Some care homes in North Wales may still require people visiting relatives or friends to wear masks – depending on the level of risk to residents.

That was the message from Care Forum Wales, which represents nearly 500 social care providers, after the Welsh Government revealed they were lifting all remaining Covid restrictions.

Chief executive Mary Wimbury said there was still “nervousness” in the sector because they were looking after extremely vulnerable people whose health and wellbeing was paramount.

The Welsh Government said the public health situation had continued to improve over the last few weeks.

READ MORE: Residents of Flintshire care home left 'abandoned' amid its sudden closure

Until now Wales was the last part of the UK with Covid restrictions still in place but the Welsh Government said the public health situation had continued to improve over the last few weeks.

However, guidance will remain in place strongly recommending the use of face coverings in health settings to help protect the most vulnerable.

Ms Wimbury said: “I think the lifting of restrictions is a step back to the normality that everyone wants.

“There’s going to be a mixture of emotions. There will be delight for people who are going to be able to see people’s smiles again in care homes in a way they haven’t been able to for over two years but there’s also going to be a level of nervousness.

READ MORE: Calls made to ensure new national health service body to be based in North Wales

“It’s always been about finding the right balance. We understand why the restrictions have continued because of the vulnerabilities of people living in care settings.

“Everyone’s an individual so those vulnerabilities vary but if you’re going into someone’s own home, that’s their choice.

“If you’re going into somewhere that is the home of a number of people, then you have to balance those risks to everybody.

“It may be there will be different requirements in different areas of the home.

“What we can say across the piece is that this is an opportunity to move back towards normality but to do that safely.”