First Minister Mark Drakeford said that Wales is “starting to see some signs” that cases of coronavirus are falling following the country’s two-week firebreak lockdown

A press conference following the firebreak lockdown in Wales

The number of coronavirus cases in Wales have fallen after a two-week “firebreak” lockdown giving hope to the country.

First Minister Mark Drakeford told a press conference that Wales is “starting to see some signs” that cases of coronavirus are falling following the country’s firebreak lockdown.

“The all-Wales level has fallen back from 250 cases per 100,000 people to just under 220 cases,” Mr Drakeford said.

“In Merthyr Tydfil, which saw rates as high as 700 cases per 100,000 in the population, we are now seeing rates down to around 520 – still far too high, of course, but an important and encouraging fall.”

Mr Drakeford said the number of people admitted to hospital continues to rise, with more than 1,400 coronavirus-related cases in Welsh hospitals, higher than in April.

“That’s why it’s so important that we get coronavirus under control to make sure that we do not see that continuing.”