The Welsh First Minister has announced that self-isolation rules in Wales will be kept in place "for the time being" amid an easing of Covid restrictions by the end of next month.

       In a statement, Mark Drakeford said that "the improving public health situation" and the country's "incredible vaccination programme" means that some of the protections in place can be relaxed.

       Covid passes to enter large indoor and outdoor events, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls will be scrapped from next Friday, as well as face masks in some indoor venues.

       From February 28, the requirement for face coverings to be worn in indoor public places - apart from on public transport, in healthcare and in retail - will be removed.

       The First Minister said that if the situation continues to improve, that the Government "hopes to be able to remove the requirement to wear masks by the end of March".

       However, amid the easing of other restrictions, Mr Drakeford said that after "careful consideration" the self-isolation rules will remain in place in Wales "for the time being".

       "Self-isolation is an important way of breaking the chain of transmission and preventing more people from becoming infected," he added.

       PM's decision to scrap self-isolation has no 'underpinning of public health advice'

       This comes as a Welsh Government minister said he was "fairly surprised" by the Prime Minister's announcement that self-isolation rules could be scrapped early, and claimed the move is not backed up by scientific evidence.

       Boris Johnson has said all remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England could be gone within weeks, including the legal requirement to isolate after a positive coronavirus test. The previous plan had been to end the rule on March 24.

       Welsh economy minister Vaughan Gething told BBC Breakfast that Mr Johnson's statement did not appear to be based on "public health advice".

       He said: "I was fairly surprised at the manner of the announcement made by the Prime Minister and indeed the fact there doesn't appear to be an underpinning of public health advice.

       "There was no meeting with chief medical officers in advance of the Prime Minister's statement. I've not seen advice from Sage on this, or indeed scientific evidence underpinning what's happened from any other source.

       "Here in Wales, the choices we are making today have gone through that process."