Wales to remain at Covid alert level 0 with 'normal Christmas' expected this year

Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has said Welsh people will be able to enjoy a Christmas "they are used to" this year as Covid cases are starting to fall.

He confirmed the Wales Covid Alert level will remain at 0 for the next three weeks but if existing measures will be strengthened if cases rise.

If Covid cases were to spiral out of control, Covid Urgent would be implemented. Measures would include the return of the alert level system and restrictions imposed.

Outlining his plans to keep Covid at bay over the incoming colder months, Mr Drakeford told a press conference: "We are facing a challenging winter ahead – coronavirus hasn’t gone away and flu is forecast to return this winter."

Mark Drakeford warned NHS Wales services are incredibly busy trying to catch up with treatments that had been delayed earlier in the pandemic (PA)

At alert level 0, people are encouraged to get their jabs, wash their hands, wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, and consider reducing the number of people they meet indoors.

Mr Drakeford said: "We ought to be getting through these cold months with restrictions at the level we have at the moment.

"So we are far more likely to have a Christmas that we are used to, as long as we continue to do all the things that keep us safe like getting the vaccination when we are called to.

"As long as nothing unexpected arises then we can look forward to the Christmases that we are used to."

Asked if Covid Urgent would be implemented if a certain number of cases are reached, Mr Drakeford said it wouldn't be possible to use a simple figure to determine if restrictions are needed.

"As we go into this winter, it’s not possible to give a simple figure that would be our tipping point," Mr Drakeford explained.

"This time last year, it was easier to say if you get to a certain number then certain actions will follow.

"This winter will be complicated. We will be dealing with covid and the health service is incredibly busy trying to catch up with treatment delayed earlier on in the pandemic.

"For all those reasons it's not possible to say a certain number of Covid will trigger a number of actions."

The First Minister of Wales said “we appear to be past the peak” of coronavirus cases.

It comes as one in 55 people in Wales were estimated to have had Covid-19 in last week, according to official figures.