The First Minister has come as close as he ever has to ruling out future lockdowns in Wales.
Back in the summer of 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ruled out future lockdowns to combat increases in the virus. Mark Drakeford by contrast has refused to take anything off the table when it comes to tackling the deadly disease. However in a press conference where he announced an end to the laws requiring people to self isolate, the First Minister gave the clearest sign yet that he believes lockdowns will not be required in the future.
Responding to questions from the media Mr Drakeford said: "I think it is unlikely that we will need to return to the level of protections that we have seen in previous winters, largely because as I've said, we now have the protection, that vaccination offers. The JCVI was meeting again yesterday to plan ahead for the way in which vaccination will continue to be part of our defence against the virus, there are new treatments becoming available, antivirals and so on that will change the way in which we can deal with this virus.
