People in Wales have vastly varying opinions about the rise in Covid cases reported this week. While some think masks should remain in place others say they have more pressing issues to worry about like the rising cost of living.
This comes as Wales sees a rise in infection rate, leading the Welsh Government to review whether to scrap restrictions from Monday. The latest infection rate based on PCR tests for the seven days up to March 18 is 416.1 cases for every 100,000 people – a rise from the 403 cases recorded on Tuesday. You can see all the latest key data here.
Both First Minister Mark Drakeford and health minister Eluned Morgan say that the end of restrictions in Wales is not a definite. The Welsh Government cabinet will meet this week to look at the latest data and see if they will still do that.
Read more: First Minister says Covid in Wales is 'very concerning' as numbers 'rise rapidly'.
Speaking in the Senedd the First Minister said: "After a prolonged period of the number of people falling ill with coronavirus in Wales falling week by week in the last 10 days we've seen numbers rising again and not simply rising but rising rapidly and at an accelerating rate. Now Wales continues to have the lowest incidence of coronavirus of any of the four UK nations but the numbers that we are seeing are driving more people into hospital and we've seen the very preliminary signs of more people needing intensive care as well. So these are very concerning circumstances that we are having to face over this week as we come to the end of the three-week review."
WalesOnline readers had varied opinions on the news about the rise in case numbers. Some said they would continue wearing a mask in public places even if restrictions are lifted as planned on March 28.
Heather Del said: "Personally, wearing a mask, keeping my distance, and staying away from people if I'm ill don't seem that onerous. While many of us will have a mild illness there are lots that won't and even if they're in hospital because of something else having Covid, flu, TB, measles or anything else isn't going to help."
Rebecca Sian Curle added: "I really wonder why some people find wearing a face mask, keeping a bit of personal space and using common sense so much of an imposition!" Carol Ann Williams reflected on the last time restrictions were eased. She said: "When we stopped wearing masks in church a large Covid outbreak quickly followed. Let us learn from experience."
Other people were less keen on delaying the relaxation of restrictions from Monday. They raised the argument that Wales must learn to live with Covid no matter how much cases rise. Tracey Hutchinson said: "No more restrictions please, we have to live with all that is sent to us, there's always going to be another strain."
And for some it seemed like there are far bigger worries in their life than Covid. The cost of living crisis seems to be playing on the mind of people all across Wales. David Rees said: "Far more concerned at the prices of electricity/gas/petrol than catching something I’ve already been jabbed numerous times for. Need to be moving on not staying where we’ve been for over two years." Emma Williams added: "It's with us we have to learn to live with it unfortunately but it is what it is, be more concerned over the price of living which is more of a worrying time for us. By the end of the year majority of us will be in thousands of pounds in debt."
But some people reminded us that it is a privileged opinion to not want to wear masks. There are some people, who may be clinically vulnerable or otherwise afraid who are still scared to go to crowded public places for fear of catching coronavirus. Linda Meredith said: "Those not wanting to wear masks please spare a thought for the vulnerable some are still afraid to be in a crowded place."
Will restrictions ease on Monday, March 28 as planned? That's still a bit uncertain, as cases continue to rise. Here's everything we know.
Speaking on Tuesday, Wales' health minister Eluned Morgan said: "There are no foregone conclusions – we're analysing the data, we're giving ourselves as much time as we can. We will act in the best interests of the NHS and public health in Wales. We have got to consider the pressures on hospitals in Wales. Any new pressures in the NHS is going to lead to more difficulties in terms of access to A&E and ambulances. All that has to be considered." You can recap her speech in full here.
