CORONAVIRUS rules could be relaxed further from this weekend as Wales could make its move to Alert Level Zero.

As of Thursday, August 5 Public Health Wales data shows that a total of 681 cases were reported across Wales, of which 176 were in the North.

The seven-day case average currently stands at 133.4 cases per 100,000 people.

The vaccination programme is also going from strength to strength with 2,299,204 people having their first COVID-19 jab. Of that figure, a total of 2,092,103 had their second dose.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery confirmed that as of August 3, almost 85 per cent of eligible adults in North Wales have either been fully vaccinated, or are booked in for their second dose in the coming weeks.

All of this, as well as hospital admissions and deaths, will be taken into account when Ministers decide whether to relax the rules on August 7.

Welsh Government may be under pressure to go ahead with the relaxations, similar to elsewhere across the UK.

All legal restrictions were lifted in England from July 19, including the mandatory wearing of masks in indoor settings.

But the Government asked the public to exercise caution, with a recommendation that masks should still be used in crowded and enclosed spaces.

All legal limits on the numbers meeting indoors and outdoors have been scrapped and all businesses can reopen, including nightclubs having been closed since March 2020.

Life will also almost be back to normal in Scotland as of next Monday when remaining restrictions on social gatherings and physical distancing are eased.

Welsh Government has already confirmed that from Saturday, double jabbed people will not have to self-isolate if they come into contact with a positive case.

Instead, NHS Wales Test Trace Protect Service will give advice on how they can protect themselves and stay safe.

Despite a third wave of coronavirus cases still spreading infection, Dr Frank Atherton, Wales' chief medical officer, said it was 'right to relax' remaining restrictions as the vaccination programme had 'broken the link' between community transmission and hospital admissions.

But what else could change on August 7 in Wales?

As of August 7, almost all coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in Wales, but the wearing of face masks will remain compulsory on public transport and in most indoor settings.

Some rules were eased on July 17 as the country moved into alert Level 1 – after a four-week delay due to the spread of the Delta variant.

Up to six people can now meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation, while organised indoor events will be able to take place with up to 1,000 people seated and up to 200 standing, and ice rinks can reopen.

There are also now no limits on how many people can meet outdoors, in public places or at events.

Everyone aged 11 and over must still wear face coverings in all indoor public places unless exceptions apply.

If easing goes ahead as planned on Saturday, fully vaccinated adults, those under 18 and vaccine trial participants will not need to self-isolate if they come into close contact with someone who has the virus.

But travel restrictions remain tight – those arriving from a red list country will be denied entry, and instead must enter the UK through either England or Scotland and self-isolate for 10 days first.

Travellers must also complete a passenger locator form and provide proof of a negative test.

Fully vaccinated people arriving from amber list countries must complete a passenger locator form and provide a a pre-departure test and a test two days after arrival, while unvaccinated people still need to isolate for 10 days.

Again, all those arriving from France regardless of vaccination status must self-isolate.

Those arriving from green list countries must have proof of a negative test before departure, complete a passenger locator form, with everyone aged five and above taking a test on or before day two of arrival.

When is the announcement?

The First Minister will make the announcement on Friday, August 6 in line with the three-week review.

It is understood that the Cabinet Ministers have been meeting every day this week before a final decision is made on Thursday.