VISITING loved ones in care homes will 'become easier' as further restrictions have been eased.

First Minister Mark Drakeford announced new rules for visiting care homes at Friday's coronavirus briefing.

Care home providers now have the discretion to allow visitors to take lateral flow tests at home and they will no longer have to socially distance in a resident’s room or a designated visiting room.

Restrictions around gifts have also been eased.

At the press conference on Friday, Mr Drakeford said: "Care homes and care home visiting have been among the most challenging issues during the pandemic."