Lockdown to continue for the next three weeks

The First Minister is expected to announce that lockdown will remain in place in Wales for the next three weeks.

Mark Drakeford will explain later today that while the situation in Wales is improving, alert level four restrictions must continue for another three weeks to allow the NHS to recover.

Alert Level Four restrictions have been in place in Wales since December.

Mr Drakeford will also indicate that the youngest primary school children may begin returning to school after the February half term on Monday, February 22, if rates of coronavirus continue to fall.

In a statement on Twitter, Education Minister Kirsty Williams said it is important parents and teachers have as much time to plan as possible.

A spokesman for the Welsh Government said they continue to work with schools and education partners on a phased and flexible return to school.

Rates of coronavirus across Wales have now fallen below 200 cases per 100,000 people, the lowest rate since November.

The latest vaccination figures show almost 11% of the Welsh population have received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The Welsh Government remains committed to its target of vaccinating the top four priority groups – people aged over 70 and those who are extremely clinically vulnerable – by mid-February.