COVID-19 pandemic in Wales

Most COVID-19 related legal restrictions concluded in Wales by the end of March and much of the infrastructure built up around managing the virus was wound down by the middle of 2022.

Though healthcare is largely run by the state across the UK (through NHS Wales in the Welsh case) with some private and charitable provision, policy and outcomes vary.

The first case of COVID-19 in Wales was confirmed on 28 February 2020 in a person who had returned from Northern Italy, and then transferred to a specialist NHS infection centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

A limited number of schools were permitted to remain open to provide support for key workers and children with additional needs.

[17] On 23 March, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, having the agreement of all devolved governments, announced a lockdown of the United Kingdom, with only essential services remaining open.

The following day the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 were approved by the Senedd, giving the Welsh Government emergency powers to deal with various aspects of managing the pandemic.

[23] Natural Resources Wales later announced that all sites and paths liable to have large numbers of people visiting, or pose a high risk, would be closed.

[36] He also announced "modest" changes to the measures already in force: some garden centres would be allowed to re-open, and people could now exercise outdoors more than once per day provided that they "stay[ed] local".

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced changes to the lockdown restrictions and specified dates for the reopening of hospitality businesses, hair and beauty salons, and outdoor leisure facilities.

[50] Towards the end of August, concerns grew about a potential second spike in infections, after passengers arriving at Cardiff Airport from overseas tested positive for the virus.

[55] Health minister Vaughan Gething drew attention to some specific cases of flouting of the guidelines, including a coach trip to Doncaster made by a group from Abercynon, which was said to be associated with one of the clusters of cases in RCT, saying "This wasn't a group of young people – it's entirely possible for people in their forties and fifties to behave irresponsibly, and we've seen a significant spread from that event".

On 25 September 2020, the Welsh Government announced that the cities of Cardiff and Swansea, and the town of Llanelli (part of Carmarthenshire) would go into local lockdowns in the next two days, joining Caerphilly, Newport, Bridgend, Merthyr, Blaenau Gwent and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

[63] The decision to forbid supermarkets from selling non-essential goods (such as clothing) during the circuit break lockdown caused a certain degree of controversy and confusion.

[65] Following the end of the circuit-breaker, Vaughan Gething claimed that there were "many promising signs" and an overall downward trend in most areas, but also warned the public against "going back to normal".

[67] From 9 November, pubs, restaurants and cafes reopened with groups of up to four people (children under eleven not counting in the total) from different households allowed to meet up in them; the 10 pm curfew for alcohol sales remained in place.

[69] Two households could form a bubble (interact when they wished) whilst any number of children under eleven and up to 15 or 30 individuals over that age could take part in indoor and outdoor organised events respectively.

[74] On 18 June 2021, the First Minister announced the pausing of relaxations due to the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant spreading across Wales, also saying that the country was at the start of a third wave of infections.

[76] From 11 October 2021, it's became compulsory for people over the age of 18 to present a COVID-19 Pass, recent negative LFT or PCR test at the licensed premises, clubs and large events.

[82] A few days later, Economy minister Vaughan Gething responded to plans to end all restrictions in England by saying that similar changes could be considered in Wales next month.

[20] A COVID-19 medical ventilator designed by Rhys Thomas, a consultant anaesthetist at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, Wales was given the go-ahead by the Welsh Government.

[91] Vaughan Gething announced a £100 million plan in March 2021 which was to establish a "route map to a modern and agile social care sector".

[109] In mid June 2021, the Welsh Government confirmed that all eligible adults in Wales had been offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, six weeks ahead of the target date of 31 July 2021.

[110] A COVID-19 medical ventilator designed by Rhys Thomas, a consultant anaesthetist at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, Wales was given the go-ahead by the Welsh Government.

The idea was suggested by Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price who challenged Thomas to come up with a simpler and more effective ventilator.

[113][114] The Welsh Government advised care home providers that they should order through their local council, while Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price lodged a formal complaint with the European Union over the issue.

[117] The Welsh Government also announced that it would provide financial assistance to state-owned Cardiff Airport, to maintain solvency during reduced operations.

[15] On 6 April, the Welsh Assembly announced funding for free child care for all children of key workers under five years old.

In aspects of blended learning, pupils in Wales missed 66 days of school, representing the highest average loss across all UK countries.

[132] Plans by the Welsh Government to extend the right to vote to prisoners serving less than four years were shelved, with ministers unable to commit "any official resource" due to the pandemic.

[145] After a 'firebreak' lockdown was imposed in late October to control the spread of COVID-19 in Wales, supermarkets were prohibited from selling 'non-essential goods' after many other retailers were forced to close.