Sporting events will be played behind closed doors from Boxing
Day in Wales to help control the spread of the new omicron
variant.
Economy Minister announced the new measures
for indoor and outdoor sporting events as the latest figures
showed a further steep rise in the number of confirmed cases of
the fast-moving variant.
He also confirmed a £3m Spectator Sports Fund will be available
to support clubs and sporting venues affected by the new measures
to protect public health.
Further details about the fund will be available following
discussions with the sector.
The Economy Minister said:
“Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big
highlights of the year. Unfortunately, the new omicron variant is
a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large
number of infections.
“We need to do everything we can to protect people’s health and
control the spread of this awful virus.
“Throughout the pandemic we have followed scientific and public
health advice to keep people safe. The advice is clear – we need
to act now in response to the threat of omicron. We are giving
people as much notice of these decisions as we can.
“Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to
be here to enjoy their favourite sports.”
The decision comes as some football clubs have already announced
Christmas matches have been postponed because of cases of
Covid-19 in their squads.
Cardiff City FC has postponed its Boxing Day match against
Coventry City due to several cases of Covid-19 in its playing
squad and staff. And League Two leaders Forest Green will not be
playing Newport County.
The latest figures show omicron cases are rising quickly in all
parts of Wales.
The overall rate of coronavirus infections is also rising in
Wales and now stands at just under 550 cases per 100,000 people.
The First Minister last week warned of a gathering storm of
omicron infections after the Christmas period as some
strengthened measures were introduced from 27 December to protect
lives and livelihoods.
The coronavirus regulations, including playing sports behind
closed doors, will be reviewed regularly.
Notes to editors
Note to Editors
A sporting event refers to all indoor and outdoor sporting
events, whether ticketed or not, with spectators. It includes
larger sporting events and those at every level, including
community sporting events, which attract significantly smaller
crowds.
Due to the fast-evolving situation, the Cabinet is closely
monitoring the public health situation to consider if any further
protections are needed as the number of omicron cases in Wales
increases rapidly.
