The Welsh government has announced it will relax most Covid-19 restrictions, including the need for fully vaccinated people returning from amber destinations from July 19 to quarantine.
First minister Mark Drakeford (pictured) said that those “who have been fully vaccinated in the UK will no longer need to self-isolate if they are returning from an amber list country, in line with the position in England and Scotland”.
However, the Welsh government’s updated Coronavirus Control Plan still warns against international travel.
“Measures to prevent new coronavirus infections being imported – especially new variants – as a result of international travel are important and will remain part of the measures required over the summer at alert level zero,” said the document.
“New variants present one of the biggest risks to the success of our vaccination programme and our overall response to bring coronavirus cases down, and keep them, under control.
“Our strong advice continues to be that people should avoid all non-essential international travel – this is the year to holiday in the UK.”
More: Scotland follows England with amber relaxation from July 19
It added: “Continued testing and certain quarantine requirements for arriving international travellers will need to remain in place for the foreseeable future. While we hope these can be reduced over time, we must also recognise that the restrictions protect the hard-won freedoms within the UK.”
From July 17, Wales will move to alert level one, which means up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing.
From August 7, it will be in alert level zero which means all premises will be able to open and most – but not all – restrictions will be removed.
There will also be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others indoors, including in private homes.
Face coverings will continue to be required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport, with the exception of hospitality settings.
On Tuesday, travel agents in Wales criticised the Welsh government for its stance on Covid-19 tests for travellers, saying the policy added extra costs and confusion.