Mark Drakeford is set to hold a press conference later today to update on the latest coronavirus situation in Wales. It comes as the rules around face masks and self-isolation are set to change.
Some protections will remain for a little while longer, however, with the Welsh Government deciding not to relax all restrictions as it had hoped to do as cases continue to rise. You can read more on this here.
From Monday, March 28 you will no longer need to wear masks in shops or on public transport but they will still be needed in health and social care settings. The legal requirement to self-isolate is also being scrapped and instead, people will be asked to stay inside if they test positive but it is no longer going to be the law. Businesses will still be asked to complete risk assessments.
READ MORE: Masks scrapped in most places in Wales and self-isolation law removed
But what time is Mark Drakeford set to make the announcement and what can you expect? Here are all the details.
What time is Mark Drakeford's announcement today?
The First Minister will hold a live press conference at 12:15pm on Friday, March 25. You will be able to follow it on the Welsh Government's official social media pages, S4C and BBC Wales. You can also follow our blog for live updates, here.
Ahead of his press conference, Mark Drakeford said: "Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen an unwelcome rise in coronavirus cases across Wales and the rest of the UK, driven by the BA.2 sub-type of omicron. This means that we will continue to slowly relax the few protections that remain in place.
"We have carefully considered the latest scientific and medical evidence and decided we need to keep some protections in place for a little while longer, to help keep Wales safe. From Monday, the legal requirement to wear a mask in shops and on public transport will end. But we advise you still do this as cases are high. Masks will still be required in health and care settings and businesses must continue to carry out Covid-19 risk assessments.
"The legal requirement to self-isolate will also end. We strongly advise people to isolate when they are ill or they test positive. The £500 self-isolation payment to support people will be available until June. We’re firmly on the path towards a brighter future where we can live with coronavirus safely. I'll be providing more detail in my live press conference at 12:15pm on @WelshGovernment - diolch."
