Welsh people return to nightclubs for the first time this year

Thousands of young people in Wales were queuing up in to nightclubs on the first night the Government allowed them to reopen. 

First Minister Mark Drakeford moved to Covid alert level zero yesterday, allowing nightclubs to reopen and cancelling social distancing rules. 

Last week, crowds were permitted to return to outdoor sporting events and limits were removed from taking part in outdoor activities. 

But the Covid pass will continue to be required for entry to larger outdoor events attended by more than 4,000 people, if unseated, or 10,000 people when seated.

Covid passes will still be required in all cinemas, theatres and concert halls which are currently open.

Nightclubs reopened in Wales for the first time in 2022 after First Minister Mark Drakeford downgraded the nation’s Covid alert status, allowing this girls in Wind Street, Swansea to enjoy a night out on the town

Large groups of people queued up outside Pryzm nightclub in Cardiff upon the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions 

Despite the threat of rain, partygoers stood outside nightclubs in cities like Cardiff, pictured, after nightclubs reopened

Last night, nightclubs reopened and the requirement for two-metre social distancing and the rule of six ended.

But businesses, employers and other organisations must continue to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

Working from home will remain part of the advice from the Welsh Government but it will no longer be a legal requirement.

Everyone must also continue to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus but the Welsh Government has reduced the self-isolation period from seven to five full days.

Face-covering rules, which apply on public transport and in most public indoor places remain in place. 

Hundreds of people stood waiting to get into the Live Lounge in Cardiff, which was allowing patrons in for the first time this year

Mr Drakeford said: ‘We have passed the peak of this Omicron wave and there are encouraging signs that cases of coronavirus may be starting to stabilise.

‘But we all need to continue taking steps to stay safe – unfortunately the pandemic is not over yet.

‘We are moving to alert level zero and we will retain some important protections, such as face coverings in most indoor public places and risk assessments.

‘We can do this thanks to the hard work and efforts of everyone in Wales and the remarkable success of our vaccine and booster programmes. Thank you all.’

Revellers in England were also celebrating the first full weekend without significant Covid restrictions.  

These three girls were photographed last night in Leeds City Centre, celebrating the first weekend of freedom from Covid-19

These friends also celebrated the end of the Plan B Covid-19 rules which were removed during the week

It was the first weekend that young people were able to go to nightclubs in England and Wales with the reduction in Covid numbers 

Though most restrictions in England were lifted earlier this month, England officially moved from Plan B to Plan A on Thursday.

The move included the ditching of masks in indoor areas, such as pubs, bars and hospitality venues. Work from Home guidance was also lifted earlier this week.