English: First Minister of Wales' statement on coronavirus lockdown extension

An address to the nation by first Minister Mark Drakeford, extending the lockdown for another 3 weeks in Wales

Text: Earlier this afternoon along with the First Minister's of Scotland and Northern Ireland I attended with a UK government a meeting of the Cobra committee. We each confirmed our decisions that the current restrictions on movement to protect the NHS, and so to save lives should continue for another three week. This is based on expert scientific analysis of the latest data on the corona virus outbreak right across the United Kingdom. Now I know that the last three weeks have been very difficult for many people.

I wanted to thank everyone in Wales for the way in which each of us has dealt with these very challenging circumstances. And while we have seen some positive signs in the data it is still too early to change course in dealing with this deadly virus. Many more lives are still at stake and too many families have already lost loved ones. Nevertheless the decision to extend the lockdown is not one that has been taken lightly; but I am clear that we cannot risk throwing away all the sacrifices we have made here in Wales over the last few weeks by lifting those restrictions too soon. That could mean more deaths and in the long run even greater impact on people's jobs and livelihoods. Our approach will continue to be driven by the best information and the best advice we can secure. We will go on taking the decisions that are right for Wales and at the right time so that together we go on protecting our NHS and so to save lives.