Covid pass for nightclubs and events not available in Welsh language

The NHS Covid Pass for entering nightclubs and attending some events in Wales is not available in the Welsh language.

The measure, which comes into force next month, and is being introduced to help control the spread of coronavirus, was announced today by First Minister Mark Drakeford.

According to a spokesperson for the Welsh Government it is working with the UK Government to deliver a bilingual version of the pass, adding that they “understand it will be available shortly”.

It is not currently possible to apply for the pass through the medium of Welsh either.

Graphic designer Iestyn Lloyd said: “Just tried for the ‘pass’. Everything in English. To prove who I was, had to upload a video reading numbers. I read the numbers in Welsh. They better accept Welsh.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson told Nation.Cymru: “We are working with the UK Government to deliver bilingual versions of the NHS.Uk and NHS Covid Pass and understand it will be available shortly.”

According to Mark Drakeford, the Covid pass is not a Covid passport because it did not require vaccination, and you could get one by reporting a negative Covid test.

The requirement to show an NHS Covid Pass will come into force from 11 October.

It will mean all over-18s will need to have a NHS Covid Pass to enter nightclubs, indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people, such as concerts or conventions, outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people and any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance.

‘Fully vaccinated’ 

People who are fully vaccinated in Wales can already download the NHS Covid Pass to securely show and share their vaccine status. It also allows people to show they have had a negative lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours.

Cases are currently very high in Wales but the alert level will remain at zero for the next three weeks.

Mark Drakeford has encouraged everyone to work from home whenever possible and to make sure they are fully vaccinated.

Awareness and enforcement of other key Covid protection measures, including face coverings in indoor public places and on public transport, will be increased.

When making the announcement about the new Covid pass, Mark Drakeford said: “Across Wales, coronavirus cases have risen to very high levels over the summer as more people have been gathering and meeting. Tragically, more people are dying from this terrible virus.

“The very strong advice we have from our scientific advisers is to take early action to prevent infections increasing further.

“The last thing we want is further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again. That’s why we must take small but meaningful action now to control the spread of the virus and reduce the need for tougher measures later.”