Coronavirus update for Bridgend County Borough

Welsh Government has confirmed that further coronavirus restrictions are set to be eased over the next few weeks.

While Wales will remain at alert level zero for the immediate future, from 18 February all venues previously covered by the domestic Covid Pass regulations – large indoor and outdoor events, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls – will no longer need to restrict entry to vaccinated individuals, those who have a negative test or people who are medically exempt.

If they so wish, venues can opt to use the domestic Covid Pass on a voluntary basis as part of their coronavirus risk assessment and whatever reasonable measures they may have in place.

The international Covid Pass will remain in place to ensure safer international travel, and people will need to check the rules for entry for whatever country they are visiting, including whether there may be different requirements for children.

From 28 February, adults and children aged 11 and over will no longer be required to wear face coverings in most indoor places except for health and social care settings, all retail settings and public transport.

Schools will be able to decide on their own arrangements for wearing masks within classrooms, but they will remain necessary within secondary school areas where indoor physical distancing is not possible.

Adults will be able to remove their face coverings while interacting with babies and small children at baby and toddler groups.

Announcing the decision, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The pandemic is not over.

“This is why we are continuing to retain some important protections, including face coverings in health and care settings, on public transport and in retail, self-isolation requirements and specific coronavirus risk assessments and reasonable measures requirements in regulated premises.

“With increasing numbers of people vaccinated and thanks to everyone’s efforts in Wales, we can look forward to brighter times ahead.”

Mobile testing remains available for anyone experiencing symptoms of coronavirus. A drive-through testing facility is available at the former Revlon site in Maesteg (CF34 9TS) between 9am to 5pm. Drive-through testing is also available at Coity and Litchard Community Centre (CF31 1PA) from 9am-5pm.

A walk-through testing centre is available at the Bowls Hall car park in Angel Street, Bridgend (CF31 4AH) between 8am-8pm – please note that booking remains essential across all three sites.

You can arrange testing appointments by visiting the Welsh Government website or calling 119. If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can call 18001119 as an alternative.

People who do not have symptoms of Covid-19 can obtain a lateral flow test by collecting them from a participating local pharmacy, calling 119 or by ordering them online for home delivery.

Pupils and students can also access a lateral flow test from school or college during term time.

Once again, the people of Bridgend County Borough have played their part in helping to tackle the spread of coronavirus, and continue to work together to keep the community safe.

For more details about testing and vaccinations, please visit the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board website.

Council Leader Huw David