Summary

  • The Welsh government has confirmed there will not be any changes to Covid restrictions on Friday

  • First Minister Mark Drakeford accused the UK government of being "politically paralysed" when it comes to protecting people

  • Since 26 December, no more than six people have been able to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants in Wales, and two-metre social distancing has returned

  • The Welsh Conservatives called for a "roadmap" out of the restrictions on hospitality

  • Mark Drakeford said the peak of the Omicron wave was still about two weeks away

  • The number of people admitted to hospital with Covid is rising, Mr Drakeford said

  • He said Wales was in the Omicron "storm" and those calling for rules to be relaxed are "wrong"

  • A senior epidemiologist had said rules should return to pre-Omicron levels

Live Reporting

Rhiannon Beacham and Thamayanthi McAllister

  1. Mark Drakeford: We are in Omicron 'storm'

    The first minister has begun the Covid briefing.

    Mark Drakeford said the "public health situation has changed dramatically" since the last briefing just before Christmas.

    "Today, that storm is upon us.

    "Omicron is now the dominant form of the virus in Wales and cases are rising rapidly every day."

    He is showing a series of slides showing case rates in Wales.

    graph 1

  2. English football club investigated over whether it broke Wales' Covid rules

    Chester Football Club is being investigated over whether it broke Covid rules in Wales.

    The club's ground is in Wales and since the rules came into force on 26 December, Chester FC has hosted two games, each attracting around 2,000 spectators.

    In Wales, restrictions mean most matches are being played behind closed doors.

    A club spokesperson told BBC Wales club directors were meeting with officials to discuss the regulations and the implications for the club.

    Chester FCGetty Images

  3. Covid restrictions in Wales

    Covid rules from 26 December

  4. No changes to Covid restrictions expected

    Covid poster in CardiffGetty Images

    First Minister Mark Drakeford has already confirmed that no further restrictions are being introduced, but today's press conference is expected to give updates on how the Omicron variant is affecting daily life in Wales.

    Here's an update of what we know so far:

    • Wales nightclubs remain closed, with limits on hospitality businesses, sporting events and who people can meet indoors and outdoors
    • Latest figures show an average of 10,037 positive cases have been confirmed in Wales over the last seven days, double that of the previous week
    • Mark Drakeford has described Omicron case rates as "astronomical" and said they are expected to climb even higher

  5. Welcome to our coverage of the latest updates on Covid in Wales

    Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the Welsh government's review of Wales' coronavirus restrictions.

    We'll be reporting First Minister Mark Drakeford's Covid briefing, which is due to start at 12:15pm, as it happens.

    It's expected to last for about 90 minutes - so do stay with us while we bring you the latest.