Summary

  • First Minister Mark Drakeford says the lockdown will stay in place next week, saying: "The efforts we are making are not yet over"

  • 33 more people with coronavirus have been confirmed as dying in Wales, taking the total to 245

  • There are 4,073 confirmed cases, but the true figure will be much higher as not everyone has been tested

  • The prime minister remains in intensive care "where his condition is improving", Chancellor Rishi Sunak says.

  • Wales' leading rugby players will take a 25% pay cut as the sport deals with the financial impact of coronavirus

  • Police officers should not be used as 'factory inspectors' to enforce social distancing rules, the North Wales police and crime commissioner has said

  1. More testing as cases risepublished at 14:20 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Incident director Dr Robin Howe from Public Health Wales said: “33 further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of deaths in Wales to 245.

    “We offer our condolences to families and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

    “Public Health Wales has conducted more than 15,000 tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on more than 13,000 individuals since the start of this outbreak.

    “All available data relating to Coronavirus in Wales is now available on a new user-friendly data dashboard, which is available on the Public Health Wales website, external."

    Dr Howe added that the new testing facility at Cardiff City Stadium was now available for key workers, and that people should only attend if invited.

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  2. Another 33 coronavirus deaths in Walespublished at 14:03 British Summer Time 8 April 2020
    Breaking

    Another 33 people with coronavirus have been confirmed as dying in Wales, taking the total to 245, according to Public Health Wales.

    There were another 284 cases, taking the total to 4,073.

    CoronavirusImage source, Getty Images
  3. 'We will not throw away the gains we have made'published at 13:59 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    First Minister Mark Drakeford has told Welsh Assembly members that gains against the coronavirus will not be thrown away by lifting the lockdown.

    The stay-at-home regulations had been due to end next week, but he told AMs in a virtual Senedd meeting: “These restrictions will not end then.

    “We will not throw away the gains we have made, and the lives we can save, by abandoning our efforts just as they begin to bear fruit."

    Mr Drakeford said he had discussed the matter with first ministers in Northern Ireland and Scotland and UK government ministers.

    “There is more work to do in reviewing the regulations,” he said.

    “The precise nature of what will follow the current regime will be agreed over the coming days.”

  4. Schoolchildren's 'kind messages' to policepublished at 13:47 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Children from Maesteg School have been writing "kind messages" to officers and staff at South Wales Police.

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  5. Lockdown 'will stay in place next week'published at 13:39 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed the lockdown measures to combat the spread of coronavirus will stay in place next week.

    They were initially introduced last month for a three-week period, which would have expired next Tuesday.

    Mr Drakeford tweeted: “We have asked people to stay home to slow the spread of coronavirus, and there are signs that this is having an impact.

    "The efforts we are making are not yet over, measures will stay in place next week.

    “Together, we are making a difference, protecting our NHS and saving lives.”

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  6. Rugby star Roberts returns to NHSpublished at 13:32 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Wales rugby international Jamie Roberts has volunteered and will help the National Health Service in the fight against coronavirus.

    A qualified doctor, he has returned from South Africa, where he has been playing club rugby for Stormers, to get involved with the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

    The centre, who has 94 Wales caps, completed his medical degree from Cardiff University in 2013 but will not work with patient.

    He has taken an honorary role with the innovation team.

    "Life has changed significantly over the last few weeks from a rugby player to be doing this role," Roberts told BBC Sport Wales.

    "Professional sport takes a back seat in these periods of an unprecedented public health crisis."

    Roberts visited the Principality Stadium on Monday, the home of Welsh rugby that as recently been turned into a 2,000 bed field hospital and said it was a "surreal experience."

    "It is only right we hope for the best, but sensibly prepare for the worst," he added.

    Jamie RobertsImage source, Getty Images
  7. Johnson's hospital stay echoes Lloyd Georgepublished at 13:27 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    As Boris Johnson remains in hospital after a second night in intensive care, he is not the first prime minister to face his own personal battle with a pandemic.

    In September 1918, two months before the end of World War One, David Lloyd George became sick with Spanish flu.

    After an initial week-long fever and several months of recuperation, the Welshman made a full recovery and led the British delegation at the Treaty of Versailles negotiations the following summer.

    However, at least one of Lloyd George's inner circle later described his condition in the early stages of his illness as "touch and go".

    Lloyd George and Boris JohnsonImage source, Getty Images/UK Government
  8. Katherine Jenkins and Dame Vera Lynn record duetpublished at 13:22 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Katherine Jenkins and Dame Vera Lynn have recorded a duet of We'll Meet Again, inspired by the Queen's address to the nation.

    Money raised by the single will go to NHS Charities Together, which supports staff and volunteers working on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.

    During a televised message on Sunday night, the Queen told the country in lockdown, separated from their families and friends: "We will meet again."

    The phrase was seemingly a nod to the wartime anthem by Dame Vera - known as the Forces' Sweetheart - who helped raise British spirits during World War Two.

    Jenkins, from Neath, said: "It is a song of hope, and Dame Vera and I sing this in honour of and in aid of our superhero NHS workers and their families.

    "They are putting themselves at risk to ensure we will meet our dearest again."

    Katherine JenkinsImage source, Getty Images
  9. PM 'responding well to treatment'published at 13:14 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to be "in good spirits" after spending two nights in intensive care as he continues to receive treatment for coronavirus.

    A spokesman said the prime minister "remains clinically stable and is responding to treatment".

    "He continues to be cared for in the ICU at St Thomas' Hospital (in London)."

    Boris JohnsonImage source, Getty Images
  10. Extended lockdown to be formally announced by FMpublished at 13:12 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    An extended lockdown in Wales will be formally announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford, Julie James says.

    She said: “I'm telling you today that we are extending it, but the formal announcements for that will be made by the first minister, later in plenary I suspect and then tomorrow in the press conferences.

    “We are definitely extending the lockdown – it will not be raised next week.”

    Julie James
  11. Hafodyrynys sees benefit of pollution droppublished at 13:04 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Hafodyrynys
    Image caption,

    The A472 through Hafodyrynys is one of the most polluted streets in the UK

    Air pollution levels in the UK have dropped significantly in the two weeks since the country went into lockdown – with one Welsh street among the areas to benefit.

    The A472 in Hafodyrynys in Caerphilly county, Wales, is known for having some of the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide outside of central London.

    Analysis shows some cities have seen nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels fall by up to 60% on the same period last year as a result of the lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus.

    NO2, released from car exhausts, is a serious air pollutant and also indirectly contributes to the warming of the planet.

    Campaigners have said they hope it will lead to a permanent change.

    Air pollution graph
  12. Supermarkets 'have all they need' to prioritise deliveriespublished at 13:01 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Supermarkets now have all the information they need to prioritise food deliveries to vulnerable people who are expected to self-isolate, Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James says.

    Some customers have expressed frustration at not being included in a programme to help prioritise food deliveries for those unable to leave the house.

    Supermarkets have had access to a UK government database of 1.5m vulnerable shoppers in England for some time.

    Ms James told the Welsh Government's daily news conference supermarkets now have the information they need for such deliveries in Wales but the level of demand meant many people would struggle to get the delivery slots they want.

    She said ministers were very keen that other people should shop for them where possible and that there were also food box deliveries, being organised by local authorities, for those who did not have anyone to help them.

  13. Lockdown measures to stay in place in Walespublished at 12:56 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Welsh Government minister Julie James has said the lockdown measures in Wales will stay in place next week.

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  14. 'Police not factory inspectors,' says ministerpublished at 12:53 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Local Government Minister Julie James said police should be used as a “last resort” to enforce social distancing rules in the workplace.

    She said the Welsh Government was not asking police to be “factory inspectors” - as North Wales police and crime commissioner Arfon Jones, external has suggested.

    She said workers who want to raise concerns should first tell their employer and contact their trade union if they have one.

    “The police are obviously only a very last resort for recalcitrant employers really determined to break the rules. We do not expect to have any of those in Wales,” she said.

  15. Police deal with birthday party and holiday home visitorspublished at 12:47 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Local Government Minister Julie James said there were still concerns about people visiting second homes.

    Giving the Welsh Government's daily update, she said: “In north Wales we’ve had reports of people visiting their holiday homes which caused some local contention."

    Ms James said in mid Wales there had been problems with motorcyclists and with people travelling to second homes.

    Police in south Wales have taken action in several incidents “including a children’s birthday party and a football match,” she added.

  16. Drivers heading into Cardiff stopped by policepublished at 12:42 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Police have stopped hundreds of drivers travelling into Cardiff to check they are on essential journeys.

    South Wales Police's Roads Policing Unit said those on the A470 who were not complying with covid-19 guidelines had been "educated, advised and directed accordingly".

    Police stopping drivers on A470Image source, Jason Thomas
  17. 'Stay home over Easter'published at 12:37 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Local Government Minister Julie James has urged people in Wales to follow the social distancing guidelines and stay at home over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

    Speaking at the Welsh Government’s daily coronavirus briefing, the minister said: “Working together we can slow the spread of this virus."

    She said: “Stay at home and save lives."

    The actions which people take this weekend, and the coming weeks ahead, “will shape Wales for years to come”, Ms James added.

    Julie James
  18. Parents given 'strong words of advice' by policepublished at 12:30 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Two parents in Pencoed, Bridgend, have been spoken to after their children broke lockdown rules.

    "Parents have been reminded of their responsibilities and further action will be taken," South Wales Police tweeted.

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  19. Welsh Government update duepublished at 12:24 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Julie James, the minister for housing and local government, will give a briefing on Wales' response to coronavirus shortly.

    You can follow what she says as it happens right here and on BBC One Wales from 12:30 BST.

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  20. Paper round for Youth Parliament memberpublished at 12:11 British Summer Time 8 April 2020

    Tom Kendall, a member of the UK Youth Parliament. is doing his bit by delivering the local paper to elderly residents in Llanbadarn, Ceredigion.

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