First Minister Mark Drakeford unveils seven-step plan to weather lockdown

The framework will help to determine when the strict stay-at-home restrictions can begin to be relaxed in Wales and will help to find a way for people in Wales to live and work alongside coronavirus.

Launching the framework, the First Minister said: “Our approach to date has been one of lockdown. We have taken unprecedented steps to protect everyone, but particularly those most at risk from serious illness.

“This has helped the NHS prepare and cope with coronavirus and, even though we have sadly seen more than 640 people die, it has helped to save many more lives.

“We know coronavirus will be with us for a long time yet but we want to see whether there are things we can do while we continue to tackle the virus and while the search for better treatments and a vaccine continue.”

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The framework – and the seven questions – will help determine when the time is right to relax some of the stay-at home regulations.

The seven questions are:

• Would easing a restriction have a negative effect on containing the virus?

• Does a particular measure pose a low risk of further infection?

• How can it be monitored and enforced?

• Can it be reversed quickly if it creates unintended consequences?

• Does it have a positive economic benefit?

• Does it have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing?

• Does it have a positive impact on equality?

Asked who would ultimately be in charge of making a decision to bring the country out of lockdown, Mr Drakeford said: "In the end decision have to be made by elected people.

"The ministers are elected to do these difficult jobs.

"We're always informed by the medical and scientific advice.

"On the day that advice told us to ban mass gatherings, we did that.."

While he noted the need to take heed of actions being taken in other countries, Mr Drakeford said, about comments made recently by President Trump: "It was an extraordinary for someone in that position to say.

"Just looking through the internet and finding stray ideas with no evidence behind them and then presenting them in a press conference to people likely to rely on that advice.

"I will never put myself in that position.

"The advice must be evidence tested and able to be relied on."