Covid: No major lockdown easing in Wales expected before July

Covid restrictions in Wales are unlikely to be significantly relaxed until July because of concern about the Delta variant, BBC Wales has been told.

Welsh government sources are downplaying expectations ahead of a scheduled announcement by First Minister Mark Drakeford on Friday.

Ministers have been looking at permitting more people to meet indoors.

But, as cases rise, sources say there will not be big changes in the rules for the next four weeks.

Cabinet ministers met on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the latest scientific evidence.

Restrictions on outdoor gatherings were eased earlier in June as part of a phased introduction of Alert Level One - the lowest level on the Welsh government's coronavirus control plan.

Ministers have been reviewing the situation before deciding whether other restrictions could be relaxed on 21 June.

Potential rule changes included allowing any six people to meet inside private homes, allowing more people to attend indoor events and re-opening ice skating rinks.

Earlier this week Wales' Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said original plans to scrap Covid lockdown rules in England on 21 June were never considered sensible by the Welsh government.

He said it had not been right to set out such a commitment when the pandemic caused "unpleasant surprises".

Boris Johnson has confirmed the final stage of lockdown easing in England will be delayed until 19 July.

Wales' infection rate has risen from under 10 to 22 infections per 100,000 people since the start of the month as cases have risen.

Wales has reported 100 new positive tests a day on average in the past seven days, an upturn which might be expected as things continue to open up, with clusters in local areas driving the overall increase.

Mr Drakeford will announce the next steps in a press conference on Friday, but sources say only "minor" changes are likely.

Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said: "This does not come as a surprise, particularly in light of the concerns over the Delta variant."

He said the Welsh government should consider easing some of the restrictions on weddings and funerals and ongoing restrictions would mean businesses would require more financial support.

Plaid Cymru called on the Welsh government to "provide leadership and support" for the hospitality sector, where it said many had "genuine fears for the future".

Deputy leader and health spokesman Rhun ap Iorwerth also said "caution must be taken".

"Set against a backdrop of the Delta variant, and talk of further lockdowns, this is giving genuine worry for a whole industry," he said.