Wales is to ease its Covid-19 restrictions, drawing the end to self-isolation rules and mask-wearing in shops and on public transport.
First Minister Mark Drakeford will announce the changes on Friday, which will come into place from Monday.
While self-isolation will no longer be a legal requirement, the £500 self-isolation payment will continue to be paid until June.
A shopper wearing a face mask
Jacob King
Wales First Minister, Mark Drakeford
Ben Birchall
Face coverings will still needed to be worn in health and social care settings, while businesses will continue to be required to carry out coronavirus risk assessments.
In a statement, Mr Drakeford said the “cautious approach” is due to an “unwelcome” rise in virus cases.
He said: “We have seen an unwelcome rise in coronavirus cases across Wales, mirroring the position in most of the UK.
“We have carefully considered the very latest scientific and medical evidence and we need to keep some legal protections in place for a little while longer, to help keep Wales safe.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have taken a gradual and cautious approach as we have relaxed protections.
“We are firmly on the path towards leaving the emergency response to the pandemic behind us and learning to live with coronavirus safely.”
Restrictions still in place will be reviewed again on April 14, the Government has said.
