Wales could face stricter measures after Christmas

Wales could face harsher Covid-19 restrictions after Christmas if coronavirus cases continue to rise, the first minister has warned.

Mark Drakeford said in a press conference that the NHS would not be able to cope if hospital admissions kept increasing at the current rate.

He said an updated four-tier coronavirus control plan will be published on Monday to give hospitality and others sectors "as long a period of notice as we can".

It will be debated in the Senedd on Tuesday.

Drakeford said Wales was currently at alert level three, but would move to level four with "even more restrictions to freedoms" if the situation did not improve.

Welsh pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes have been subject to a 6pm curfew and banned from serving alcohol since 4 December.

Hospitality business owners have warned they face a struggle to survive into the new year, with many choosing to close for Christmas rather than try and trade under the restrictions.

The first minister denied rumours there would be a further night-time curfew and ban on all alcohol sales in Wales.

Outdoor attractions such as Winter Wonderlands and funfairs will be told to shut in an announcement later today.

Drakeford said a stricter lockdown was not a ‘foregone conclusion' and urged people to reduce their social contact, adding ‘the future remains in our hands'.

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