(Title Image: Welsh Government, Crown Copyright)
The Welsh Government has published a four-tier system of alert levels, which will form the basis of coronavirus-related restrictions after Christmas (pdf).
The system aligns with the “traffic light” alert system announced in May 2020. It could also be applied on a regional or local basis if deemed necessary.
The tiers, and measures for each one, include:
Alert Level One – As the lowest tier of alert level, this represents the closest to normality (<50 new cases-per-100,000 people over seven days). Reasonable-sized gatherings of up to 100 people can take place outdoors and restricted numbers of spectators can attend sport and other public events. Entertainment venues (i.e. cinemas) and non-essential retail can open with minimal restrictions. Large ceremonies like weddings and funeral wakes can take place with up to 50 (indoor) or 100 (outdoor) guests.
Alert Level Two – A heightened state of alert short of a lockdown in which additional measures may be introduced to control isolated outbreaks in places like care homes (up to 150 new cases-per-100,000 people). Spectators won’t be allowed into stadiums and there would be limits on public gatherings. Entertainment venues (i.e. cinemas) and non-essential retail can remain open with minimal restrictions though ice-skating rinks would close at this point (Covid-19 thrives on cold surfaces). Large ceremonies like weddings and funeral wakes can take place with up to 15 (indoor) or 30 (outdoor) guests.
Alert Level Three – A step short of a lockdown where cases (>150 cases per 100,000 people) are more difficult to monitor via track and trace. People will only be allowed to meet extended households outdoors. Non-essential retail will be allowed to remain open, but alcohol sales will be banned after 6 pm (except takeaway). Entertainment venues will need to close, while people will be advised against international travel or travel to areas with significantly higher or lower numbers of cases.
Alert Level Four – The highest level of alert and the equivalent of a lockdown, triggered by 300+ new cases per 100,000 people. This means transmission is increasing exponentially putting a strain on health services. People would be required to stay home except for essential reasons or for individual exercise. International travel will be banned without a reasonable excuse. Entertainment venues will need to close. Non-essential retail would close and all non-takeaway alcohol sales will be banned. Public ceremonies will be restricted, with funeral wakes and wedding receptions banned.
Schools, colleges and universities would remain open under all alert levels, while places of worship can also remain open at all alert levels (presumably subject to indoor restrictions).
It’s been suggested Wales will be placed into Alert Level Four restrictions from 6 pm on Christmas Day if new cases of Covid-19 continue to increase at current levels.
The Welsh Government said: “As we begin the process of rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine we can be optimistic about the future but we must continue to be cautious and take steps to control the spread of coronavirus and keep each other safe.”
