LIVE: First Minister gives update on latest lockdown changes in Wales

Could Wrexham be put in lockdown?

Mr Drakeford is asked by our reporter Harri Evans if a local lockdown will be required if people test positive for coronavirus after the positive cases at Wetherspoons in Wrexham.

The First Minister says the case in Wrexham is being treated as any other place in Wales and if it were to lead to widespread community transmission then they will not hesitate to take local action if needed.

He says local teams would be mobilised “to get on top of” the situation so that the “failings there” do not impact the wider community of North Wales.

Wetherspoons to give update on Wrexham pub

Three workers at a Wetherspoons pub in North Wales have tested positive for coronavirus. The positive cases were at the North and South Wales Bank, on High Street in Wrexham.

Mr Drakeford says that the company will be issuing an update on the situation later today.

The timeline for the next couple of weeks

Indoor visits to care homes

Mr Drakeford said that allowing indoor visits to care homes is a very serious decision to make as they are more vulnerable. He says that care homes can make their own decision and do not have to allow indoor visits if they do not feel ready to.

Trial to restart outdoor performances and sporting events

A limited number of small scale outdoor performances and sporting events are set to be trialled in Wales in an effort to begin a phased approach to the safe reopening of the events industry, as part of further changes to coronavirus regulations announced today by First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Initially three small events, with limits of up to 100 people, and subject to strict risk assessments, will be held across Wales later this month.

Outdoor events are being prioritised in this review period, while the weather is mild, due to evidence of lower transmission of coronavirus outdoors.

Read the full story, here.

Priority is making sure students can return to school

From 1 September, schools and further education colleges will return from the summer break, and will teach pupils through a variety of ways, either in the classroom or remotely.

He says that it is a priority to make sure students can return to school.

Visits to care homes

Indoor visits to care homes will also be allowed from Saturday 29 August, subject to the strict controls set out in the guidance and conditions remaining favourable.

Changes to extended households

The First Minister has also confirmed that from Saturday August 22, extended households can expand to include up to four households in an exclusive, extended arrangement. From the same day, weddings and funerals will be able to include a meal for up to 30 people, in suitably socially distant settings.

Subject to the successful resumption of weddings and funerals, it is hoped to further increase the range of indoor ceremonies allowed in the next review period, including christenings, baptisms and bar mitzvahs.

Casinos will be allowed to reopen from Saturday 29 August, provided they follow the guidance available to them.

People still breaking the rules

Mr Drakeford says we are not immune to the virus and a small minority of people and businesses in Wales are breaking the rules.

He says more education will be given and action will be taken if necessary.

The First Minister says we must remain cautious.

Track and trace

Mr Drakeford says it is key we ensure that the track and trace system works effectively.

88% of tests requiring rapid turnaround were completed within one day last week, 90% of all positive cases have been successfully contacted and 90% of their contacts have been successfully traced.

He says we are well placed to make further changes to the rules. But he says the position in other parts of the UK and the rest of the world is more challenge.

Briefing underway

Mark Drakeford reports that they have taken a cautious approach and the indicators are “moving in the right direction”.

He says the daily rate of infection continues to fall.

The First Minister says in five of the last seven days no deaths have been reported from the virus.

He pauses to remember those who have lost their lives and all those who are suffering from loss.

Care homes, weddings, casinos

What changes are likely to be made to the rules?

It’s expected that the First Minister will say social bubbles can expand to include four separate households, while rules surrounding weddings and funerals will also change.

Mark Drakeford will also announce that indoor visits to care homes will be allowed from Saturday, August 29 - subject to strict controls set out in guidance to care homes and the spread of coronavirus remaining under control.

We expect him to confirm that from this Saturday [August 22] extended households can expand to include up to four households in an exclusive, extended arrangement.

Weddings, civil partnerships and funerals will also be able to include an indoor meal for up to 30 people, in suitably socially distant settings.

Prynhawn Da

Prynhawn Da! Welcome to our live blog on today’s Welsh Government press conference about coronavirus.

First Minister Mark Drakeford will be announcing a number of changes to lockdown rules.

We’ll bring you all the latest updates as we get them.