Wales to introduce vaccine passports for nightclub entry

Vaccine passports are to become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and large-scale events in Wales from next month.

From 11 October people will have to use the NHS Covid Pass to prove they have been fully vaccinated or had a negative coronavirus test in the last 48 hours.

The pass will be required to enter nightclubs and indoor non-seated events for more than 500 people such as concerts. It will also be needed to attend outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people and any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance.

First minister Mark Drakeford said action was needed to reduce the need for “tougher measures” to combat coronavirus later this autumn.

Drakeford added: “We have high levels of the virus in our communities and while our fantastic vaccination programme has helped stop thousands more people from becoming seriously ill or dying, the pressure on the NHS is increasing.

“We hope introducing the requirement to show a Covid Pass will help keep venues and events – many of which have only recently started trading again – open.

“Showing a Covid Pass is already part of our collective effort to keep businesses open with some major events, such as the successful Green Man Festival, using it. We will continue to work closely with all businesses affected to ensure a smooth introduction and operation of this system.”

Last week the Scottish government voted to introduce vaccine passports for entry into nightclubs, music festivals and some football grounds from 1 October.

In England, the government scrapped plans to launch Covid certification by the end of September but said it was keeping the measure as a ‘Plan B’ for managing the virus during the autumn and winter months.

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