WALES is delaying the further easing of lockdown restrictions for four weeks as the nation is facing a “serious public health situation”.
490 cases of the variant have been reported in Wales with it confirmed in four of five new cases in Wales.
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Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: “Cases of the Delta variant are spreading across Wales.
“In the space a few weeks, cases have been confirmed in all parts of the country.
“We have reviewed all the evidence and will pause changes to the rules for 4 weeks.”
The 490 cases have not been linked to travel or contact with another case, the Welsh government said.
Rules were to be relaxed in Wales on June 7, however, they will now be reviewed again on July 15.
It comes after Boris Johnson delayed Freedom Day in England until July.
The PM has insisted July 19 is the “terminus date” when all legal restrictions on lockdown will be torn up.
But critics fear Brits will never be free from lockdown and Mr Johnson will kick the can down the road once more.
Yesterday Matt Hancock told MPs that Freedom Day will not be delayed beyond July 19.
The Health Secretary confirmed that covid regulations and laws would be extended until midnight on July 18.
Face mask laws for public transport will also be scrapped – meaning the end of masks on trains and buses, and fines for not covering up.
It’s not yet clear if they will have to be kept in other places like shops, or indoor venues.
