Close contacts of people who have Covid-19 will no longer need to self-isolate provided they have been fully vaccinated, the First Minister has confirmed.
Mark Drakeford, as part of the Welsh Government press conference on Wednesday, confirmed that people would now have to take a lateral-flow (LFT) test instead.
The First Minister has not gone as far as England where people with Covid will now have to self-isolate for seven days instead of 10 providing they have a negative test result.
Read more: Coronavirus infection rates, cases and deaths for all parts of Wales on Wednesday, December 22
"Fully-vaccinated adults and children aged five to 17 who are identified as contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will now be asked to take a daily lateral flow test for seven days instead of self-isolating. This is known as daily contact testing," said Mr Drakeford.
"People who have daily negative tests will be able to continue going to work as normal, while following all the steps to keep themselves safe, including limiting the number of people they mix with as much as possible."
For people who have not been doubly vaccinated and identify as a close contact, they must still self-isolate for 10 days. Children under five are exempt from self-isolation if they are close contacts.
Mr Drakeford said Health Minister Eluned Morgan was considering advice from scientists on possible changes to self-isolation arrangements for those who had Covid, as has now happened in England.
There could also be news to follow on jabs for young people.
"We are expecting to receive recommendations from the JCVI about the vaccination of young children," added Mr Drakeford.
On Wednesday the First Minister announced "strengthened measures" to keep Wales safe as the Omicron variant sweeps across the country.
They will be introduced from 6am on Boxing Day and are described as "a revised version" of alert level two restrictions.
The regulations bring back tighter measures for hospitality businesses, including licensed premises, and in cinemas and theatres when they re-open after the festive period.
From Boxing Day, the alert level two measures will mean:
A general requirement of 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces, where reasonable.
The rule of six will apply to gatherings in regulated premises, such as hospitality, cinemas and theatres.
All licensed premises will need to take additional measures to protect customers and staff, including table service and collecting contact details.
Face coverings will be required in hospitality settings at all times apart from when seated.
Large events will not be allowed indoors or outdoors. The maximum number of people who can gather at an indoor event will be 30, and 50 outdoors.
There will be an exception for team sports - up to 50 spectators will be able to gather, in addition to those taking part. There is also an exception for events involving children.
Last week new measures were announced for workplaces and retail – these will now come into force on Boxing Day. Nightclubs will also close on Boxing Day.
The Welsh Government added that it will not be making new rules about mixing in people's private homes, including gardens, in holiday accommodation or meeting outdoors. Instead, guidance will be issued to help people stay safe.
It strongly advises everyone follows these five measures:
Limit the number of people visiting your home.
If people are visiting, make sure they take a lateral flow test in the morning before the visit.
Meeting outdoors is better than indoors. If you’re meeting indoors make sure it’s well ventilated.
Space out any visits.
And don’t forget about social distancing and washing your hands.
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