CROWDS can begin returning to outdoor sporting events from tomorrow as the Welsh Government sets out its phased approach for moving the country out of restrictions.

From tomorrow (Saturday), the number of people who can be present at outdoor events will rise from 50 to 500.

Then from Friday, 21 January, Wales would move to alert level zero for all outdoor activities.

This means there will be no limits on the number of people who can take part in outdoor activities.

Crowds will be able to return to outdoor sporting events, but those attending sporting events or other large outdoor events would need a Covid pass.

Outdoor hospitality will also be able to operate without additional measures from 21 January, with Covid passes still being required for entry into larger

If the downward trend continues, from Friday 28 January, Wales would move to alert level zero for all indoor activities with nightclubs being able to re-open and the work from home rule no longer being a legal requirement.

This means that from 28 January, the rule of six, table service and two metre physical distancing will no longer required in hospitality.

The move to remove restrictions comes as the latest public health data suggests cases of coronavirus have started to fall back from their very high levels.

More than two-thirds of people aged 12 and over have received a booster or third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The full move to alert level zero on 28 January will be dependent on the public health situation continuing to improve.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “I want to thank everyone for following the rules we have had in place since Boxing Day to help keep Wales safe while the fast-moving omicron variant has surged through our communities.

“I also want to thank everyone involved in our vaccination programme for the enormous efforts to give almost a third of the population a booster since the start of December – this has been vital in increasing our protection against omicron.

“The actions we have taken together have helped us to weather the omicron storm. The latest data suggests some positive signs that the peak may have passed.

“We can now look more confidently to the future and plan to start gradually removing the alert level two restrictions, starting with the outdoors measures.

“But the pandemic is not over. We will closely monitor the public health situation – this is a fast-moving and volatile variant, which could change suddenly. I urge everyone to continue to follow the rules and have your vaccines to keep Wales safe.”

From 28 January, when Wales moves to alert level zero, the Covid Pass will be required for entry to nightclubs, events, cinemas, concert halls and theatres.

The self-isolation rules for all those who test positive for Covid and the face covering rules for most public indoor places will remain in force after 28 January.

The three-weekly cycle would be re-introduced from 10 February, when the Welsh Government will review all remaining measures at alert level zero.