Nightclubs in Wales have re-opened following Omicron spike

UPDATE 28/01: Nightclubs in Wales can re-open today as the country moves to the third stage of the roadmap.

First Minister Mark Drakeford introduced a roadmap to see the restrictions in Wales drop to the lowest set known as ‘Level Zero’ but this still includes people having to continue to wear face coverings in many public places and self-isolation would still apply.

The roadmap saw numbers allowed to attend outdoor events rise from 50 to 500 on January 15 and then crowds return to sporting events and no limits on outdoor events on January 21.

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From today, nightclubs and hospitality in Wales is to operate like normal for the first time since Boxing Day as they move to the third stage of the roadmap.

COVID passes are required for large events, cinemas, nightclubs, and theatres. Working from home is also no longer a legal requirement.

Wales has also followed England by reducing self-isolation to five days rather than seven.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed this update and said to Radio Wales Breakfast there were "encouraging signs" that cases numbers were stabilising.

"We should enjoy the moment. We are past the peak of the Omicron wave and back, in terms of numbers, to where we were before Omicron began," he said.

But added: "We all need to continue taking steps to stay safe - unfortunately the pandemic is not over yet."

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The final stage of the roadmap is on February 10 when Wales will return to a three-week review cycle as it sits at alert level zero.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter