Under new rules starting on 11 October, people in Wales will need a Covid Pass proving they are fully vaccinated or test negative, in order to attend clubs and large events.
Customers can use an NHS Covid Pass to show their vaccination status or negative result of a lateral flow test in the last 48 hours.
People will require a pass to gain entry to nightclubs, indoor non-seated events with over 500 people, outdoor non-seated events with over 4,000 people, and any event with over 10,000 attendees.
However, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are disappointed by the move. And Plaid Cymru are “perplexed” by parts of the plan. Meanwhile, nightclub trade bodies warn it could harm the industry.
First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the move during his latest review of coronavirus restrictions. He argues that “the last thing we want is further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again”. That’s why he thinks we need “small but meaningful action now”. This will “control the spread of the virus and reduce the need for tougher measures later”.
Covid pass not just for the double jabbed
The Welsh government reject ideas for a vaccine only passport because it discriminates against people who cannot get a vaccination. Only letting those who are double jabbed attend nightclubs or sporting events raises “ethical, legal and technical questions”.
On 1 October, vaccine passports begin in Scotland. But Wales are using a pass instead which allows entry to people with a negative lateral flow test as well.
The UK government’s winter plan states the requirement for vaccine certification to attend nightclubs and other large events in England. However, this is part of a contingency plan. It will only come into force if needed to “prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS”.
The first minister came to the final decision on Covid passes on Thursday afternoon, following four cabinet meetings during the week to discuss the idea. The new passes will not start until 11 October, so relevant industries have time to prepare now.
Mr Drake says he doesn’t want to “interfere with people’s liberties” unless it is “necessary to prevent other restrictions on people’s lives”. Both he and the cabinet are “acutely aware” of the implications of everything that they do. But people suffering from Covid also have rights. “Part of their freedom is to live in a society where we take those reasonable measures to keep one another safe”.
Low cost interventions
The technology and system for Covid passes already exists, and is freely available to venues. It has already been used for some large scale events and festivals.
This measure is an example of what the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) calls a ‘low cost intervention’. It could prove enough action to prevent needing tougher restrictions at a later date.
Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, is disappointed by the news. He says the party are opposed to introducing such documentation. This is due to “the wide-ranging ethical, equality, privacy, legal, and operational ramifications”.
Including the lateral flow test may ease some of the concern, but there is still a lot more to consider. In particular, with regards to the overall effectiveness and impact it will have on businesses, jobs and economic recovery of the country.
Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru’s health spokesman, Rhun Ap Lorwerth, is “a bit perplexed about elements of this Covid pass scheme”. He believes that due to the wide spectrum of proposed scenarios for use, there are issues with implementation.
If the plan faces vote in the Senedd, Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds promises to go against it. She understands people want to return to a sense of normality, but feels vaccine passports are not the way to go about. She says, “we need to be careful about the precedent they set”. They are in effect, medical ID cards, and she will “lead the fight against their introduction”.
Working from home
Mr Drakeford also advised people to remain working from home if possible. Although there is no legality behind the guidance, the Welsh government want to “reinforce the importance” of home-working.
The first minister says: “If you don’t need to be in the office, for example, please work from home whenever you can”. Working from home is part of England’s Plan B, but remains part of Plan A for Wales. Mr Drake sees it as coming “in line with that advice from Sage that we should build up our defences in the autumn and winter early”.
A number of employers are using hybrid models, with staff working at home for some of the time, and at the office for the rest.
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