10 August 2021

This update covers:

  • Wales moves to alert level zero
  • Wales: Self-isolation support payment increased to £750
  • Scotland moves to beyond level zero
  • COVID-19 guidance

Wales moves to alert level zero

At alert level zero, all restrictions on meeting with others has been removed and all businesses are able to open. But some important protections will continue to be in place to give everyone the confidence to enjoy the summer.

These include:

  • Everyone must continue to isolate for 10 days if they have COVID-19 symptoms or if they have a positive test result.
  • Face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places in Wales, including close contact settings such as hair salons. There will be exemptions for people who cannot wear them, as there are currently.
  • All those responsible for premises open to the public and workplaces must carry out a Covid risk assessment and continue to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Read full statement

Wales: Self-isolation support payment increased to £750

Following changes to the policy on self-isolation, the Welsh Government’s self-isolation support scheme has increased from £500 to £750.

The increase in the payment came into effect from the 7th August and will be reviewed by Ministers in three months. The payment is designed to breakdown some of the financial barriers faced by people who are told to isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP) service because they have tested positive, have symptoms of coronavirus or are a close contact who is not fully vaccinated.

The payment scheme, which has been extended until March 2022, helps support those who cannot work from home as well as parents and carers with children who have tested positive and are self-isolating.

Read full statement 


Scotland moves to beyond level zero

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings was removed on 9 August and all venues across Scotland are able to re-open.

Some protective measures will stay in place such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. Capacity limits of 2000 people indoors and 5000 people outdoors will also remain in place although some exceptions may be possible on a case by case basis. These will be reviewed on a three weekly basis to ensure they remain proportionate.

Read full statement

 

COVID-19 guidance

Read our four nations’ FAQs which include links to the latest government guidance that must be followed.

Coronavirus: Business closures and restrictions in Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: Safer businesses and workplaces in Scotland

Working safely during coronavirus in England

Workplace guidance for employers and employees in Wales

 

See all updates