Mark Drakeford said the country has "passed the Omicron peak" and can keep lifting restrictions as part of its "careful and phased plan".

Latest data shows COVID-19 cases are falling back to levels similar to those in the autumn and there has been a reduction in patients in hospital with the virus.

The first minister said: "We remain cautiously confident the public health situation is heading in the right direction and next week we will be able to complete the move to alert level zero, unless the situation changes for the worse.

"We are in this position thanks to the efforts of everyone in Wales and our fantastic vaccination programme.

"It is important that everyone continues to follow the rules and the guidance to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including taking up the offer of a booster vaccine if they haven't already done so."

What is being planned for COVID restrictions in Wales?

From Friday, Wales will move to alert level zero for all outdoor activities.

This means there will be no limits on the number of people who can take part in outdoor activities, while crowds will be allowed at outdoor sporting events once more.

Outdoor hospitality will also be able to operate without additional reasonable measures, such as the rule of six and two-metre social distancing.

COVID passes will still be required for entry to larger outdoor events of more than 4,000 people if unseated and over 10,000 people if seated.

From 28 January, the plan is for Wales to complete the move to alert level zero.

This will mean working from home will no longer be a legal requirement, while the rule of six will be removed in hospitality, cinemas and theatres.

Social distancing requirements in workplaces and places open to the public will be scrapped.

Licensed premises will no longer be restricted to table service only and nightclubs will be able to reopen.

However, COVID passes will be required for entry, while the measure will remain in place for large indoor events, cinemas, theatres and concert halls.

Rules around isolation and the wearing of face masks will continue to be in force beyond 28 January.

The next three-weekly review of COVID rules will take place by 10 February, when all the measures at alert level zero will be looked at.

What is the situation elsewhere in the UK?

Northern Ireland has announced it will ease restrictions on nightclubs and hospitality as part of measures that will take effect on Friday.

Plan B measures are to be scrapped in England, with work from home guidance, COVID passports and mandatory wearing of face masks to go.

In Scotland, all Omicron restrictions will be lifted next Monday.