Coronavirus hospital admissions continue to decline but First Minister warns virus impact 'remains real'

The number of people being admitted to hospital with coronavirus symptoms in Wales continued to decline over the weekend, the First Minister told a press briefing on Monday.

Mark Drakeford said on Friday that the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 had stabilised and that new admissions for the virus had started to decline.

He told the press briefing: "I’m pleased to say that this pattern has persisted over the weekend and that we can take further confidence that the measures we are all taking continue to save lives".

Mr Drakeford also thanked the public for continuing to adhere to the lockdown, and said police chiefs across Wales had informed him that "observations of the continued restrictions remains at a high level".

But he warned against any complacency, adding that the "impact of the virus remains real."

"On Saturday we passed a sad and sober milestone when the number to have died exceeded 500 for the first time.

"I never want to come to one of these press conferences without taking a moment to remember each one of those lives."

Watch the full press briefing here:

Mr Drakeford also announced a £6 million package of support for hospices, which he said have cared for many of the individuals who have died with Covid-19 symptoms.

He also announced plans to put an additional £100 million into the Economic Resilience Fund, which is geared at supporting small businesses and social enterprises. He said so far more than 6000 small businesses and social enterprises have applied for the grants.

He said the Welsh Government is considering strengthening regulations in regards to people travelling to second homes, and potentially allowing families of children with learning disabilities or autism to go outside for exercise more than once a day.

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