THE Health Minister for Wales has revealed that a new sub-variant of Omicron is now the dominant coronavirus strain in Wales.

Eluned Morgan was speaking at a press conference held ahead of the two-year anniversary of the first Covid-19 national lockdown.

She revealed that - although there has been a 'steady decline in Covid-19 cases since January 2022, we are now once again seeing 'a marked increase' in cases once more throughout Wales.

Read more: Spring booster vaccinations to be rolled out in Wales, starting this week

This rise, the Health Minister says is being driven by the BA.2 sub-type of the Omicron virus.

She added that all signs show that this is 'even more transmissable' and 'fast moving' than the original Omicron virus.

Hospital admissions across all age groups have spiked over the last couple of weeks with more than 1,200 Covid-19 patients now in hospital beds. 

That is the highest level Wales has seen since March 2021 and will continue to rise over the coming weeks, the Health Minister said.

One in 24 people in Wales have coronavirus, it was revealed - although this is the lowest rate in the UK.

She added that high re-infection rates mean those who have had coronavirus before will not be immune to BA.2.

Read more: Just over 4,900 new cases of Covid-19 reported in a 72-hour period

Ahead of the two-year anniversary of the first lockdown, the Health Minister added: "Tomorrow will be a poignant day as we reflect on the last two years and remember those who died during the pandemic. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones."

Ms Morgan added that a spring booster campaign is now underway to "increase immunity levels in certain age groups."

This will be offered to everyone over-75, to all older care home residents and to everyone over 12 who is immuno-suppressed. Health boards will be sending out invitations to everyone in these groups.

The Leader:

PIC: Ms Morgan also gave her views on wearing masks.

When quizzed over wearing masks, Ms Morgan said: "We understand that people have had enough of Covid, we've all had enough of Covid. Particularly when we see the pressures in Ukraine and in our own communities where people are trying to pay the bills.

"Our job as the Government is to protect the public, in particular with regards to public health. I don't think it's a huge, big deal to wear a mask in certain circumstances.

"I think we need to get some perspective on this and look at where we've been in the past, where we weren't able to leave our homes."