Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information for individuals and businesses in Wales

Use this page to navigate the latest guidance on the virus for people in Wales

Published 17 March 2020
Last updated 20 October 2020 — see all updates

• From: Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

• Applies to: Wales

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Find support for your business

Individuals and families

Health

Read the latest information about COVID-19 from Public Health Wales.

See the latest advice from NHS Direct Wales and use the Coronavirus COVID-19 Symptom Checker.

Latest coronavirus restrictions in Wales

Read the Welsh Government’s guidance and frequently asked questions about current restrictions in Wales.

Coronavirus and the law in Wales

Read information about how the law is being applied to tackle COVID-19 and where coronavirus laws are different in Wales.

Testing in Wales

Read details about the Welsh Government’s approach to testing for COVID-19 in Wales.

Guidance for employees

Read all the latest guidance for employees including details about Statutory Sick Pay and Universal Credit.

Travel

Find out all the latest travel advice for people in Wales via the Welsh Government website.

Education

Find the latest information on schools and educational settings via the Welsh Government website.

Housing

More information about housing issues during the pandemic can be found on the Welsh Government website.

Community services and support

Read more about how community services are affected by the pandemic and access support via the Welsh Government website.

Volunteering

Find out about volunteering opportunities in Wales via the Welsh Government website.

Businesses

General guidance for employers

The Welsh Government has published guidance for businesses and employers including details about your responsibilities as an employer and how to implement physical distancing in the workplace.

You can also stay up to date with information about the reopening of businesses and premises via the Welsh Government’s website.

Find coronavirus financial support for your business

Use the business support finder to see what support is available for you and your business.

UK Government support for businesses

The UK Government has set out a Winter Economy Plan of measures to protect public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.

Businesses in Wales could benefit from the following schemes and announcements:

• The Job Support Scheme opens on 1 November 2020, ensuring employees using the scheme will receive at least 77% of their pay.

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Job Retention Bonus.

• Support for businesses through deferring VAT and Income Tax payments.

• Support for businesses paying tax.

• A 15% VAT cut for the tourism and hospitality sectors has been extended to the end of March 2021.

Support for the self-employed:

• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

• Deferral of the Self- Assessment payment on account.

Support for small and medium sized businesses:

• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme delivered via the British Business Bank.

• Bounce Back Loan scheme.

• UK-based start-ups and scale-ups can apply for the Future Fund, delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank.

• Support for businesses who are paying sick pay to employees.

Support for larger businesses:

• Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS).

• The Bank of England COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility.

Welsh Government support for businesses

Because some aspects of business support are devolved, the Welsh Government has set out a range of support measures via the Business Wales website.

Further support and helplines

HMRC tax helpline

HMRC has set up a helpline for businesses and self-employed people who are concerned about paying their tax due to COVID-19.

Call 08000 241222 for help and advice.

Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

Find out about call charges

Business Wales support

Get help with your business online by contacting Business Wales

How you can help

• Use the UK Government’s service to tell us how your business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus.

Published 17 March 2020
Last updated 20 October 2020 + show all updates

1. 20 October 2020

   Updated information with the latest support and guidance.

2. 10 June 2020

   Updated information on the Job Retention Scheme and details about business closures in Wales.

3. 20 May 2020

   Added information about the Future Fund, which has launched today.

4. 12 May 2020

   Updated guidance with links to the latest coronavirus information from the Welsh Government.

5. 29 April 2020

   Updated information with details of the Bounce Back Loan scheme and Welsh Government support.

6. 22 April 2020

   Updated information with the business support finder tool.

7. 14 April 2020

   Updated links to information and added guidance to check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

8. 6 April 2020

   Updated information about support for businesses of various sizes in Wales.

9. 2 April 2020

   Updated community support information including details on volunteering, support for victims of domestic abuse and protecting yourself from fraud and scams.

10. 30 March 2020

    Updated information about Welsh Government's new Economic Resilience Fund

11. 27 March 2020

    Updated with latest links from the Business Support website

12. 26 March 2020

    Updated with information about the new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

13. 26 March 2020

    Updated the HMRC helpline number.

14. 25 March 2020

    Updated with information for businesses and details of schemes to support the UK Government tackle COVID-19.

15. 23 March 2020

    Updated with the latest guidance on staying at home and away from others.

16. 23 March 2020

    Updated information about healthcare guidance, housing guidance and support for businesses.

17. 21 March 2020

    Updated information about support for employees and details of the call to support the supply of ventilators and components.

18. 20 March 2020

    Added information about business support following the Chancellor's announcement

19. 19 March 2020

    Updated information about Welsh Government business support

20. 18 March 2020

    Included information about NHS Direct Wales and changes to Public Health Wales' website.

21. 17 March 2020

    Updated guidance

22. 17 March 2020

    Added translation