STUDENTS are expected to return fully to campuses from 12 April, Wales’ education minister said this afternoon (Monday)

Focusing on universities in her press conference this lunch time, minister Kirsty Williams said that advice remains for now to stay local and work or study from home if you can.

However, she said rules do allow people to travel outside their local area for education purposes.

And the minister announced today that, from 12 April "it is our expectation that all students can return to campus".

The return to campus will however involve a mix of in class and home learning.

Ms Williams added that there are likely to be more students on campus than is normal for the summer term.

Students will be offered tests before they return to campus, and twice weekly lateral flow testing will be available for all students and staff who cannot work from home, she added.

Deputy chief medical officer for Wales Prof Chris Jones said we have not seen significant transmission "in the teaching and learning environment" in universities, and there is little evidence of community transmission from students in Wales.

"There are low rates among students in Wales, and students are less likely to experience clinical disease, he added.

Dr Jones added that 1.1 million have had their first dose of the vaccine in Wales (35 per cent), and 10 per cent have had both vaccines.