People will be allowed to watch children and grassroots team sports in Wales after Christmas, it has been announced.
Following on from the announcement earlier this week that sporting fixtures at all levels in Wales would be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day, the Welsh Government has backed down to allow some spectators to watch grassroots and community sport.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has put a limit on large events and gatherings, however an exception for team sports means up to 50 spectators will be able to gather, in addition to those taking part.
There is also an exception for events involving children.
The amendment of the rule from the blanket ban on crowds is a boost to grassroots clubs and communities.
However, professional clubs in Wales will still be unable to welcome supporters to matches, with the Welsh Government announcing a £3million Spectator Sports Fund on Tuesday to support affected venues.
Due to the rising number of Omicron variant cases, the new measures will be introduced by the Welsh Government from 6am on Boxing Day.
The measures are a revised version of alert level two to respond to the new Omicron variant and are designed to help keep businesses open and trading and protect customers and staff.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said on Wednesday afternoon: “We are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious omicron variant is headed our way.
“This new form of coronavirus could infect large numbers of people in Wales, disrupting daily lives and businesses and could cause an increase in the number of people who need hospital care in the coming weeks.
“We will do everything we can to protect people’s health and livelihoods in Wales – this means taking early action to try and control its spread.
“We are changing the rules for businesses and some public spaces, where lots of different people mix daily and issuing strong and clear advice to help people stay safe in their own private homes and when meeting others.”
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