Wales who have Covid will be cut from 10 days

The self isolation period for people in Wales who have Covid will be cut from 10 days to seven.

It only applies to people who have two negative lateral flow tests on days six and seven of their isolation.

The change comes into effect from New Year's Eve rather than 5 January, as was first planned.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said it was based on "the balance of harm", as staff absences place "huge pressure" on services.

This brings Wales into line with England, which brought in this change on 22 December, and Northern Ireland, which will also cut its self isolation time from 31 December.

• The change also applies to people who are already self isolating, as well as new cases.
• New Covid restrictions come into force in Wales
• Q&A: What are the new Covid rules for Wales?

Steep rise in Covid cases around Christmas

The lateral flow tests on days six and seven of self isolation must be taken 24 hours apart and if either are positive, then people have to keep isolating.

These tests, which are for people who are asymptomatic, will now only include a swab of the nose instead of both nose and throat.