"The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus measures to be undertaken every three weeks. The most recent three-week review was due to be completed by 5 May.  

"Although restrictions have eased over recent months, and the situation is consistent with the Covid Stable scenario described in our transition plan ‘Together for a Safer Future’, we need to be mindful that Coronavirus has not gone away. Whilst there are some encouraging signs that the number of Covid-19 related hospital admissions, which had been rising since the beginning of March, have now plateaued at around 240 per day, as of 29 April, there were still around 1,200 Covid patients in Welsh hospitals.

"In light of the latest public health evidence, and advice from the Chief Medical Officer and the Technical Advisory Cell, I have decided to retain the current legal restriction (which requires face coverings in indoor public areas of health and social care settings) for a further 3 weeks.

"We will continue to recommend that face coverings are also worn in all indoor crowded or enclosed places as part of our suite of strengthened guidance and public health advice. These and other measures can all work together to help reduce the transmission of Coronavirus and to keep us safe.

"Vaccination remains our best defence against Coronavirus and has weakened the link between the virus and serious illness and hospitalisation. It is never too late to be vaccinated, and I urge those eligible (including children), to come forward for their first, second and booster vaccines, including the new spring booster vaccine when invited to by local Health boards.

"With a careful and united approach to keeping each other safe and to ensuring as many of those eligible receive their vaccinations as possible, we can all look forward to a brighter springtime and beyond for the people of Wales."