The First Minister (pictured) has confirmed a delay of at least four weeks to any major easing of Covid rules in Wales due to the spread of the Delta variant, ITV Wales is reporting.
The story says that the Delta variant of the virus - previously known as the Indian variant - has been confirmed as the dominant strain in Wales.
It adds that Mark Drakeford is due to announce the pause at a press conference today (Friday) on a day when he had hoped to have lifted some of the restrictions on mixing indoors for people not in extended households or “bubbles.”
Ahead of the announcement, Mr Drakeford wrote on Twitter: "Cases of the Delta variant are spreading across Wales. In the space a few weeks, cases have been confirmed in all parts of the country.
"We have reviewed all the evidence and will pause changes to the rules for 4 weeks."
These changes won’t now happen until at least July 19.
However, some minor changes will come into force on Monday. They include:
A relaxation on the limit of people allowed to attend an indoor wedding or civil partnership reception or a funeral wake, currently capped at 30. It’s not clear what the new limit will be but the Welsh government says it will depend on the size of the venue and a risk assessment.
Gig-goers and comedy fans will be able to go to “grassroots” music and comedy venues on the same basis as people going to pubs and restaurants.
Primary school children in the same school contact group or bubble will be able to stay overnight in a residential outdoor education centre.
Pilot events in theatre, sport and other sectors will also continue throughout June and July.
The number of people who can attend a wedding will increase under the minor changes of restrictions.
More than four out of five new Covid cases in Wales are the Delta variant and two-thirds of these are not linked to travel or contact with another case, suggesting community spread.
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