Covid: Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford tests positive

Mark Drakeford will not be taking Friday's Welsh government press conference

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating, the Welsh government has said.

The news comes a day before Mr Drakeford was due to announce his latest review of coronavirus legislation.

Economy minister Vaughan Gething will now take Friday's press conference.

A Welsh government spokesman said the first minister tested positive after taking a PCR test.

"He is self-isolating and working remotely", he added.

• What are the Covid rules for Wales?

• What Covid rules remain across the UK?

• Covid isolation in England could end this month

The rules in Wales mean anyone who tests positive for coronavirus can leave isolation after five days if they test negative on lateral flow devices on day five and day six.

Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies wished Mr Drakeford "well and a swift recovery".

Covid restrictions review expected on Friday

Members of the Welsh government cabinet have been discussing whether to keep Wales' remaining coronavirus laws.

Mark Drakeford chaired a meeting of his senior ministers virtually on Thursday morning.

Under alert level zero, face coverings are still required in most public places, self-isolation is a legal requirement and Covid passes are required in nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and large events.

The outcome of the review is due to be announced on Friday, three weeks after Labour ministers scrapped limits on businesses brought in after Christmas to tackle the Omicron variant.

In England the UK government has said it could end all remaining Covid restrictions later this month.

During 2020 Mark Drakeford said he had moved out of his home to protect his family members.

He said they had "serious conditions" and he could have posed a danger to them.