Can we move forward without restrictions while case numbers are increasing?
SINCE mid-February, Covid rates in Wales have steadily increased, but despite this, restrictions are due to be removed next week.
In the last seven days, there have been 12,754 reports of new Covid cases , culminating in a total of 840,270 cases in Wales since the outbreak of Covid.
This month marks two years since Covid-19 sparked a global pandemic, which is still affecting our lives today.
Cerys Evans, from Cardiff, said: “I am still concerned about Covid because it’s still impacting our ability to live our lives as normal.
“All restrictions are likely to be lifted soon and we may not be required to isolate. I tested positive last week and had to miss a family member’s 90th birthday. But imagine if I had gone to the celebration while having Covid and given it to my partner’s 90-year-old grandparents, who are obviously at high risk of getting seriously ill. There was no way I could go.
“I’ve managed to avoid catching it for two years, but I know so many people who have got it at the moment, and now that people aren’t wearing masks or social distancing, I’m not surprised I managed to catch it from somewhere.”
By the second week of January, the number of Covid cases began to drop quickly. As a result,the Welsh Government was confident that the peak had passed, and on January 28, Wales was operating at alert level zero.
In mid-February, cases began to rise again with the subtype of Omicron variant, BA.2, which has proven to be more transmissible and faster moving than the original Omicron variant.
Cerys added: “I know less people are dying, but there are still people who are at serious risk, and while the cases are so high, it’s going to have a serious impact on the way that we can responsibly live our lives.
“I definitely will still be continuing to be cautious after restrictions are lifted. I am still wearing masks indoors and will continue doing so, and I will definitely be isolating if I have Covid again.”
Latest research shows that the average number of people in Wales wearing masks dropped 11% from March 2021 to 2022.
Since February 28, masks are only legally required to be worn on public transport and in retail, health and care settings.
However, some people in South Wales are open to restrictions being eased.
“Speaking as someone who lives in Cathays, I can safely say people are learning to live with it. So many students are out drinking on the weekend and not many people now wear masks in our local shops,” said Haydn Jones.
“I’ve had my first jab and I will not be having another as I’m seeing people who are double jabbed and boosted still getting Covid. If a vaccine doesn’t stop it, how will a mask?”
Jacob Stewart-Brown, from Cowbridge, said: “The way things are going, we are better equipped to deal with the disease, with immunity, treatments, vaccines, gradual mutations of the virus, and better knowledge.
“I’d say we just live with it.”
Today’s Covid press briefing, March 22:
- Eluned Morgan, Health Minister, said BA.2 is pushing infections up more quickly than expected.
- Spring booster will be offered to everyone over 75, to all older care home residents and to everyone over 12 who is immunosuppressed.
- Children aged five to 11 will also being offered a vaccine.
Currently, Welsh Government states that:
- You must continue to self-isolate if you have symptoms or a positive test.
- Face coverings are legally required in retail, public transport and health and care settings.
- Regulated premises must continue to do coronavirus risk assessments.
From March 28:
- The final set of restrictions are expected to be removed, with the Welsh Government launching a long term transition plan for tackling Covid.
