The Welsh lockdown will today be extended for another three weeks – but plans are being made for children to return to primary schools after half term.

First Minister Mark Drakeford will this afternoon announce details of the latest review of lockdown measures in Wales.

And while he will say that coronavirus cases have eased in recent weeks, it has not been to the extent that there can be a significant lifting of the current restrictions.

However, moves will be made towards reopening primary schools at the end of the half term break on February 22 – unlike in England, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indicated he hopes to achieve a March 8 return date for schools "at the earliest".

The post-half term return in Wales will, however, be contingent on rates of coronavirus continuing to fall in the country.

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A statement released by the Welsh Government said: "The Welsh Government will work with schools and education partners on a phased and flexible return to school after 22 February, if the public health situation continues to improve.

"Rates of coronavirus across Wales have fallen below 200 cases per 100,000 people for the first time since early November.

"And every day, thousands more people receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine – the latest figures show almost 11 per cent of the population have been vaccinated."

However, the statement added: "The First Minister will today confirm alert level four lockdown restrictions will remain in place in Wales for the next three weeks. While the situation in Wales is improving, lockdown restrictions must continue for another three weeks to allow the NHS to recover."