With Christmas fast approaching, the majority of us will be looking forward to meeting up with family and exchanging presents.
However, First Minister Mark Drakeford has urged the people of Wales to take care during the festive period and see fewer people in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
On Thursday evening, it was announced that the Welsh Government was introducing tougher restrictions on December 27, and in radio and TV interviews on Friday, Mr Drakeford also warned that further restrictions were likely to come in after Christmas.
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In the lead up to Christmas, the Welsh Government has strongly advised everyone to follow five measures to stay safe:
- Get vaccinated: if you have a booster appointment, please make attending your priority.
- If you’re going out, going Christmas shopping or visiting people – flow before you go. Take a lateral flow test, and if it’s positive – don’t go out.
- Meeting outdoors is better than indoors. If you’re meeting indoors make sure it’s well ventilated.
- Space out your socialising – if you’ve got events arranged, please leave at least a day between them.
- And don’t forget about social distancing, wearing a face covering and washing your hands.
At Friday's press conference, Mark Drakeford said that people should remember that the "virus thrives on human contact" and urged them to limit their socialising.
He said: "This is the calm before the storm... Every contact we have is an opportunity for us to spread or catch the virus.
"The omicron variant particularly likes big gatherings and enclosed spaces where it can easily move from person to person. If you can, please reduce the number of people you meet, especially if you’re seeing older or more vulnerable people over Christmas."
Find out about coronavirus cases in your area:
What will happen after Christmas?
New coronavirus restrictions will also come into force in Wales from December 27.
The legal restrictions will see nightclubs close - a decision deemed by some nightclub owners as "disastrous". Extra measures will also be put in place to protect customers and staff in shops and businesses, such as one-way systems and physical barriers.
An additional £60m of funding is being made available to help businesses impacted by the changes.
The rules will also be changed to include a requirement to work from home wherever possible, but those in offices will have to adhere to 2m social distancing.
It has also been announced the start of the school term in January has been delayed.
The Education Minister for Wales, Jeremy Miles, has said that all pupils should return by January 10 and where possible pupils should be in school for lessons next term.
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