The Latest Breaking News from Mark Drakeford

According to First Minister Mark Drakeford 'discussions are ongoing'

With coronavirus cases rising in Wales due to the BA.2 variant, the Welsh Government has decided not to go ahead with a previous plan to end all remaining restrictions from Monday, March 28

'Unless something entirely unexpected happens, like a new variant that escapes the vaccine, then I don't see us returning to the sorts of restrictions that we've had to live with over the last two winters'

They could cease to be free in just three months

Self-isolation payments remain in Wales after Monday - but only for now

The rise in hospital-acquired infections comes at a time when case rates in Welsh communities have started to rise again

Cases are sky rocketing and hospitalisations are on the up but the Welsh Government is loosening its Covid rules

Not all restrictions will be lifted next week as was hoped

Rules around masks and self isolation are changing