More than 300 new cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus have been found in Wales.
It means there are now 941 identified cases of the mutant strain, Public Health Wales has confirmed. However, in reality this is likely to be far higher.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has the most cases anywhere in Wales with 225, but Betsi Cadwaladr UHB had the most new cases on Wednesday with 89.
Read more: Children aged five and over are to start receiving Covid jabs in Wales
The breakdown of Omicron cases by health board area is as follows:
| Health Board |
Total cases |
| Cardiff and Vale University Health Board |
225 (+77) |
| Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board |
175 (+89) |
| Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board |
182 (+53) |
| Aneurin Bevan University Health Board |
111 (+28) |
| Swansea Bay University Health Board |
163 (+24) |
| Hywel Dda University Health Board |
47 (+16) |
| Powys Teaching Health Board |
37 (+14) |
| Unknown | 1 |
| Total |
941 (+301) |
Dr Meng Khaw, national director for health protection and screening services for Public Health Wales, said: "Public Health Wales is today (Wednesday, December 22) confirming 301 new cases of Omicron variant in Wales, bringing us to a total of 941 cases.
"As we have indicated previously, a rapid increase over the coming days and weeks is expected."
Wales' coronavirus infection rate for the seven days up to December 17 has now soared to 609.7 cases per 100,000 population. You can read the full bulletin here.
On Wednesday the Welsh Government announced "strengthened measures" to keep Wales safe from the Omicron variant.
They will be introduced from 6am on Boxing Day and are described as "a revised version" of alert level two restrictions.
The regulations bring back tighter measures for hospitality businesses, including licensed premises, and in cinemas and theatres when they re-open after the festive period.
From Boxing Day, the alert level two measures will mean:
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A general requirement of 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces, where reasonable.
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The rule of six will apply to gatherings in regulated premises, such as hospitality, cinemas and theatres.
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All licensed premises will need to take additional measures to protect customers and staff, including table service and collecting contact details.
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Face coverings will be required in hospitality settings at all times apart from when seated.
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Large events will not be allowed indoors or outdoors. The maximum number of people who can gather at an indoor event will be 30 and 50 outdoors.
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There will be an exception for team sports, up to 50 spectators will be able to gather, in addition to those taking part. There is also an exception for events involving children.
Last week new measures were announced for workplaces and retail – these will now come into force on Boxing Day. Nightclubs will also close on Boxing Day.
The Welsh Government added that it will not be making new rules about mixing in people's private homes, including gardens, in holiday accommodation or meeting outdoors. Instead guidance will be issued to help people stay safe.
It strongly advises everyone follows these five measures:
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Limit the number of people visiting your home.
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If people are visiting, make sure they take a lateral flow test in the morning before the visit.
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Meeting outdoors is better than indoors. If you’re meeting indoors make sure it’s well ventilated.
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Space out any visits.
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And don’t forget about social distancing and washing your hands.
There will be a separate offence for large gatherings – more than 30 people indoors or 50 people outdoors – in private homes and gardens.
In response to the new measures, Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said: "As we approach another Christmas in this pandemic, the NHS is under significant strain.
"It’s anticipated that as Omicron continues to take hold in Wales, the sheer volume of cases will inevitably mean we see an increase in hospitalisations from the virus. When taking this into consideration, catching up with delayed treatment and the rapid expansion of the booster programme, the NHS is already under substantial pressure.
"Omicron is already starting to have an impact on NHS staff as sickness levels are rising above expected levels expected in winter. Every member of staff not able to work means less patients able to be treated or supported.
"It’s important the public continue to protect themselves and the NHS by making sensible choices. We must all do what we can to ease the pressure on the NHS this winter – taking steps to reduce the spread of Covid (including attending your appointment for a booster vaccine when invited, social distancing and wearing masks) and accessing services appropriately by only calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency and using NHS 111 online as a first port of call for less urgent problems.
"Thank you to all the staff who are working relentlessly to keep the people of Wales safe."
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