A CALL to scrap face covering in churches is being made.

With the Welsh Government having stated that people visiting pubs and restaurants will not have to wear face masks from August 7, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is calling for the same rules to apply in churches.

The Welsh government plans will see the lifting of a number of restrictions; face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises. This will be kept under review.

Speaking ahead of the first minister’s statement, Darren appealed for the same rule to also apply to churches.

He said: “We've seen hundreds of people in pubs in recent weeks watching the big screens to see Euro matches being played, none of them have been required to wear masks, yet in our churches and chapels across Wales we are still required to wear face coverings. People of faith are fed up of these double standards and want to take their masks off - they've had enough of them now.

“There's ample space in most places of worship for sufficient social distancing and excellent ventilation people are now wanting to see some change.”

In his Statement on Wednesday afternoon, first minster Mark Drakeford said: "The pandemic is not over and the virus continues to spread across Wales, which makes it really important for everyone to say yes to vaccination and to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

"Even though vaccines have weakened the link between the virus and hospitalisation, we are seeing young, fit people suffer from long-Covid, which, for some, has a major impact on their lives.

"We have the headroom to continue to gradually remove restrictions, but each and every one of us has a really important part to play to keep Wales safe as we head into the summer."

The Church in Wales tweeted: "We are working on an update for our Covid-19 guidance for churches following the Welsh Government annoucement. Our new guidance will be published on our website when it is ready."