COVID weekly update:
Case rate: The COVID-19 case rate has continued to fall this week. The current rate is 129 cases per 100,000 people and the 7 day test positivity average stands at 11%. There are signs that the reduced case rate is starting to relax some of the pressure on hospitals, but hospitals across Wales remain under intense pressure. If we keep working to drive case rates down further the pressure should continue to ease.
Vaccinations: Wales is currently vaccinating per % of population faster than any other part of the UK, and 4th fastest in the world. Yesterday alone, over 32,000 doses were given out. In total, 523,042 people in Wales have now received their first dose of the vaccine. Thank you to everyone involved in this amazing effort.
Schools: The Welsh Government have just confirmed that pupils aged three to seven will return to school from February 22, after half-term. An additional £5m will be provided to support schools, colleges and local authorities to invest further in items they need to keep their premises safe.