Welsh fined for going into the office but not the pub under new coronavirus laws

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People in Wales could be fined £60 for going into their offices but not if they meet in the pub under new coronavirus laws.

It comes as the number of identified Omicron cases in Wales grew by 204 on Tuesday to 640.

The Welsh Government has amended legislation to make it a criminal offence to attend a workplace if you don’t need to, amid the spread of the Omicron variant.

But people are still allowed to leave home to visit pubs and restaurants, and there is no limit on household mixing.

The amended legislation states that “no person may leave the place where they are living, or remain away from that place, for the purposes of work or to provide voluntary or charitable services” when it is “reasonably practicable” to do so from home.

It adds that anyone who contravenes this rule “commits an offence”, punishable by a fine of £60.

The Welsh Government is set to brief the public on the Omicron crisis on Wednesday as the Senedd is recalled from winter recess.

The latest restrictions in Wales also include the closure of nightclubs from December 27, and compulsory distancing through measures such as one-way systems in businesses to protect customers and staff.

From December 26, sporting events, indoors or outdoors, will be played behind closed doors.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has also hinted at further restrictions, including curbs on the number of households allowed to meet.

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