PEOPLE in Wales are being expected to "behave reasonably" when it comes to wearing face masks on public transport and other places where it is difficult to social distance.

That was the view of Housing and Local Government minister Julie James at the Welsh Government press conference today when she was asked who is responsible for enforcing the regulations.

She reminded people that wearing face coverings on public transport was mandatory.

The Leader:

Julie James

"We are still very much in the middle of the pandemic," said the minister, adding she was confident people in Wales will comply with measures to prevent a second wave of coronavirus.

She said that Local Authorities should enforce rules, including social distancing rules for pubs, bars and restaurants, only as a “last resort” should they be breached.

She said that though councils have been given the extra powers, it is important that they work with businesses, with engagement and education the main aim.

“Local authorities are working with their local businesses to ensure that they understand the rules, that they’re able to apply those rules," she said.

They should only enforce "when it’s obvious that somebody is deliberately flouting those rules.”

It comes as First Minister Mark Drakeford said the use of face coverings will be made mandatory in more settings in Wales should coronavirus begin to spread again.

The Leader:

Mark Drakeford

During a Facebook Q&A session, Mr Drakeford said: "We will make them mandatory in other places if coronavirus starts to spread in Wales again."

Wales is the only one of the four UK countries not to have made face coverings mandatory for people using shops. England and Scotland have had the rule in place for some weeks, and it came into force in Northern Ireland this week.

Mr Drakeford said however, that at the moment coronavirus "is so effectively suppressed that we don't think it is proportionate, that it is fair, to say to somebody 'you can't go into a shop unless you're wearing one'".

"But I want to be clear with everybody that if the virus begins to circulate again in Wales and we think it is right to make them mandatory in shops or other settings, we won't hesitate to do so."

Mr Drakeford said that many people, such as those with breathing difficulties are not comfortable with wearing them.