Covid pass for nightclubs and events now in force... here’s what you need to know
ADULTS will now need an NHS Covid Pass to attend large events, nightclubs and other similar venues within Wales.
The policy, which has come into force today (October 11), means anyone over 18 must show proof they’re fully vaccinated, had a negative lateral flow test within 48 hours or recently had the virus – in order to enter such venues. The Welsh Government is said to be implementing such passes because it fears that mass gatherings may drive up Covid-19 infection rates in communities.
Here’s a brief rundown of the new policy. It’s however only a guide. You can find official information through the Welsh Government website.
Where do you need it?
According to the Welsh Government website, the pass will be required in venues “where music is provided for dancing” – but only if they are authorised to serve or supply alcohol and are open between midnight and 5am.
“The venue must meet all three considerations to be captured by the requirement. However, the venue is captured by the requirement to operate the pass at all times (not just between midnight and 5am) if music is provided for dancing,” it states.
You now need an NHS pass to enter:
■ Nightclubs and similar venues
■ Indoor, unseated venues for more than 500 people
■ Any outdoor or indoor venues with a capacity over 4,000
■ Any event which has more than 10,000 people in attendance
The government states that “an event is considered to be unseated when some attendees are seated and some are standing.”
Are there exemptions?
The requirement will only apply to members of the public attending these venues and events. Staff, contractors, performers and volunteers “involved in the delivery of the event” are not required to show proof of vaccination or negative test. It also doesn’t apply to under 18s.
The following are examples of the types of premises that are specifically exempted from the requirement.
Premises at which:
■ an outdoor event that does not require an entrance fee or ticket to attend is being held, and where the event site has multiple points of entry (for example, a free fireworks display in a public park)
■ a protest or picket is being held
■ a mass participation sporting event is being held outdoors (such as a marathon)
■ the celebration of a marriage or civil partnership, or the life of a deceased person (when such celebrations are taking place) is taking place, for such time as the premises are being used for that purpose. This does not include other life events (for example, birthdays)
Who can get one?
The NHS Covid Pass is available to anyone who is aged over 16 and has been fully vaccinated in Wales or England. People who have had a negative lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours can also get a pass.
As well as now needing them to enter certain venues, the pass can also be used when travelling abroad. Additionally, it can be used to show your employer that you are fully vaccinated and aren’t required to selfisolate if you’re identified as a contact.
get a
How do you Covid pass?
You can access the digital NHS Covid Pass via the NHS website. This will allow you to produce a pass using a smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop. You’ll need to register for an NHS login to access the service and will need to upload a photo of your ID – such as a passport or a full UK driving licence.
It’s understood that you get a digital pass with a barcode that can be scanned, which comes with an expiry date. Alternatively, it’s reported that it can be downloaded as a pdf document.
You can’t get the pass via the NHS app in Wales as this method is only valid in England. The digital pass is only available in Wales through the NHS website.
Those who don’t have photographic ID are able to request a paper NHS Covid certificate instead. The paper version is said to only be available for those who had a full course of the vaccine at least five days prior.
You can request a paper Covid Pass by calling 0300 303 5667. It can take up to 10 working days for a certificate to arrive.
The Welsh Government website states that individuals can demonstrate their status at events requiring a Covid Pass by showing “confirmation of a negative test result by email or text provided by gov.uk.”
Additionally, by showing “confirmation of a positive test within the last 6 months which has been followed by the appropriate period of isolation i.e., 10 days) – this can be evidenced in the COVID pass or by text or email.”