Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“I welcome the announcement from the First Minister that the requirement to wear face coverings in all indoor public places will remain in place in Wales for the time being.
“I’d like to thank all of the older people who contacted me to share their views on how changes to restrictions might impact upon their lives as it’s so important that older people’s voices are heard and are used to guide decisions.
“Many of the older people who contacted me told me that they wanted this requirement to remain in place and that they would feel anxious if it were to be removed at this time, given the rising number of cases and the impact this might have on health services.
“The older people who responded also shared concerns about the ways that removing this requirement would impact upon their day-to-day lives, making them reluctant to use public transport or visit the shops, for example.
“So I am pleased that the Welsh Government has responded to my call – and the calls of other organisations – to maintain the use of face coverings indoors, which will give older people greater confidence, reduce anxiety about getting out and about in the community, and help to ensure that older people are not left behind as we move forward.”
