30 november 2020.

The First Minister announces that from 4 December 2020, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will have to close by 6pm and will not be allowed to serve alcohol. After 6pm they will only be able to provide takeaway services. Indoor entertainment and visitor attractions must also close. The Welsh Government is making a further £340m available through the Economic Resilience Fund to support businesses affected by the new changes to the regulations. This will include a specific fund to support hospitality and tourism businesses.

Hospital visiting guidelines reviewed

Revised guidance on NHS Wales hospital visiting during the coronavirus outbreak is published. The guidance sets out the ‘baseline’ for visiting in Wales during the pandemic, but allows health boards, trusts and hospices to have some flexibility. Visiting in maternity services will now be based on a risk assessment approach by health boards, and the updated guidelines also recognise that some people may need specific additional support e.g. a support worker or interpreter.

Mass testing extended to the lower Cynon Valley

27 november 2020.

Wales’ Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, says that from 5 December 2020 the mass testing pilot will be extended into the lower Cynon Valley. The pilot began on 21 November in Merthyr. All residents in the area, regardless of symptoms, will be offered COVID-19 testing “to help find more positive cases and break chains of transmission”.

Free flu vaccine available for over 50s

25 november 2020.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, announces that from 1 December 2020, NHS Wales’ free flu vaccination will be available for anyone aged 50 or over. Those aged 50 and over should expect to be contacted by their GP practice or can contact their local pharmacy to arrange a vaccination.

UK-wide rules for Christmas agreed

24 november 2020.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that a broad set of UK-wide measures to help people come together during the festive period, in a way that is as safe as possible, have been agreed by the governments of the UK’s four nations. These include relaxing travel restrictions across the four nations and between tiers to provide a window for households to come together between 23 and 27 December 2020 and up to three households can form an exclusive ‘bubble’ to meet at home during this period. Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public place, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and meeting in other venues will be maintained throughout this period.

Pilot of testing visitors to care homes

23 november 2020.

Welsh Ministers announce that new rapid-testing technologies will be used to pilot a programme of Covid-19 screening for visitors to a small number of care homes across Wales from 30 November 2020. This is intended to pave the way for a wider roll-out to more Welsh care homes from the week commencing 14 December 2020. As part of the pilot, care homes across all parts of Wales have volunteered to offer testing to care home visitors using Lateral Flow Devices, which offer a result in roughly 20 minutes. Appropriate infection prevention and control procedures, such as hand hygiene and PPE, and appropriate social distancing must continue to be followed.

Changes to face covering policy in schools and colleges

Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, announces that the Welsh Government has updated its guidance on the use of face coverings in schools and colleges. The guidance now states that face coverings should be worn: in all areas outside the classroom by staff and learners in secondary schools and colleges; on dedicated school and college transport for learners in year 7 and up; and by visitors to all schools and colleges, including parents and carers dropping off and picking up children. The Welsh Government’s policy for face coverings in classrooms remains the same.

Visitor pods for care homes pilot

The Health Minister announces that temporary ‘pods’ will provided to care homes across Wales to help facilitate visits over the winter months. The £3 million pilot will cover the procurement, installation and lease of 100 units, with an initial 30 being installed and ready to use before Christmas.

UK-wide approach to Christmas rules

21 november 2020.

UK Government and devolved administrations meet to discuss shared arrangements for the festive period. ‘Ministers endorsed a shared objective of facilitating some limited additional household bubbling for a small number of days, but also emphasised that the public will be advised to remain cautious, and that wherever possible people should avoid travelling and minimise social contact’. Work is continuing to finalise the arrangements.

NHS Wales waiting times

19 november 2020.

Publication of NHS Wales performance statistics is resumed. The Health Minister says ‘Since the last planned care statistics were published in February, the number of people on the waiting list has increased, as they have elsewhere in the UK. This is due, in part, to the additional measures, which have been put in place to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading and to ensure people can be seen and treated safely. Everyone on the waiting list is being reviewed by their clinician and seen in order of clinical priority’. A new set of experimental measures for emergency departments is also being published .

Merthyr Tydfil to be first whole area testing pilot in Wales

18 november 2020.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, announces that everyone living or working in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough will be offered Covid-19 testing, whether they have symptoms or not, as part of the first mass testing of a whole area in Wales. All residents and workers will be offered repeat Covid-19 testing from 21 November 2020 to help find more positive cases and break the chains of transmission. The first site will open at Merthyr Tydfil leisure centre with further sites due to open throughout the county borough later in November. The mass testing programme will also see the use of Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) in Wales for the first time.

Plans for ‘Covid secure’ Senedd elections

17 november 2020.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, sets out plans to ensure the people of Wales can vote safely at the 2021 Senedd elections, and that they take place as planned on 6 May 2021. An Elections Planning Group has agreed on a number of measures, including greater flexibility around the nomination of candidates, as well as postal and proxy voting, and measures to ensure the safe operation of polling stations and count venues. The Welsh Government is also making contingency plans in the event that the pandemic presents such a serious threat to public health that it is not safe to hold the election in May 2021.

Self-isolation payment scheme opens

16 november 2020.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that people on low incomes who have coronavirus or have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect service are now able to apply for a £500 payment. The scheme is open to anyone receiving Universal Credit and other specified benefits. There will also be a discretionary element for those who do not meet the criteria but who face financial hardship as a result of self-isolating. People will be able to apply for the self-isolation payment via their local authority website from 16 November 2020 and payments will be backdated to 23 October 2020. A new top-up payment has also been introduced for people working in social care, to raise statutory sick pay to the level of their normal wages if they have to take time off because of coronavirus or because they have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus.

Funding to increase the number of contact tracers

13 november 2020.

The Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces an extra £15.7 million to increase the number of contact tracing staff in Wales for the “expected rise in demand in December through to the end of March”.

Support for those self-isolating

The Welsh Government publishes the details of its two support schemes for those who need to self-isolate due to COVID-19. Further details on the statutory sick payment enhancement scheme for care workers, including on eligibility, can be found here .

COVID-19 vaccine development

11 november 2020.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales welcomes the news that a COVID-19 vaccine could be ready by the end of 2020 but warned “that these are very early days”. Dr Frank Atherton said it could be towards the end of 2021 before a vaccine was rolled out fully to all the eligible population and in the meantime it is essential that everyone continues to observe social distancing, limit meeting in indoor spaces, wear face coverings where appropriate and practice good hand and cough hygiene.

Students travelling home for Christmas

Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, announces that two main measures have been agreed to enable the university sector to manage the movement of students at the end of term as safely as possible. Firstly, universities will conclude the majority of in-person teaching in the week leading up to 8 December 2020. Students who are planning to travel are encouraged to make arrangements to move from term time accommodation by 9 December at the latest. Secondly, students who wish to return home at the end of term will be asked to follow a simple set of guidelines. This will mean every student must make responsible choices to protect other people, including the option to take an asymptomatic lateral flow test.

Exams cancelled for 2021

10 november 2020.

The Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, announces that there will no GCSE, AS and A Level qualification exams in 2021. The Minister says “the primary reason for my decision is down to fairness; the time learners will spend in schools and colleges will vary hugely, and in this situation, it is impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams to take place”.

Welsh firebreak ends

9 november 2020.

The firebreak lockdown in Wales comes to an end and a new set of national measures come into force. Welsh Government guidance describes the rules for different settings and activities, with a key message to ‘think about what is the most sensible thing for you to do to protect your family, friends and your community, rather than thinking primarily about what you are allowed to do’.

Furlough scheme to be extended

5 november 2020.

UK Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announces that the furlough scheme will be extended across the UK until the end of March 2021. The scheme will pay up to 80 per cent of a person’s wage up to £2,500 a month. The UK Government will review the policy in January 2021. Wales’ Finance Minister, Rebecca Evans MS , welcomes the extension, but urges the Chancellor to backdate support for Welsh businesses and workers for the entirety of Wales’ 17 day firebreak.

England enters lockdown

National restrictions come into force in England for a period of four weeks up to 2 December 2020. The Welsh Government has issued a reminder on cross-border travel . Elsewhere in the UK: a five-tiered system of local protection levels is in place in Scotland this was introduced on the 2 November 2020); national restrictions in Northern Ireland were introduced on 16 October 2020 for a four week period.

Funding to support vulnerable mental health service users

4 november 2020.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Eluned Morgan, pledges additional funding of nearly £3 million to support some of the most vulnerable mental health service users in Wales during the pandemic. Support will be available for those looking for work, permanent accommodation, or who may be struggling with mental health or substance misuse problems. ‘The additional funding will provide early, targeted support, for the most vulnerable individuals in a preventative capacity to reduce the escalation of often complex needs’.

National measures to follow Wales’ firebreak

2 november 2020.

The First Minster announces that from 9 November a new set of national measures will replace the firebreak. These include: two households being able to form an extended household (or bubble); up to 15 people can take part in organised events indoors and up to 30 people can outdoors; and all premises that were closed can reopen.

England to enter a national lockdown

31 october 2020.

The UK Prime Minister announces new national restrictions for England from 5 November 2020.

Help for people self-isolating

30 october 2020.

The Welsh Government announces two new schemes of financial support for people who need to self-isolate due a positive coronavirus test result or who are asked to do so by NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect. Those on low incomes can apply for a £500 payment if they’re unable to work from home and would lose income due to self-isolating. There is also a new statutory sick pay enhancement scheme for social care staff to increase the statutory sick pay to their normal wages if they need to self-isolate.

Essential and non-essential items

29 october 2020.

The Welsh Government has updated its frequently asked questions on the firebreak to clarify the rules around the purchase of essential and non-essential items during this period. A list of items that supermarkets and other food and drink retailers are allowed to sell is published.

Support for vulnerable families and children

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, announces a £12.5m package of funding to support vulnerable children and families. It will support a range of services for children and families whose lives have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The funding is part of the Welsh Government’s Covid-19 Reconstruction: Challenges and Priorities agenda.

Firebreak begins

23 october 2020.

The firebreak begins at 6pm when national restrictions will come into effect until the end of the day on 8 November 2020. The Welsh Government has published frequently asked questions for the firebreak and you can read our blog post for more information on what led to it.

New letter to those who were shielding

22 october 2020.

Letters from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales to those who are extremely vulnerable and were previously shielding, are currently being issued. There is no requirement for shielding to re-start but the letter contains the latest advice to people on how to take extra care and best protect themselves.

£1 million fund for carers

20 october 2020.

The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, announces a new fund of over £1m to help Wales’ unpaid carers cope with the financial pressures of COVID-19. Open to carers across Wales, the Carers Support Fund will see grants of up to £300 made available for a range of essentials, including; food, household items such as furniture or white goods, or electronics such as a laptop for access to support and services. The Fund will be available up to 31 March 2021.

£300 million for Welsh businesses

The Economy Minister, Ken Skates, announces that the Welsh Government is doubling the third phase of its Economic Resilience Fund, making nearly £300 million available to support businesses that continue to be affected by COVID-19. The firebreak, which will begin on Friday 23 October and continue until Monday 9 November, will require a range of businesses to temporarily close their doors or reduce their operations. The latest round of the fund will aim to ensure further help for businesses across Wales.

Circuit break announced

19 october 2020.

Wales’ First Minister announces a 17 day ‘circuit break’ lockdown from 6pm Friday 23 October until the start of Monday 9 November 2020. People must stay at home, except for very limited purposes, and must not visit or meet people they do not live with. Certain businesses and venues, including bars, restaurants and most shops will close. Primary schools and childcare settings will remain open; secondary schools will be open for children in years 7 and 8 only, and will provide online learning for other years in the week after half-term. Universities will remain open and continue to provide a blend of in-person and online learning. Following the end of the circuit break, the Welsh Government says a new set of national rules will be introduced.

Travel restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus

14 october 2020.

First Minister Mark Drakeford announces that under new regulations being prepared by Welsh Ministers, people living in areas with a high-prevalence of coronavirus in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will not be able to travel to Wales for the time being. The regulations to provide for this will come into force at 6pm on Friday 16 October 2020.

Three-tiered alert system in England

12 october 2020.

The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announces a new, three tiered system of local COVID-19 alert levels in England. From 14 October 2020, Liverpool City Region will be placed on the ‘very high’ alert level (the highest).

Local restrictions in Bangor

9 october 2020.

Local coronavirus restrictions are introduced in response to an outbreak in Bangor. ‘The targeted local health protection area in Bangor is being created in response to a significant cluster of cases, which has developed in the city – the incident rate stands at around 400 cases per 100,000 people. Cases appear to be closely associated with young people and the student population’.

New Welsh Minister for Mental Health

8 october 2020.

The First Minister appoints Eluned Morgan as Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and the Welsh Language, in recognition of the impact the coronavirus pandemic has on people’s mental health and wellbeing. Eluned Morgan will work alongside the Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, who will continue to lead the Welsh Government’s coronavirus response.

Walk-through testing near universities

The Minister for Health and Social Services and Minister for Education confirm that more walk-through Local Testing Sites (LTS) will open this month near universities in Swansea, Cardiff, Bangor and Aberystwyth. (The first LTS opened in September in Pontypridd near the University of South Wales.

Care homes review

7 october 2020.

An independent, rapid review of care homes’ operational experience between July and September 2020, commissioned by the Welsh Government is published. The report highlights best practice and considerations for health and social care partners when planning for winter. The Welsh Government also publishes a progress update on its care home homes action plan

Covid 19 reconstruction plan

6 october 2020.

The Counsel General and Minister for European Transition, Jeremy Miles, publishes the report Covid-19 Reconstruction: Challenges and Priorities which sets out the Welsh Government’s approach to reconstruction. It highlights priority areas where Welsh Government will focus resources and efforts to maximise the benefits to Wales. Eight key priorities for reconstruction are set out and a £320 million package will be invested in projects and schemes in each of the priority areas over the next 6 months.

Changes for those living alone in areas under local restrictions

2 october 2020.

The First Minister announces that “adults living alone, including single parents, in areas under local coronavirus restrictions will be able to form a temporary bubble with another household in their local area” from 3 October. The Welsh Government says this change is “designed to help protect people living alone from the risk of experiencing loneliness and isolation”.

Restrictions extended in Caerphilly

02 october 2020.

Following a review of the regulations underpinning the coronavirus restrictions the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, says that “we need to see rates come down further before restrictions are relaxed” in Caerphilly. The Welsh Government said it will use the next 7 days “to agree a phased route out of these restrictions” with Caerphilly County Council and other local authorities.

Local restrictions across north Wales

29 september 2020.

The Health Minister announces that the measures which are in place in the other twelve local authority areas of Wales will come into force in Denbighshire, Flintshire, Conwy and Wrexham from Thursday 1 October

Prioritising COVID-19 tests

Wales’ Minister for Health and Social Care, Vaughan Gething, sets out the prioritisation for Covid-19 testing in Wales as the Welsh Government moves into a new phase of its response. The Minster set out six priorities for testing, the first being tests for NHS clinical care (hospital patients) followed by those living and working in care homes. The third priority is to test NHS staff including GPs and pharmacists and then testing to manage outbreaks. Those working in education or childcare settings are the fifth priority group with all symptomatic individuals being sixth.

Restrictions for three more counties

27 september 2020.

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announces that the same measures which are in place in the other nine local areas of Wales will come into force in Neath Port Talbot, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan from Monday 28 September.

Call to ‘protect the NHS’

The Welsh Government are asking people “to help protect vital services for those in most need by accessing alternative services rather than their Emergency Department when their complaint is neither life-threatening nor serious”. The Health Minister said: “we all need to remember that our NHS staff and services are still under huge pressure”.

Restrictions for Cardiff, Llanelli and Swansea

25 september 2020.

The Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces restrictions will come into force in Llanelli from 6pm on Saturday 26 September and in Cardiff and Swansea from 6pm on Sunday 27 September. The following measures will apply to all three areas: no one will be allowed to leave or enter their area without a reasonable excuse; and people can’t meet indoors with anyone they don’t live with including their extended household.

Review of the restrictions in Caerphilly

24 september 2020.

Following a review of the local coronavirus restrictions in Caerphilly the Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, says that “after discussing the situation with the local authority, we have decided to leave the restrictions in place for at least a further seven days”.

NHS COVID-19 app launches

People aged 16 and over across England and Wales can download the NHS COVID-19 app. The Welsh Government says it “forms a central part of the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme identifying contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus”.

Wales wide measures

22 september 2020.

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, attends a COBR meeting with the Prime Minister, First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland and the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. Mark Drakeford announces new measures for Wales which will come into effect at the same time as the rest of the UK. These include that from 6pm on Thursday 24 September: hospitality businesses (pubs, cafes, restaurants and casinos) will close at 10pm and will only be able to provide table service; off licenses, such as supermarkets, will stop selling alcohol at 10pm.

Increase in COVID-19 alert level

21 september 2020.

The four Chief Medical Officers for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland recommend that the COVID-19 alert level should increase to Level 4. This means that that the virus is in general circulation and transmission is high or rising exponentially.

Further local coronavirus restrictions

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, announces that restrictions will be introduced in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport. From 6pm on 22 September the following restrictions will be in place: people will not be able to leave or enter the local authority area without a reasonable excuse (such as for work or education); people will only be able to meet outdoors and not meet inside with members of their extended household; and licensed premises will have to close at 11pm. These measures will also be extended to Caerphilly borough at the same time.

Briefing from the UK Government’s advisors

The Chief Medical Officer for England, Chris Whitty, and the Chief Scientific Advisor, Patrick Vallance, provided a update on COVID-19. They highlighted that cases in the UK are doubling every 7 days and if this continues without any action there could be around 49,000 new cases per day by mid-October. Chris Whitty said it’s a “six month problem that we have to deal with collectively” and that “this is all of our problem”.

Testing update

17 september 2020.

In a statement, the Health Minister provides an update on Wales’ response to the current challenges with coronavirus testing.

Sport and leisure recovery funding

Wales’ Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism announces a £14 million ‘sport and leisure recovery fund’. The funding package aims to support the sector with the ongoing challenges resulting from the pandemic and provide longer-term sustainability. The fund will be delivered by Sport Wales, and will be in addition to the Emergency Sport Relief Fund and the Be Active Fund, also administered by Sport Wales

Rhondda Cynon Taf restrictions

16 september 2020.

The Health Minister announces that coronavirus restrictions will be tightened in Rhondda Cynon Taf following a sharp increase in cases in the area. From 6pm on 17 September: people will not be allowed to enter or leave the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council area without a reasonable excuse; people will only be able to meet outdoors; people will not be able to meet members of their extended household indoors, or form an extended household; all licensed premises must close at 11pm.

Winter protection plan

15 september 2020.

The Welsh Government publishes its winter protection plan for health and social care, setting out how services will manage the added challenge of coronavirus during the coming winter period. The Health Minister also made a statement in Plenary about the plan.

Newport is told to ‘be vigilant’

14 september 2020.

Residents of Newport are advised about the “need to stick to social distancing” as there are a rise in cases. Seven bars are listed which have seen confirmed cases of coronavirus and people are advised to look out for symptoms of COVID-19 if they have visited these premises recently.

New Cardiff coronavirus facility

Wales’ Health Minister announces £33 million funding for a new facility in Cardiff to manage any potential increase in coronavirus cases this winter. “The new facility, providing 400 extra beds, will be built next to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff following the decommissioning of the Dragon’s Heart hospital at the Principality Stadium”.

Working from home in Wales

13 september 2020.

The Welsh Government states its long-term ambition to see around 30% of Welsh workers working from home or near to home, including after the threat of coronavirus lessens. “The intention is to develop a hybrid workplace model, where staff can work in the office, at home, or in a hub location. The aim is that this will enable 30% or more of workers to work remotely, helping reduce congestion and pollution and improving work-life balance for employees and employers”.

The ‘rule of six’ and compulsory face coverings

11 september 2020.

In response to the increase in coronavirus cases across Wales, a tightening of the rules on meeting socially in Wales is announced, along with compulsory face coverings. From 14 September 2020, a maximum of six people can meet indoors at any one time (this does not include children under 11). They must be from the same exclusive household group/bubble. The rule of six does not apply to outdoor meetings in Wales. Social gatherings of more than six people are also prohibited in England from this date (indoors or outdoors). In Scotland, a maximum of six people from two households can gather together indoors or outdoors. Also from 14 September, all Welsh residents over the age of 11 (apart from those who are exempt) will be required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, such as shops. This does not extend to pubs and restaurant at the present time.

Actions in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff

10 september 2020.

“Enhanced public health actions” are announced in the Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil local authority area “to limit the spread of coronavirus”. This included that employers should “encourage staff to work from home where possible”.

Further changes to quarantine list

The Welsh Government announces that, from 12 September, people arriving in Wales from Hungary and Reunion must self-isolate for two weeks. Sweden will be removed from the quarantine list. This followed earlier amendments to the coronavirus international travel regulations adding the Greek islands of Santorini, Serifos and Tinos to the quarantine list effective from 10 September 2020.

Interventions in Caerphilly

7 september 2020.

The Welsh Government announces local restrictions to control the Caerphilly outbreak. From 6pm on 8 September 2020: people will not be allowed to enter or leave the Caerphilly County Borough Council area without reasonable excuse; over 11s will be required to wear face coverings in shops; meeting indoors with other people and extended households will not be allowed.

UK cases rise

6 september 2020.

2,988 new coronavirus cases were reported across the UK on 6 September, an increase of 1,175 cases from the previous day. 98 of these cases were in Wales, an increase of 21 cases from the previous day.

Caerphilly cluster

4 september 2020.

A ‘significant rise’ in coronavirus cases in Caerphilly is believed to result from people not adhering to social distancing. A temporary testing centre is set up at Caerphilly leisure centre.

UK policy divergence on quarantine requirements

3 september 2020.

The Health Minister announces that from 4 September 2020, people arriving in Wales from mainland Portugal, Gibraltar, French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Paros and Antiparos and Crete will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. The Scottish Government also announced quarantine requirements for Greece (from 3 September) and Portugal from 5 September). The UK Government makes no changes to its quarantine list for England.

Quarantine changes

29 august 2020.

Further changes are introduced to the list of countries and territories which are exempt from the quarantine rules. From this date people arriving in Wales from the Czech Republic, Jamaica and Switzerland will have to self-isolate for 14 days when they return. Passengers returning from Cuba and Singapore will no longer have to.

Holidaymakers urged to quarantine

28 august 2020.

Following a number of positive cases being reported in Wales from people returning from holidays and not self-isolating, the Welsh Government urges people to “follow the quarantine rules”.

Visits to care homes indoors to resume

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, confirms that indoor visits to care homes can resume from this date as well as visits to hospices and secure accommodation for children and young people. The Minister says it is for each institution to decide exactly when they begin these visits again.

Fines for unlicensed music events

27 august 2020.

The Welsh Government announces higher fines for the organisers of unlicensed music events where there are more than 30 people attending. It says this comes after discussions with the police and provides them with similar powers to those being introduced in England.

Face coverings in schools

26 august 2020.

Welsh Government recommends that face coverings are worn by “all members of the public over 11 years in indoor settings in which social distancing cannot be maintained, including schools and school transport”. Schools will be required to carry out “risk assessments of their estates to determine whether face coverings should be recommended for their staff and young people in communal areas”. The Technical Advisory Group has published its review of face coverings in schools.

22 August 2020

Further changes are made to the coronavirus international travel regulations. From this date, people arriving in the UK from Austria, Croatia and Trinidad and Tobago must now self-isolate for 14 days. The quarantine requirement for travellers from Portugal is removed.

Meeting with family and friends

21 august 2020.

Following the latest review of the coronavirus restrictions regulations, the First Minister confirms that from 22 August 2020, up to four households will be able to join together in Wales to form a bigger, extended household. The First Minister emphasised that conditions do not yet allow the easing of general restrictions on people meeting indoors. ‘This still means that we must not visit someone else’s home indoors unless we are part of an extended household with them or providing care. It also means we can only visit a business or premises indoors, such as a pub or restaurant, with members of our own household or extended household. It is, of course, possible to meet different people outdoors as long as social distancing is maintained’. Also from 22 August, limited indoor celebrations following a wedding, civil partnership, or funeral for up to 30 people may be permitted. The First Minister also indicated that over the next few weeks some limited outdoor events for up to 100 people will be piloted.

Report on coronavirus legislation

19 august 2020.

The Welsh Government publishes its first report to the Senedd on the making of Coronavirus-related legislation and use of powers under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

Coronavirus control plan

18 august 2020.

The Welsh Government publishes a coronavirus control plan, setting out how people and organisations across Wales should work together to manage the risks of coronavirus as we head into autumn and winter.

Further investment in testing

Welsh Government announces £32 million funding to improve coronavirus testing performance. This investment aims to speed up the processing of tests and ensure that testing and contact tracing systems are robust enough to deal with the next phase of the pandemic.

Extra funding for councils

17 august 2020.

Welsh Ministers announce a £260 million support package for local authorities in Wales. The funding is intended to help cover increased costs, manage loss of income pressures, and fund additional cleaning requirements for schools. ‘With the real possibility of further peaks during the autumn and winter months this investment will provide local authorities with the confidence to prepare their budgets for a potential second wave. The funds will be allocated on a claims basis’

Public transport ‘essential travel’ restriction lifted

‘Essential travel’ restriction on public transport is lifted in Wales. The essential travel message was introduced to prioritise the travel of key workers, as well as those with no alternative means of transport. The requirement to wear a face covering on public transport in Wales remains in place.

More countries added to quarantine list

14 august 2020.

The Welsh Government further amends the coronavirus international travel regulations to require anyone arriving in Wales from Aruba, France, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands and Turks and Caicos to self-isolate for 14 days. The same approach has been taken across the UK.

More family members can meet

First Minister announces changes to allow more families to meet up in Wales. The intention is that from Saturday 22 August: up to four households will be able to join together to form a single, extended household; a meal following a wedding, civil partnership or funeral will be allowed for up to 30 people indoors if social distancing can be maintained. The Welsh Government will not be making any changes to the rules on people meeting indoors with others who aren’t part of their household or extended household.

7 August 2020

The Minister for Health and Social Care, Vaughan Gething, announces the development of a winter protection plan. The Welsh Government says the plan will “set out expectations for health and social care” and “will provide us with greater certainty on a number of critical areas”. The plan will be published in September

Gyms and swimming pools to reopen

The First Minister for Wales confirms that swimming pools, indoor fitness studios, gyms and leisure centres will be able to reopen from Monday 10 August along with children’s indoor play areas. The Welsh Government says it’s continuing to explore whether changes can be made to enable people to meet indoors with other people who aren’t part of their extended household.

£800m for the Welsh NHS

5 august 2020.

The Welsh Government announces a £800 million stabilisation package to help the Welsh NHS “to prepare for the anticipated challenges that winter will bring”. This includes “responding to a potential second wave of [coronavirus], alongside normal winter pressures”.

More restrictions to be eased in Wales

31 july 2020.

Following the latest review of the coronavirus restrictions, the Welsh Government sets out its plans for the further easing of lockdown restrictions in Wales over the next three weeks. From 3 August, pubs and restaurants will be able to re-open indoors, as will bowling alleys, bingo halls and auction houses. The restrictions on meeting outdoors will also be relaxed from 3 August, so that up to 30 people can meet outside provided social distancing is adhered to. From 10 August, if conditions allow, swimming pools, spas, gyms, leisure centres and children’s indoor play areas will be able to re-open. The Welsh Government says it is exploring whether changes to the rules about people meeting indoors can be made from 17 August.

North of England restrictions

The UK Government announces local restrictions to be put in place in areas in the north of England in response to an increase in coronavirus cases.

Care homes action plan

30 july 2020.

The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services sets out an ‘action plan’ for care homes in Wales. This focuses on six key areas: infection prevention and control; personal protective equipment; general and clinical support for care homes; residents’ wellbeing; social care workers’ wellbeing, and financial sustainability.

Self-isolation period extended

The four UK Chief Medical Officers make a joint statement on extending the self-isolation period from 7 to 10 days for people who are symptomatic or have a positive test result.

Coronavirus restrictions continue to be relaxed

27 july 2020.

Beauty salons, cinemas, and museums can reopen in Wales from today. House viewings can also take place in unoccupied properties. New rules making it compulsory to wear a face covering on public transport, including taxis, come into effect.

Quarantine for travellers from Spain re-imposed

25 july 2020.

Ministers from all four UK countries agree to re-introduce quarantine measures for people arriving from Spain, in response to an increased prevalence of coronavirus in parts of that country. From 26 July 2020, anyone arriving in the UK from Spain (including its islands) will need to self-isolate for 14 days. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 give effect to this in Wales.

Campsites and hotels re-open

Tourist accommodation with shared facilities, such as camping sites and all hotels are able to re-open in Wales. Underground attractions can also reopen from today.

Funding to support universities and colleges

22 july 2020.

Welsh Government announces £50 million additional funding for universities and colleges - ‘The support is part of the Welsh Government’s actions to support students and Wales’ major education institutions and provide the skills and learning in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus’. £27 million will be provided to higher education institutions, with £23 million to support students in further education colleges and sixth forms.

Reopening of playgrounds and funfairs

20 july 2020.

From this date, playgrounds and outdoor gyms will be able to reopen in Wales, also funfairs (indoors and outdoors).

Report on coronavirus deaths in Wales

17 july 2020.

First review of coronavirus deaths in Wales is published. The Technical Advisory Group’s report found that during 1 March and 31 May, coronavirus was a factor in 24.1% of all deaths in Wales. The equivalent proportion of coronavirus related deaths in England was 42%. In Wales, mortality rates from coronavirus were highest in the Cardiff and Vale Health Board area, with death rates highest among older people, people from BAME communities, and deprived communities. Men have consistently higher mortality rates across all ethnic groups. It states that the most critical factors in reducing excess deaths in any future wave of coronavirus are likely to be: early recognition of a resurgence of infection in the community, and; a continued focus on identifying and protecting the most vulnerable people in society.

Update on shielding in Wales

16 july 2020.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales confirms that people in Wales who are shielding will no longer need to do so after 16 August.

New testing strategy

15 july 2020.

A new Wales coronavirus testing strategy is released, setting out the Welsh Government’s testing priorities for the next phase. ‘This strategy sets out how testing will work alongside the easing of lock down measures to ensure that we can keep the number of daily cases low, but also sets out how we will continue to build capacity for the possibility of a second wave until an effective vaccine with long-term protective efficacy becomes available and widely used’.

Face coverings to be mandatory on public transport

13 july 2020.

The First Minister announces that it will become mandatory in Wales to wear a three layer face covering on public transport, including taxis, from 27 July 2020. He also said that some businesses may ask people to wear a face covering before entering their premises.

Further lockdown restrictions to be lifted in Wales

10 july 2020.

Following the latest review of the coronavirus restrictions regulations in Wales, the First Minister sets out plans to ease lockdown restrictions further. The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 were revoked and replaced with Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020. From 11 July 2020, self-contained holiday accommodation without shared facilities can reopen. From 13 July 2020, a number of services/businesses can reopen if they are able to do so safely, including hairdressers, outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants, outdoor cinemas, most indoor visitor attractions, and places of worship. The First Minister also announced the lifting of restrictions in other areas throughout July, including those relating to playgrounds and outdoor gyms (from 20 July 2020), other tourist accommodation (from 25 July 2020), ‘close contact’ services such as beauty salons, indoor cinemas and museums, and full reopening of the housing market (from 27 July 2020).

Welsh back to school plans

9 july 2020.

Education Minister announces ‘back to school’ plans in Wales from 1 September 2020. Schools will return to full capacity, with only limited social distancing within contact groups. The Minister also announced £29 million funding to ‘recruit, recover and raise standards’ in Welsh schools. The Welsh Government has published the Technical Advisory Group’s advice which recommended a September return to school.

Quarantine restrictions in Wales eased

Welsh Government agrees to amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Wales) Regulations 2020to exempt those travelling from a list of countries from quarantine requirements. The amended regulations will come into force on 10 July.

Travel restrictions lifted and ‘extended’ households allowed

6 july 2020.

The requirement to ‘stay local’ is lifted from today, meaning people are allowed travel within Wales and into Wales. ‘It will also mean outdoor visitor attractions can open and it will pave the way for the tourism sector to begin reopening from 11 July, if conditions allow’. Also from this date, people from two separate households will be able to join together to form one exclusive, extended household. This easing of lockdown measures was confirmed by the First Minister in a statement on 3 July 2020.

English pubs and hairdressers reopen

4 july 2020.

Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers reopen in England. Other changes from this date in England include two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing, reopening of holiday accommodation sites and some leisure facilities and tourist attractions, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres. These changes were announced by the UK Prime Minister on 23 June 2020.

International travel restrictions eased in England

03 july 2020.

The UK Government announces that from 10 July 2020, people will be able to travel to countries identified as ‘lower-risk’ without having to self-isolate on return to England. ‘The Devolved Administrations will set out their own approach to exemptions [from self-isolation], and so passengers returning to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should ensure they follow the laws and guidance which applies there’.

Phased reopening for hospitality and tourism sector

02 july 2020.

Wales’ International Relations Minister sets out a timetable for phased reopening of the tourism sector. Bars, restaurants and cafes with outdoor spaces will prepare to re-open outdoors from 13 July 2020. ‘A final decision about outdoor re-opening will be made at the next review of the coronavirus regulations on 9 July and will depend on whether rates of coronavirus are continuing to fall. Future decisions about indoor re-opening will be made later and will depend on the success of the first phase of outdoor opening’. Also subject to the review of coronavirus regulations on 9 July, the date that bookings for self-contained holiday accommodation can be accepted is being brought forward to 11 July from 13 July, to help with the pattern of Saturday-to-Saturday bookings.

Quarantine for international travellers remains in Wales

30 june 2020.

First Minister makes a statement that following a review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Wales) Regulations 2020, the requirement for people arriving or returning from overseas to self-isolate for 14 days will remain in place in Wales. ‘The Regulations may be amended in due course pending the outcome of ongoing discussions with the other UK administrations and full consideration of the medical and scientific advice underpinning any changes which may be proposed’.

Schools in Wales re-open

29 june 2020.

Children return to school in Wales in a phased approach. Year groups will be split into cohorts with staggered start times and breaks. It is expected that, at most, a third of pupils will be present at any one time. Updated guidance for schools and frequently asked questions are published on the Welsh Government website.

Outbreaks at meat and food processing sites

24 june 2020.

Health Minister makes a statement on two coronavirus outbreaks centred on meat and food processing sites in Wales, at the 2 Sisters plant in Llangefni, Anglesey and the Rowan Foods plant in Wrexham. New guidance for meat processing and food production plants on preventing and managing outbreaks of coronavirus was subsequently issued on 26 June 2020

Report on BAME coronavirus outcomes

22 june 2020.

A report on the factors influencing negative Covid-19 outcomes for individuals from BAME backgrounds is published. In a statement on 25 June 2020, the First Minister said the Welsh Government would give detailed consideration to the report and provide a formal response to its recommendations shortly.

Review of the coronavirus restrictions

19 june 2020.

The First Minister announces changes to the coronavirus restrictions following the fourth review of the regulations. From 22 June all non-essential retail business, childcare facilities, the housing market can re-open; and private prayer in places of worship can take place. The First Minister also reiterated that pupils will be returning to schools on 29 June. The requirement for people to stay local and within about five miles from their homes will remain in place for a further two weeks. However, the First Minister said that travel outside on a person’s local area is allowed on compassionate grounds. This includes “to visit a loved one who needs help or to visit someone at a care home outdoors”. The First Minster is looking to lift this restriction on 6 July.

Use of dexamethasone to treat COVID-19

17 june 2020.

The Health Minister announces that the guidance for hospitals treating COVID-19 has been updated to include the use of dexamethasone. This follows an announcement by Oxford University that dexamethasone significantly reduces mortality amongst patients who need oxygen or ventilation.

Face coverings recommended in Wales

9 june 2020.

The Welsh Government is recommending “that 3 layer face coverings should be used in situations where social distancing measures can be more difficult…for example, on public transport”. However, face coverings will not be mandatory. The Welsh Government also made it clear that wearing a face covering doesn’t replace the need for social distancing or hand washing. It also reiterated that anyone with coronavirus symptoms “must self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days and get a test as quickly as possible”. The Welsh Government has also published guidance on how to make a 3 layer face covering and frequently asked questions.

Quarantine for UK arrivals now in force

8 june 2020.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Wales) Regulations 2020 come into force – residents and visitors entering the country from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days to prevent the further spread of coronavirus. This reflects a common position across the four UK nations. There are a number of exemptions to the new border rules.

Return to school in Wales announced

3 june 2020.

Wales’ Education Minister announces that schools will reopen for all age groups on 29 June 2020. Term will be extended by one week to 27 July 2020. The Welsh Government publishes a document setting out its latest understanding of coronavirus in relation to children and education. Schools in England have been open since 1 June 2020. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, pupils will not return to schools before August 2020 when the new academic years there begin.

Contact tracing begins in Wales

1 june 2020.

With contact tracing being rolled out, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by a contact tracer and asked to provide details of everyone they have been in close contact with. Those close contacts will be contacted and asked to self-isolate for 14 days. The Minister for Health says that 8 June “contact tracing will be supported by a new online system” so people will have the option to provide the details of contacts online.

Changes for those shielding

Wales’ Minister for Health announces two changes for people who are shielding from today, but are advised to do so at times that are less busy to reduce the risk of contact with others. Firstly, they can exercise outdoors an unlimited number of times a day. Secondly, they can meet with another household outside on the same terms as the everyone else in Wales. The Minster said that they should continue to follow the other advice on shielding, as previously given, and all who are shielding “will receive a letter from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales before 15 June setting out the next steps”.

29 May 2020

In Wales, following the three week review of the regulations, the First Minister announces that the ‘stay at home’ message was changing to ‘stay local’. From 1 June two households can meet outdoors and social distancing and good hygiene practices should continue to be followed. It was stressed that people should remain local and use “five miles as a guide” but this is “a flexible concept which can vary depending on people’s circumstances”. The First Minister also signalled that “non-essential retail businesses should use the next three weeks to begin to prepare to reopen”. From 1 June in England, groups of 6 people can meet outdoors. Since 13 May people in England have been able to travel unlimited distances.

UK border measures announced

22 may 2020.

The UK Home Secretary announces new public health measures for all UK arrivals to help guard against a second wave of coronavirus. This includes 14 days self-isolation for anyone entering the UK, with some limited exemptions.

Welsh Government referred to the EHRC

21 may 2020.

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales calls for the Welsh Government to be investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) over concerns that older people’s human rights may have been breached in care homes. The Commissioner has concerns that older people’s rights may not have been sufficiently protected, in these settings and across health and social care more widely. The EHRC responded to say it ‘remains deeply concerned about serious potential breaches of older people’s human rights during this pandemic’. The EHRC said it is working closely with the Commissioner and “is considering the use of all its powers to protect older people’s rights”.

Home testing rolled out

18 may 2020.

From this date, people in Wales with symptoms of coronavirus should be able to request a home coronavirus test via an online booking service. This is part of a new, UK-wide system for ordering home testing kits. Critical workers in Wales are also able to request home testing kits via the online service, “with tests prioritised towards these workers over members of the public according to capacity”. The Welsh Government has published guidance on how to use the home testing kit.

Symptoms update

The four UK Chief Medical Officers issue an update to coronavirus symptoms to include loss of smell or taste. As of this date, all individuals should self-isolate if they develop at least one of: a new continuous cough; fever; loss of smell or taste (anosmia).

Testing for all care homes

16 may 2020.

The Minister for Health, Vaughan Gething, announces that all care home residents and staff are able to access tests on the UK Government portal.

Framework for education and childcare

15 may 2020.

The Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, publishes a framework outlining the principles and current thinking for the next phase of education and childcare in Wales.

Traffic light guide out of lockdown

The First Minister for Wales outlines the roadmap for easing the restrictions in Wales. It includes nine areas with four steps moving from the lockdown, to red, orange and green. The document says that these steps “represent broad phases” and that Wales “will not move wholescale from one phase to the next”. It is possible, therefore, to be in the red phase in one area and green in another.

Test, Trace, Protect

13 may 2020.

The Welsh Government publishes its testing strategy to “enhance health surveillance” and “undertake effective and extensive contact tracing”. It says that so far testing has focussed on people in hospitals, care homes and symptomatic key workers and the next phase will mean testing anyone in the community with symptoms.

Face coverings not compulsory

12 may 2020.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales said in a statement that he is “not recommending the compulsory wearing of face coverings by everyone when they leave home – this should be a matter of personal choice”.

Prime Minister tells England to stay alert

10 may 2020.

In a televised address the UK Prime Minister outlines changes to lockdown restrictions in England and promotes a new ‘stay alert’ message. Further details will be provided to the UK Parliament on 11 May 2020. The ‘stay at home’ message remains in place in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Scientific advice published

The Welsh Government publishes updated modelling from its Technical Advisory Cell (TAC). TAC’s advice, as well as that from the UK Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), is used to inform the Welsh Government’s response to coronavirus.

Lockdown in Wales extended

Lockdown is extended for a further three weeks in Wales with some minor amendments to the restrictions: people may go out to exercise more than once a day but must stay local; garden centres may open as long as they comply with physical distancing; local authorities can begin to plan for the safe reopening of libraries and municipal recycling centres. The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 were amended on 11 May to reflect this change.

‘Test, track and trace’ plan

The Health Minister outlines the Welsh Government’s Public Health Protection Response Plan. The Plan ‘will set out how an effective ‘test, track and trace’ programme and digital technology will be pivotal to controlling transmission of the virus’.

CYPE Committee question Health Minister

The Health and Social Services Minister and Deputy Minister answer questions from Children’ Young People and Education Committee Members on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on children’s physical and mental health, and on health and social care services.

Support for universities and students

The Education Minister publishes a higher education policy statement setting out how the Welsh Government is supporting universities and students dealing with the impact of coronavirus.

£500 payment for care workers

01 may 2020.

First Minister of Wales announces a £500 extra payment for social care staff. “The payment provides further recognition for an often “under-valued and overlooked” workforce. The payment will be available to some 64,600 care home workers and domiciliary care workers throughout Wales”.

Past the peak?

30 april 2020.

The UK Prime Minister says at the daily press conference that “we are past the peak of this disease”.

Health Minister appears before committee

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee scrutinises the Welsh Government’s response to coronavirus. The Health Minister answers questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), testing and an ‘exit strategy’ for lifting the current coronavirus restrictions.

Update on ventilators

29 april 2020.

Wales’ Health Minister provides an update on critical care capacity and ventilators. Of the additional 1,035 ventilators being procured by NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and through UK arrangements (as per his statement of 6 April), 353 have been received. The Minister said “The delivery of the ventilators procured through both the NHS Wales Shared Services and UK arrangements has always been on a phased basis over a 13 week period, based on the original projection of a peak occurring in June/July. There has always been sufficient ventilator capacity within NHS Wales throughout the COVID-19 period of activity”.

More drive-through testing

28 april 2020.

Two new testing centres will open and online booking service will be rolled out in Wales. A Welsh Government press release says that the testing centre in Llandudno will open on 29 April, and the Carmarthen centre will start testing critical workers on 30 April 2020.

Deaths data review

Welsh Government publishes a review of the mechanism for reporting COVID-19 deaths in Wales. The review followed the under-reporting of a significant number of deaths by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board. Issues were also identified with data provided by Hywel Dda Health Board.

Assembly committee scrutinises Education Minister

The Children, Young People and Education Committee questions the Minister about the impact of coronavirus on pre- and post-16 education. Earlier, the Minister issued a statement describing a phased approach to the reopening of schools - “schools will not immediately return to operating at full capacity”. The Minister emphasised that any move to reopen schools was not imminent.

Death in service

27 april 2020.

Wales’ Health Minister establishes a COVID-19 Death in Service Scheme for NHS and social care frontline workers. Under the Scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive a one-off sum of £60,000, regardless of individual workers’ salaries. The Scheme will be time-limited, providing cover for the duration of the pandemic and will apply retrospectively from the 25 March 2020.

Exit strategy framework

24 april 2020.

Welsh Government publishes its ‘framework for recovery’ from the coronavirus pandemic. The First Minister said “The whole of the UK entered ‘lockdown’ in the same ways and at the same time, and our preference as a government would be that all four nations retain a common approach to lifting the restrictions. However, we have been consistent in making clear that we will take the right decisions in the interests of the people of Wales”. The Counsel General and Minister for European Transition, Jeremy Miles, will be coordinating the recovery preparations.

Stay at home restrictions revised

The stay at home regulations are revised in Wales to clarify that people who leave their home with a reasonable excuse (such as for essential shopping, healthcare or work) cannot remain outside to do other things. New arrangements also allow people with certain health conditions or disabilities to leave home to exercise more than once a day. This is particularly aimed at helping families with children with autism and learning disabilities

Support for hospices

19 april 2020.

Wales’ Health Minister announces a £6.3 million three-month package of additional support for hospices.

Review of testing

18 april 2020.

Welsh Government publishes a review of its coronavirus testing regime. The review describes a range of delays and supply chain issues and confirms that “we will not reach 5000 tests by the 3rd week of April”. It includes a commitment to provide weekly updates setting out expected and actual increases in testing capacity.

Stay at home measures continue

16 april 2020.

Following the UK Government’s media briefing, the First Minister said that during a COBR meeting each of the four nations agreed to continue the current stay at home measures for a further three weeks. The Welsh Government published a statement on the review of the regulations underpinning these restrictions.

Statutory Sick Pay extended

New regulations come into force in Wales, England and Scotland to extend the statutory sick pay to include those who are extremely vulnerable and at high risk of severe illness from the coronavirus and are advised to stay at home for 12 weeks.

Social care funding

13 april 2020.

Wales’ Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces an extra £40m to support adult social care services during the coronavirus pandemic. “The Welsh Government has been working with local authorities and other partners to identify the additional resources needed to meet the extra demands on adult social care services. We will review this allocation and potentially make further money available if needed in the future”.

Expansion of video consultations

12 april 2020.

Welsh Government announces further investment to roll out video consultation service to secondary and community care. “This system will enable key services to maintain a visual link with patients, this is especially important in some services delivered in the community, including mental health services”.

Funding for charities

8 april 2020.

The UK Chancellor announces £750 million of funding for the charity sector. A share of this funding will be allocated through the Barnett formula to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Critical care

5 april 2020.

Health Minister issues statement about critical care capacity and availability of ventilators in Wales. He said that the number of critical care beds within Wales is “increasing on a daily basis”. As at 3 April, there are 353 critical care or invasively ventilated beds (there are normally around 153). He also highlighted that an additional 1,035 ventilators are being procured by NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and through UK arrangements – “We expect Wales to receive a population-based share of UK procurement”.

Social distancing - workplaces and funerals

4 april 2020.

Under amended regulations for Wales, businesses will have to take all reasonable steps to ensure the two metre social distancing rule is maintained between people on their premises. Guidance will be issued to explain what employers can reasonably be expected to do. The regulations also clarify the arrangements for funerals and crematoriums. The regulations, which amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020, will come into force on 7 April 2020.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

2 april 2020.

Following a rapid review of PPE across the UK, new UK wide guidance is published.

Virtual GP appointments

A video consultation service is rolled out to all GP practices in Wales.

Extra economic support

30 march 2020.

Wales’ First Minister announces a new £500 million Economic Resilience Fund to provide additional support to the Welsh economy, businesses and charities.

Declaration of threat to public health in Wales

29 march 2020.

The effect of the declaration is to enable the Welsh Ministers to use the powers conferred on them by Part 4 of Schedule 22 to the Coronavirus Act 2020, relating to the prohibition or restriction of events or gatherings and to the closure of premises or imposition of restrictions on persons entering or remaining inside premises.

Statutory sick pay from day 1

28 march 2020.

New regulations come into force in Wales, England and Scotland which allow statutory sick pay to be paid from the first day of an employee’s absence due to the coronavirus. This includes those who are unable to work due to having coronavirus symptoms and those in the household of someone with the symptoms.

New testing

The Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, announces a new coronavirus testing plan for Wales. This includes the introduction of a new antibody test (being tested in the UK in the coming week) which will identify whether people have recently had the virus and if they have an immunity.

Principality Stadium to become a field hospital

27 march 2020.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board announces that the Principality Stadium in Cardiff will be set up as a temporary hospital to provide 2,000 extra beds to the NHS. This will be supported by £8 million capital funding from Welsh Government. Plans are also being progressed to develop additional bed capacity in other parts of Wales. New regulations came into force on 30 March 2020 allowing a local authority to undertake development on its land in response to the coronavirus emergency without needing to obtain planning permission. As aresult, for example, local authorities could use leisure centres as temporary hospitals. The Health Minister provided further details on field hospitals in Wales in a written statement on 5 April 2020.

Closure of public paths and land

Using the new powers to enforce social distancing, a number of public paths and land in Wales are closed including Snowdon, Pen y Fan and sections of the Pembrokeshire coast.

Local authority care and support

26 march 2020.

New regulations were made in Wales to bring into force provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 to relax local authority duties relating to assessing and meeting needs for care and support. Local authorities now only have to meet needs in the most serious cases where someone is at risk of abuse or neglect

Carrying forward annual leave

New regulations come into force across Great Britain allowing workers, who cannot reasonably take annual leave due to the coronavirus, to carry over their holiday into the next two leave years.

Support for the self-employed

The Chancellor outlines a new UK income support scheme for self-employed people who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus.

Police powers

New regulations come into force giving the police powers to enforce social distancing in Wales and England. People not complying with the regulations can be directed to return home (or be removed from where they are and returned home), and can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Coronavirus Act 2020

25 march 2020.

Following agreement by both Houses of Parliament the Coronavirus Bill receives Royal Assent.

Legislative consent

24 march 2020.

Assembly agrees the Legislative Consent Motion on the Coronavirus Bill. When the UK Parliament wishes to legislate on a subject which is devolved to the National Assembly for Wales, convention requires it to receive the Assembly’s consent before it passes the legislation in question. This consent is given through Legislative Consent Motions (LCMs).

Shielding the extremely vulnerable

The Welsh Government published guidance for those who are identified as extremely vulnerable to the coronavirus. This includes information on the delivery of medicine and food as well as what to do if you’re living with somebody who is vulnerable.

Prime Minister’s address

23 march 2020.

The UK Prime Minister addresses the nation – all people are now required to stay at home except for very limited purposes. Non-essential shops and community spaces will close, and gatherings of more than two people in public are prohibited. These measures are enforceable by the police and other relevant authorities. The First Minister of Wales makes a statement on the new measures.

Tourism clampdown

The Welsh Government announces that caravan parks, campsites and tourist hotspots will be closed to visitors “from today”. Regulations requiring the closure of holiday parks, camping sites, amusement arcades and indoor play centres came into force in Wales on 24 March 2020. These also provide for the closure of certain public footpaths and land. These regulations were later replaced by the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 on 26 March 2020.

Travelling in Wales

22 march 2020.

The First Minister says that “social distancing includes avoiding all but essential travel and if people don’t follow this advice we will have no choice but to use powers to enforce it”

Forced closure of some businesses

20 march 2020.

The Prime Minister announces that the Government are “telling cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants to close tonight” as well as “nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres”. Regulations requiring the closure of businesses selling food or drink for consumption on the premises came into force in England and Wales the following day. These regulations were later replaced by the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 on 26 March 2020.

Coronavirus job retention scheme

The Chancellor announces the creation of a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where any UK employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover 80% of the salary of retained workers. The Scheme will cover the costs of wages backdated to 1 March 2020 and is initially set up to cover at least 3 months.

Emergency Bill introduced

19 march 2020.

The Coronavirus Bill 2019-21 is introduced in the House of Commons. According to the Explanatory Notes, the Bill “ensures that the agencies and services involved – schools, hospitals, the police etc. – have the tools and powers they need. Each of the four nations of the UK has its own set of laws, and thus these tools and powers differ to varying degrees in each area. Consistency of outcome will be achieved by making the range of tools and powers consistent across the UK”. Senedd Research’s summary provides more information on the Bill and its implications for Wales.

Committee questions Minister on school closures

The Education Minister appears before the Children, Young People and Education Committee to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on education, including the cancellation of this summer's GCSE and A-level exams.

Schools in Wales close

18 march 2020.

The Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, announces that the Easter break will be bought forward and schools across Wales “will close for statutory provision of education” by 20 March 2020. However, schools are open to children who are vulnerable and children of key workers who cannot be cared for at home.

Health protection regulations for Wales

Regulations come into force which provide for “the imposition of proportionate restrictions” on individuals where it’s suspected that they may have coronavirus. Similar regulations were made in England in February. These regulations were replaced by the Coronavirus Act 2020 which received Royal Assent on 25 March 2020.

Welsh Government briefs Health Committee

The Committee receive a technical briefing from the Chief Medical Officer on the response to COVID-19 in Wales, and from the Health Minister on the emergency legislation.

Legislative proposals

17 march 2020.

The UK Government publishes details of the proposed measures to be included in the fast-tracked coronavirus legislation.

Support for business

The Minister for Finance, Rebecca Evans, announced support for small businesses in Wales. Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or less with receive 100% reduction in business rates, and pubs with a rateable value between £51,000 and £100,000 with receive a £5,000 reduction.

Assembly business revised

Assembly business will prioritise COVID-19 and all non-time-critical business is suspended. The Senedd building closes to visitors.

Updated advice and social distancing

16 march 2020.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, updated advice that if anybody in a household has a new continuous cough or high temperature the whole household should self-isolate for 14 days. The Prime Minister also said that all non-essential contact and unnecessary travel should stop, and people should start to work from home where possible. This social distancing is particularly important for people over 70 years old, pregnant women and those with some health conditions, he added that “it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks”. The UK Government said they “will no longer be supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers”.

Suspension of non-urgent NHS appointments

13 march 2020.

Vaughan Gething announces the suspension of a number of NHS services including non-urgent outpatient appointments and non-urgent surgical admissions and procedures. The Minister says that “these actions will allow for services and beds to be reallocated and for staff to be redeployed and retained in priority areas”.

Statutory sick pay regulations

New regulations come into force across Wales, England and Scotland that those who are self-isolating, in line with guidance relating to COVID-19, are deemed to be incapable of working and are entitled to statutory sick pay.

Delay phase

12 march 2020.

The UK has moved into the delay phase and the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from ‘moderate’ to ‘high'. New advice issued says to self-isolate for 7 days if you develop a high temperature or a new continuous cough. You do not need to go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital. It’s recommended to only phone 111 if you’re symptoms don’t get better after 7 days or your condition gets worse.

Video health consultations

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, announces that a web-based service will allow people who are self-isolating to speak to and receive advice from NHS healthcare professionals via video.

11 March 2020

World Health Organization describes COVID-19 as a pandemic, but emphasises that this “does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this coronavirus. It doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do". (The term ‘pandemic’ refers to the spread of a new, infectious disease across multiple countries, rather than its severity or numbers of cases/deaths).

Budget 2020

The UK Chancellor announces a £12 billion package of measures to support public services, individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19. This includes additional funding for services, statutory sick pay changes, and a temporary increase in the Business Rates retail discount (which would be in England only). The Welsh Government welcomes the announcement, but wants further clarity about how the measures will be funded in full. “We are in ongoing discussions with the UK Government to ensure Wales gets the funding it needs to deal with the impact, especially in the context of the pressures our demographic makeup could present”.

‘COBRA Cymru’

10 march 2020.

The First Minister confirms that a core ministerial group has been established and is meeting weekly, “to make sure that we are in a position to respond urgently and immediately where such a response is necessary”. The Health and Social Services Minister also highlights that NHS Wales’ Chief Executive is establishing an ‘NHS Wales and social services planning and response team’, which will “provide ongoing support, co-ordination and integration of the health and social services response”.

Containment phase

9 march 2020.

The UK Prime Minister chairs an emergency COBRA meeting, attended by the First Ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister announces that the UK remains in the first ‘containment’ phase of the outbreak, but that extensive preparations are being made for a move to the ‘delay’ phase.

Emergency legislation

8 march 2020.

UK Government confirms that there will be an upcoming COVID-19 emergency bill, as part of the UK’s phased response to the virus. The legislation, which will apply across the four UK nations, provides Wales with emergency powers to respond “quickly and effectively” to the outbreak.

Notifiable disease

5 march 2020.

The Health Protection (Notification) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 are made, making COVID-19 a notifiable disease in Wales. Equivalent regulations for England were made the same day. Scotland was the first UK country to make COVID-19 a notifiable disease (from 22 February 2020), followed by Northern Ireland (29 February 2020).

Health Committee briefed

4 march 2020.

A special meeting of the Welsh Cabinet is held. The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee receive a technical briefing from the Director General of Health and Social Services and NHS Wales’ Chief Executive, the Chief Medical Officer, and Public Health Wales’ lead.

UK action plan

3 march 2020.

UK Government publishes its Coronavirus action plan: a guide to what you can expect. This joint action plan between the UK Government and devolved Governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland sets out a phased response to the virus. This includes the ‘contain phase’, the ‘delay phase’, a ‘research phase’ through to the ‘mitigate phase’. The action plan also said that government would “consider legislative options, if necessary, to help systems and services work more effectively in tackling the outbreak” and would ensure that “any necessary changes to legislation [were] taken forward as quickly as possible”.

First case in Wales

28 february 2020.

Wales’ first coronavirus case confirmed. The patient had travelled back to Wales from northern Italy.

Health protection regulations

10 february 2020.

For England, regulations were made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, which provide health professionals with the powers to “keep individuals in isolation where [they] believe there is a reasonable risk an individual may have the virus”. In response, Wales’ Health Minister said he was considering whether similar legislation was needed in Wales. The Welsh Ministers do have powers to make equivalent regulations for Wales under the 1984 Act. These regulations were replaced by the Coronavirus Act 2020 when it received royal ascent on 25 March 2020.

No NHS charges for overseas visitors

4 february 2020.

The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2020 are laid. These exempt overseas visitors from being charged for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in Wales. Equivalent regulations are also in force in England (from 29 January 2020).

Wash your hands

1 february 2020.

The UK Government launches a public information campaign to advise on how to slow the spread of COVID-19, similar to the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ campaign and emphasising the importance of hand-washing. The Welsh Government said it was working with Public Health Wales to support the campaign.

UK risk level

31 january 2020.

First UK coronavirus cases confirmed. The UK Chief Medical Officers advised an increase in the UK risk level from low to moderate. However, it was made clear that “this does not mean [they] think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed […] but that the UK should plan for all eventualities”.

Public health emergency

30 january 2020.

World Health Organization declares that COVID-19 had met the criteria of being a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Coronavirus first seen in China

31 december 2019.

A number of cases of pneumonia were reported in Wuhan, China, which were later identified as a new strain of coronavirus which had not been seen in humans before: the novel coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19 from 11 February 2020).

This part of the page is after the timeline

Article by Philippa Watkins and Lucy Morgan , Senedd Research, National Assembly for Wales

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Coronavirus timeline: the response in Wales

COVID-19: Lockdown roadmap dates - what's opening when, and what's allowed with how many people?

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have all eased restrictions but none are completely out of lockdown yet.

Political reporter @alixculbertson

Tuesday 15 June 2021 09:34, UK

Each UK nation has set out a roadmap out of lockdown with specific dates - but England's so-called Freedom Day on 21 June has been pushed back by four weeks.

Here are the timetables for lifting COVID-19 restrictions in each UK nation:

There are four steps to easing England's lockdown.

The prime minister had been hoping to lift most remaining rules on 21 June, but this has been delayed until 19 July due to a spike in Delta variant cases. However, some restrictions on weddings , wakes and care home residents will be lifted.

Step one out of lockdown was completed in two parts on 8 and 29 March, including schools returning and groups of six people allowed to meet outdoors.

Step two happened on 12 April when non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and outdoor attractions reopened, while bars and restaurants were allowed to serve customers outdoors, and groups limited to two households or by the "rule of six".

More on Covid-19

'Don't sit' on mpox vaccines and keep up surveillance, WHO's Europe chief says

Are we seeing a summer COVID wave and what are the FLiRT variants?

'Bowl of spaghetti': UK pandemic preparation to be laid bare in COVID inquiry report

Related Topics:

• Coronavirus

Step three - since 17 May:

• Outdoors, most social contact rules have been lifted, but gatherings of more than 30 are illegal
• Indoors, the rule of six or a larger group of up to two households is allowed
• Indoor hospitality reopened - pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys, museums, galleries, concert halls, children play areas, hotels, B&Bs - and indoor exercise classes allowed
• People can make a personal choice on whether to social distance when seeing friends and family - but should remain cautious
• Large indoor performances and sporting events with a capacity of 1,000 people are allowed
• Outdoor large performances and sporting events must have a maximum capacity of 4,000 people or must only be half full, whichever is lower
• Bigger sports stadiums are allowed 10,000 people or can only be a quarter full, whichever is lower
• Testing will be used to support these openings
• Weddings, wedding receptions, wakes, bar/bat mitzvahs and christenings are allowed with 30 people
• Funerals are allowed with as many people as a COVID-secure venue can accommodate with social distancing
• Care home residents can have up to five named visitors - two at a time - if visitors have tested negative
• Remaining university students to return to campus, with new home testing kits to be provided to increase testing uptake and help limit virus transmission
• Support groups and parent and child group gathering limits increased to 30 people (not including under-5s)
• Legal restriction or permitted reason requirement to travel internationally has been lifted - but traffic light system applies
• People are asked to continue working from home where possible

21 June - some restrictions on weddings and wakes lifted

• 30-person limit at weddings will be scrapped but rules on singing and dancing will remain
• Guest limits will be set by venues based on their social distancing requirements
• People must sit on tables of up to six people and receptions will be table service only
• Funeral wakes will also no longer be limited to 30 people
• Care home residents won't have to quarantine for 14 days after day visits out
• Pilot mass gathering events will continue, including at Euro 2020 where at least 40,000 fans will allowed at the final four matches at Wembley

Step four - 19 July (delayed from 21 June):

• All legal limits on social contact set to be removed
• Nightclubs and theatres will be able reopen and lifting of restrictions on large events such as festivals
• Testing could be used as a condition of entry to venues
• The four-week delay will be reviewed to see if action can be taken two weeks sooner, on 5 July

Yet to be decided

There are a few rules and issues that have not yet been agreed and will be subject to review during the easing of lockdown.

1. The one metre-plus rule, mandatory facemasks and working from home

The government had hoped to conclude a review of this before step four.

2. Whether you can use proof of having a COVID-19 vaccine to enter mass events

This remains under review by the government, but the idea of a COVID passport has seen a backlash from a cross-party group of MPs who say it would be discriminatory.

3. International travel

Travel has resumed to a very limited extent, with a traffic light system used to categorise countries depending on their COVID-19 situation.

People are advised only to travel to countries on the "green list" - which do not require quarantine on return - but very few destinations have made it onto this list.

4. Major events

The government has said testing could be used to ensure people can safely attend large events.

This is already being used at Euro 2020 games at Wembley Stadium.

From 7 June , groups of 30 people have been allowed to meet outdoors, including in private gardens, while up to three households can meet indoors, as Wales moved in a phased transition to alert level one.

After gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities were allowed to reopen on 3 May, concerts and sporting events are going ahead for up to 4,000 people standing and 10,000 seated.

The staged relaxing of restrictions will be reviewed ahead of 21 June to decide whether indoor events can restart.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said the phased approach will allow more people to be vaccinated twice amid concern of the spread of the Delta variant, first identified in India, while also ruling out a travel ban .

Community centre opening, indoor supervised activities for children, and indoor organised activities for up to 15 adults, such as exercise classes were earlier allowed and the outdoor reopening of pubs, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality businesses took place on 26 April.

That came after other restrictions were eased on 24 April, allowing any six people to meet up outdoors.

Level two - since 17 May

• Indoor hospitality reopened - bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes - with the rule of six (not including children under 11)
• Tourism accommodation reopened
• Entertainment venues - cinemas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, indoor play areas, casinos, amusement arcades, theatres, museums, galleries - reopened
• Up to 30 people can take part in organised indoor activities - up to 50 people outdoors (including wedding receptions and wakes)
• International travel allowed under the UK traffic light system

Level one - since 7 June

• Up to six people from outside a household bubble can meet in private homes
• A bubble of two households can form
• Up to 30 people can meet indoors
• Organised activities can have 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors, including weddings
• Nightclubs and adult entertainment venues must remain closed

Northern Ireland

The latest easing of restrictions on 24 May has meant pubs and restaurants can serve people indoors, while indoor attractions such as cinemas, museums and casinos have reopened.

Close contact services such as hairdressers had already opened on 23 April, as well as outdoor visitor attractions.

The next stage of easing lockdown has been set out for 21 June, although it is subject to the COVID-19 data and will be reviewed on 17 June.

If it goes ahead, up to 10 people from no more than two households could be allowed to meet in a private home and stay overnight.

Up to 15 people from any number of households could be allowed to meet in a private garden, while the number of people allowed at managed outdoor gatherings (currently 500) could increase.

Since 24 May:

• Indoor hospitality reopened - with a maximum of six people or more from one household (children under 12 do not count) allowed
• Indoor visitor attractions reopened subject to maximum numbers permitted
• Indoor group exercise and training in number limited to venue
• Travel to the rest of the UK permitted
• Up to 500 people can attend outdoor gatherings.

The nation has taken a different approach to the rest of the UK, choosing to put parts of Scotland under different restrictions.

The latest changes to the rules came on 5 June, and it had been hoped much of the country would move down to looser Level 1 restrictions. Instead, much of Scotland's central belt remains in Level 2 due to the spread of the Delta variant.

Some areas are now enjoying eased restrictions, though - Glasgow has been moved from Level 3 to Level 2, while a small number of places have moved into Level 1 or Level 0.

The rules under each level of restrictions are as follows:

• Pubs, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol indoors
• Six people from three households can meet inside homes and stay overnight
• People are allowed to hug loved ones
• Up to eight people from three households can meet indoors in a public place
• Up to 12 people from 12 households can meet outdoors in a private garden or public place
• Soft play centres and funfairs can reopen
• Eight people from four households can gather in private homes
• 10 people from four households can meet in cafes, pubs and restaurants
• Up to 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors
• All leisure and entertainment businesses - apart from nightclubs and adult entertainment venues - can reopen

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All UK travel corridors temporarily suspended to protect against new international variants

Emergency border measures introduced to prevent the spread of new variants of coronavirus into the UK.

• emergency measures introduced at the border to be in place for at least one month in order to protect the UK against new variants
• all international arrivals to the UK from any country (including British and Irish Nationals) must now take a pre-departure test and self-isolate for 10 days
• passengers must continue to fill in a Passenger Locator Form and have a negative test before travelling to the UK or could face a £500 fine for each

The government has today (15 January 2021) announced emergency border measures to prevent the spread of concerning new variants of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) into the UK, such as those first identified in Brazil and South America, and to protect us against the risk of as yet unidentified new strains.

From Monday 18 January at 4am, all travel corridors with the UK will be suspended – meaning that all international arrivals who have departed from or transited through any country outside the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days will be required to both take a pre-departure test, and self-isolate immediately for 10 days on arrival. This includes British and Irish nationals.

This urgent action is in response to increasing concern over the transmissibility and virulence of new strains evolving internationally. It will also ensure that the government is able to protect the progress being made on the country’s vaccination programme.

This move will be supported by increased enforcement, both at the border and across the UK, with Border Force increasing the number of spot checks on passengers that have entered the country.

International travel corridors have been in place since July 2020 for countries and territories where critical analysis suggests the risk of COVID-19 can be mitigated.

However, the level of risk associated with the emergence of new variants globally has now increased, requiring more stringent measures to block all potential avenues through which new strains of the virus could enter the UK while we consider how best to respond.

The new measures will be reviewed on Monday 15 February - while further work takes place to manage the threat posed by coronavirus variants.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

We are operating in a completely new environment in our fight against COVID-19 , with several worrying new strains of the virus emerging across the globe. Now more than ever, as we make strides vaccinating people up and down the country, we need to take advantage of all measures available to us – and these robust emergency precautions will help us protect the nation to ensure we continue to make progress.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic - the government is moving quickly in response to the latest scientific evidence, and we will continue to take swift action in banning travel from countries where new strains are formally identified, as we have done previously.

These measures are the right course of action now, to safeguard public health and prevent new strains of the virus from worsening the existing picture within the UK.

National restrictions for England introduced on 6 January 2021 remain in place, meaning that everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons.

The closure of all the UK travel corridors will ensure that for those returning from trips that fall into this limited set of exemptions, and for passengers arriving to the UK from abroad, there is a clear and robust set of measures to prevent cases of coronavirus entering the country.

Those in breach of the lockdown rules face penalties starting at £200, rising to a maximum of £6,400.

A number of exemptions to the travel corridor policy - including the need to travel for business - will be suspended from 4am on Monday 18th January, unless they are vital to maintaining the flow of critical goods, protecting essential services, protecting national security or facilitating government work.

See the full list of exemptions.

The government’s Test to Release scheme will remain in place, giving passengers the option to shorten the mandatory self-isolation period to as little as 5 days.

However, they will still need to adhere to national restrictions in place upon release from self-isolation.

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