VACCINE passports will be required to enter nightclubs and events in Wales from next month, the First Minister has confirmed.

The measure is being introduced to help control the spread of coronavirus cases, which are currently very high in Wales.

However, despite in the rise in cases First Minister Mark Drakeford said he has no plans to move from alert level zero for the next three weeks, but is encouraging 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.

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

Mr 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.”

The requirement to show a NHS Covid Pass from next month means all over-18s will need to have a 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

• Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance

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.

Mr Drakeford added: “My message to you today is a simple but serious one – the pandemic is not over and we all need to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

"We have high levels of the virus in our communities and while our fantastic vaccination programme has helped stop thousands more people from becoming seriously ill or dying, the pressure on the NHS is increasing.

“We hope introducing the requirement to show a Covid pass will help keep venues and events – many of which have only recently started trading again – open.

“Showing a COVID Pass is already part of our collective effort to keep businesses open with some major events, such as the successful Green Man Festival, using it. We will continue to work closely with all businesses affected to ensure a smooth introduction and operation of this system.

“We want to do everything we can to Keep Wales Safe as we head into the autumn.”