Improving the public health situation in Wales means the government can “begin to gradually and carefully relax” some of the restrictions, according to Vaughan Gething.

But he said: “We will not be removing all the protective measures at once”.

“While we can be confident that cases of coronavirus are falling, that doesn’t mean it’s gone away”.

“We will start this process next week by removing the requirement to show a Covid-19 pass to enter large indoor and outdoor events, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls”.

“This means from 18 February – next Friday – it will no longer be a legal requirement to show a Covid pass in Wales”.

“But if venues and events want to continue using Covid passes they can”.

Economy minister Vaughan Gething has warned the “pandemic pressure” on hospitals “remains constant”.

“There are just under 1,100 Covid-19 related patients in hospital at the moment and there are 16 people with Covid-19 in intensive care,” he said.

“Sickness and absence rates across the NHS have fallen from the peak last month, but workforce issues are continuing to have an impact on the health services, contributing to wider winter pressures”.

He said almost every day sees the reporting of people dying with coronavirus. “My thoughts are with all the families who are grieving the loss of a loved one at this time”.

Economy minister Vaughan Gething has said Covid cases are falling allowing an easing of restrictions but the Welsh government will “keep a close eye” on a sub-variant of omicron.

Speaking at the government’s coronavirus briefing, Mr Gething said infection levels are declining “but, at around 400 cases per 100,000 people, they are still high”.

He said there were higher levels of infection around the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland.

Mr Gething said there had been some reports that the current surge in Northern Ireland was being caused by a sub-variant of omicron called "BA.2.”

He said cases of this “even more transmissible form” of omicron had been identified in all parts of the UK.

“To date”, he added, “There have been 246 cases here in Wales.

”We continue to keep a very close eye on this development."

Mr Gething is presenting the briefing because First Minister Mark Drakeford is isolating with covid.

Image source, Leandra Craine

Disability Wales' Leandra Craine expressed concerns about so many restrictions being eased.

The 23-year-old said: "I especially think of friends and family members who are immuno-supressed and have been having to shield for two years," she added.

"My main concern is that being too quick could really destroy the work we've done so far over the last two years so far.

"We're just lucky enough to benefit from vaccines, for example, and we're more protected... I don't think we should go back to normal as was, as I don't think it was working too well.

"I think there should be a new normal."

Wales remaining Covid laws, including on face coverings and self-isolation, could be scrapped by the end of March.

Falling case rates mean remaining restriction rules can soon be eased, with domestic Covid pass rules axed from 18 February, the Welsh government has said.

Economy minister Vaughan Gething said isolation rules could change from being legally enforceable to guidance.

But the law will remain for now, despite UK government proposals to ease the restriction in England this month.

Mr Gething said the latest moves provided a pathway to seeing Covid "properly in the rear view mirror".

Image source, Getty Images

Unvaccinated British teens will be allowed into Spain from Monday if they have a negative PCR test, Spanish tourism minister Fernando Valdés has told the BBC.

At the moment everyone over 12 has to be double-jabbed to enter the country.

Some families had cancelled half-term holidays to Spain and the Canary Islands because their children had not yet had a second jab.

People aged 18 and over must still be vaccinated to get into the country.

Image source, Getty Images

Wales' remaining Covid laws, including on face coverings and self-isolation, could be scrapped by the end of March.

The Welsh government said falling case rates mean it can begin easing remaining rules - with domestic Covid pass rules axed from 18 February.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said isolation rules could change from being legally enforceable to guidance.

But the law will remain for now, despite UK government proposals to ease the restriction in England this month.

Hello and welcome to today's Covid live page.

Here are the main points so far:

• Wales' remaining Covid laws, including those on face coverings and self-isolation, could be scrapped by the end of March
• The law will remain for now, despite UK government proposals to ease the restriction in England this month.
• Pupils will not have to wear masks in class from the same date: schools can decide their own rules
• Covid passes will no longer be legally required in cinemas, theatres, clubs and large events from next Friday