Sports fans will remain shut out from professional matches and events in Wales for at least another week as part of the Welsh Government's Covid regulations, it has been announced.
First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed on Thursday night that alert level two measures are to remain in place following the outcome of the latest Welsh Government Covid regulations review.
On December 21 it was announced that all professional sporting events in Wales were to take place behind closed doors from Boxing Day due to the sweeping impact of the Omicron variant in the country.
With coronavirus cases now soaring - the latest figures show there are more than 2,200 cases per 100,000 people in Wales - the Welsh Government has decided to maintain the status quo and keep the same restrictions in place for the time being.
Mr Drakeford will explain his decisions further at a press conference at Friday from noon, and you'll be able to follow live updates via WalesOnline.
The restrictions are reviewed weekly.
Read more: Welsh Gov tell WRU they'll be 'disappointed' if Wales matches move to England amid cash warning
It means big question marks remain over what happens for Wales’ home Six Nations games set to take place over the coming months, with Wayne Pivac’s men scheduled to host Scotland on February 12, followed by France on March 11 and Italy on March 19.
Staging matches in England has been mooted as a possible contingency plan as there are no restrictions on crowds there at the moment, meaning much-needed revenue from gate receipts could be generated.
In terms of football, there will be no supporters at Swansea City’s FA Cup third-round match against Southampton on Saturday or at Cardiff City’s clash with Preston in the Welsh capital on Sunday. Newport County's fixture with Salford City will also take place without fans, as will Wrexham's tie with Folkstone Invicta a week Saturday should restrictions remain in place.
Mr Drakeford said: "The Omicron wave means we are all facing a difficult month ahead of us. We are already seeing extremely high case rates in communities and we must be prepared for cases to rise even higher, just as they have elsewhere in the UK.
"This variant may not be as severe as we had initially feared but the speed at which it is travelling and its infectiousness continue to be cause for concern.
"That makes it vital that we all take action to keep each other safe. The things which have helped to protect us all throughout the pandemic will continue to protect us now.
"This includes getting vaccinated and making your booster a priority, limiting the number of people you meet who you don’t live with, and taking a lateral flow test before going out and mixing with others.
"Together, we will keep each other safe and we will keep Wales safe."
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Wales’ health minister Eluned Morgan has already told the Welsh Rugby Union that the Welsh Government will be disappointed if they decide to play home Six Nations matches in England.
She has also suggested they would be less inclined to help the Union out financially if they were to head across the Severn Bridge.
The WRU face losing millions if they are forced to play some or all of their three home matches in front of empty stands in Cardiff.
Capacity crowds are currently allowed in England, while Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy all currently have their own varying restrictions.
There is an exception for team sports in Wales which allows up to 50 spectators to gather and watch, in addition to those taking part. As for children's sport, there is no limit on activities "for the wellbeing or development of children U18".
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