Written question WQ83965
- Asked by
- Adam PricePlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
Will the Welsh Government confirm whether pre-booked appointments at family centres are considered indoor public spaces with regard to the current facemask wearing requirements in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
The regulations require that a person must wear a face covering in indoor public areas of premises to which the public have or are permitted access, with the exception of hospitality premises.
I understand “family centres” to be services provided by health and social care providers. We set out in the update to the Coronavirus Control Plan in October the requirement to wear a face coverings in health and social care settings are expected to remain in place over the winter.
There could be circumstances where private areas of these premises (not open to the public) do not fall into the requirement to wear a face covering. While face-coverings would need to be worn in any communal areas (for example the reception or toilets) a room to which the public or staff are not having access, pre-booked for the purpose of family contact could be considered as not open to the public.
Responsible persons for these premises must however also consider the requirement to take all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus – which may include wearing of face coverings and/or ensuring private areas are thoroughly cleaned between appointments.