Summary

  • Mark Drakeford is about to give an update on the latest coronavirus restrictions

  • Face masks will be scrapped in most settings including in shops, hairdressers and on public transport

  • But masks are expected to remain a requirement in care homes and hospitals

  • Companies will still be expected to asses the risk of Covid in their workplaces and take precautions

  • People will no longer be required by law to self-isolate but will be advised to do so if they test positive

  • It was a finely balanced decision to scrap most rules, the first minister says

  • Waning immunity could be behind spike in cases, Mr Drakeford says

  • As many as 1 in 12 people in Wales could have Covid

  • Wales cannot go on forever relying on the force of law to tackle Covid, first minister says

  • Mr Drakeford says he understands the anxiety of the most vulnerable people in society as restrictions ease

  • But the first minister says Wales must learn to live with the virus

  • Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberal Democrats express concern over the announcement

  • Meanwhile, the Welsh Conservatives say they support the decision

Live Reporting

Miriam Barker and Caleb Spencer

  1. Booster rollout for older and vulnerable people

    Waning immunity from vaccines is one of the reasons the latest BA2 Omicron sub-type had been able to take hold, the first minister has said.

    “We started the spring booster campaign in care homes on 14 March and during this three-week cycle there will be a real focus on rolling out the booster to protect more older and vulnerable people," he said.

    “We will also continue to invite young children to come forward for vaccination. I would encourage families to discuss this offer.”

    First Minister Mark Drakeford

  2. 'Finely balanced' decision to scrap most rules

    The decision to scrap most of the remaining Covid legal restrictions in Wales was “finely balanced”, Mark Drakeford said.

    The first minister confirmed mask-wearing in shops and on public transport will be advised rather than a legal requirement, as will self-isolation for positive cases.

    Firms will still have to conduct risk assessments, and masks will still be compulsory in hospitals and care homes.

    “The Cabinet decided to focus those legal protections in the areas where they would make the biggest impact," he said.

  3. Analysis

    Analysis

    Jenny Rees
    BBC Wales health correspondent

    For two years we've relied upon data to guide our actions.

    So with rates rising, is it any wonder some feel apprehensive that regulations surrounding mask wearing are to go - that guidance alone won't have the same impact?

    But the picture is different today. High vaccination rates and the dominance of a less virulent strain mean the harm to those testing positive is reduced.

    Of course, incidental cases in hospitals - where patients are primarily being treated for something else - still pose infection-control challenges for the NHS.

    And as we move to a period where health and social care staff continue to be tested - unlike the rest of us - the pressure of staff absences could continue.

  4. What restrictions are in place across the UK?

    Street art in BristolPA

    All of Wales' coronavirus regulations were due to expire on 28 March, but the Welsh government has decided to retain a few, like in Scotland.

    But in England and Northern Ireland, there are no Covid regulations in place.

    Click here to find out what the regulations are in other parts of the UK.

  5. What rules will still be in place?

    Almost all of Wales' last remaining Covid rules will be scrapped in Wales on Monday.

    Infographic

  6. Welcome

    Hello and welcome to today's live page.

    We'll be bringing you the latest updates from the Welsh government's Covid briefing, delivered by First Minister Mark Drakeford from about 12:15 GMT.

    Here's what we know already:

    • Wales will press ahead with scrapping all self-isolation rules from Monday, although people will still be advised to self-isolate
    • The legal requirement to wear a mask in shops and on public transport will end
    • People will only be legally required to wear masks in health and social care settings
    • Companies will still be expected to asses the risk of Covid in their workplaces and take precautions

    Click here to read more.