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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Ruth Mosalski

When is the next Welsh Government review of coronavirus restrictions?

Wales' coronavirus restrictions will be reviewed again this week, but there is a warning little is likely to change for now at least.

Wales has been at Alert Level 2 since changes were made in December, as a result of the Omicron variant.

You can read the full list of rules in force in Wales right now here.

Wales' First Minister has said that despite falling case numbers in Wales, people should not yet think that the peak has been reached in Wales.

The latest seven-day infection rate across Wales, based on the seven days up to January 6 is 1,780.5 – a significant drop on the 1,997.1 recorded on Monday. The weekly infection rate has now been falling since January 2.

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford (Matthew Horwood)

The data, published on Tuesday, January 11, and covering a 24-hour period, shows 2,176 new positive cases to bring the total to 729,662.

The overall number of people who have died within 28 days of testing positive in Wales has now reached 6,654.

Welsh Government is legally required to carry out reviews every three weeks. It has carried out weekly reviews since the Omicron variant was discovered.

The next review is on Friday, January 14 with another following a week later, on Friday, January 21 where it appears more likely any restrictions will be eased.

Speaking in the Senedd on January 11, Mark Drakeford said: "Next week will be the end of a three week review period.

"If we are very fortunate, and it's a very big if, and we find that we have passed that peak and we are on a reliable reduction in impact of coronavirus on us then we will look to see what we can do to relax some of the protections that we've had to put in place, but we will not do it until we are confident that the scientific and medical advice to us is that it is safe to move in that direction."

Mr Drakeford is under pressure to make changes particularly relating to groups meeting outside. Hospitality businesses also want restrictions lifted limiting numbers who can meet at bars, restaurants and cafes.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced restrictions on people meeting outside will be eased. There is particular interest ahead of the Six Nations campaign, due to begin in February. As it stands, fans would not be allowed to attend any games in Wales.

He was questioned in the Senedd about why events like Parkrun and spectators cannot attend sports games.

"I do hope in coming weeks that will change and the Omicron wave will reduce and of course we're going to review the numbers of people who can meet in the open air and do things such as support the clubs that are so important to them but the time to do that in Wales is when the medical and other advice tells us that it is safe for us to do it," the First Minister said.

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