Covid in Wales: More restrictions lifted as case numbers fall

More restrictions to people's daily lives have been eased in Wales as Omicron cases continue to decline.

Pubs and restaurants in Wales can now operate outdoors without the rule of six or social distancing.

All limits on sports events have been scrapped meaning thousands of fans are set to return to watch fixtures across the country.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We are on course as the numbers have continued to fall steadily this week."

It is the second part of a three-week roadmap to scrap restrictions imposed because of the Omicron variant.

From a peak of more than 2,300 cases per 100,000 people in Wales, the rate was expected to dip below 500 on Friday. Hospitalisations and the number of people with Covid in intensive care are also both declining.

Mr Drakeford said: "We remain cautiously confident the public health situation is heading in the right direction and next week we will be able to complete the move to alert level zero, unless the situation changes for the worse."

He previously laid out a roadmap for which restrictions will be eased and when.

From 15 January, numbers allowed to attend an outdoor event rose from 50 to 500
From 21 January, all limits for outdoor activities have been scrapped with crowds able to return to sporting events.
On Friday, 28 January, Wales will move to alert level zero. This means nightclubs can reopen and the rule of six will be scrapped in pubs and restaurants, although Covid passes will still be required for large events, plus cinemas, nightclubs and theatres
From Thursday, 10 February: Wales returns to a three-week review cycle as the country is at alert level zero
But the Welsh Conservatives said Mr Drakeford should set a date for all Covid-related laws - including mask wearing and self-isolation rules - to be lifted.

Plaid Cymru said the Welsh government needs to set out what else it will do to help the hospitality sector.

Following a period of increased restrictions Covid, the Welsh government-run electronic health record, has seen its numbers fall by over 60 percent since it was introduced in 2012. This is likely due in part to the fact that more doctors are now using private health records instead of Covid. There are now just over 2,000 patients using Covid, compared to over 6,000 at its height.