THERE will be ‘marginal headroom at best’ for easing of current lockdown restrictions next week, the First Minister has said.

At the Welsh Government press conference on January 22, Mark Drakeford said that getting pupils back to schools and colleges is the top priority.

Speaking on Friday, one week before the next lockdown review, Mr Drakeford said they were seeing ‘encouraging’ signs that the virus was stabilising across Wales, but these still remain very high.

As a result, there would need to be a cautious and gradual approach towards relaxing the restrictions.

However, the overall rate for Wales has dropped to around 270 cases per 100,000 people, a stark difference from 650 cases back in December.

The First Minister said the new variants of the virus were of ‘cause for concern’ as the highly contagious strain, known as the Kent variant, is widespread in Wales.

He added that they are also closely monitoring three new variant strains, one from South Africa and two from Brazil, all of which are ‘concerning’.
He said: “We are not immune at all to changes, which can happen in other parts of the world."

Mr Drakeford warned that it all means there will only be headroom to make ‘marginal’ changes next week, but that Welsh Government would be making a further £200m available to support businesses with their operating costs.

At the conference he was asked to indicate when we can see our loved ones again.

He said it was an ‘impossible question’ but the question ministers ask is if there is any headroom to begin lifting restrictions safely.

He said they want to restore freedoms but it has to be done in a safe way and a way in line with public health advice.

However, he said things are improving and for the first time there were fewer than 1,000 infections in the latest daily Wales figure.

But the FM did say there would be ‘marginal headroom at best’ for lifting restrictions next week.

As the weather improves and people can meet outside, there will be more freedoms that are able to be restored but it is ‘impossible to predict’ what will happen.

Mr Drakeford said: "Next week, we will hold the second review of the alert level four lockdown restrictions.

"Every day we are seeing cases of the virus fall in the community. We now need to see similar reductions in the pressure on our NHS.”

He added the ‘first priority will be to get children and young people back into schools and colleges’.

He said he recently chaired a meeting of teaching unions and education staff and they agreed to find ways of bringing more young people back into the classroom.

But it is ‘unlikely’ they will see everyone back in one go and practical ideas were put forward.

He added the meeting was full of ‘creative and imaginative ideas’ and does not rule out making some of these happen.

He added he will review the evidence and advice next week.