Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has said Wales' coronavirus infection rate would put it in Tier 3 if the country was part of the English tiered-system, meaning it would face tougher restrictions.
Speaking at the Welsh Government coronavirus briefing on Friday, he said the number of people in hospital and the number of new cases being seen was why the package of national measures in Wales had to be strengthened. You can follow live updates here.
England’s new three-tier system came into effect on 2 December after the national lockdown was lifted.
Tier 3 is the tier that faces the strictest measures in England with hospitality venues having to close, except for delivery and takeaway service. In tier 3, hotels and other accommodation providers must also close, except for specific work purposes where people cannot return home.
In Wales, the latest set of Welsh Government restrictions come into force from 6pm on Friday (December 4).
All hospitality settings, including restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can open indoors and outdoors for the consumption of food and non-alcoholic drinks but must close by 6pm. Alcoholic drinks cannot be served or consumed at any time within these premises.
Speaking on Friday, Mr Drakeford said: "We must strengthen our package of national measures as we face the winter months ahead.
"From 6pm tonight, the coronavirus regulations will be amended to require the closure of all indoor entertainment and visitor attractions.
"All pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants will have to close their doors at 6pm every day and no alcohol can be sold.
"I want to be clear that if we were in another part of the UK, our coronavirus situation would mean we would be subject to the English tier-three regime or level-three restrictions in Scotland.
"As difficult as these new restrictions are – I know the hospitality and visitor sector has had a tough year – they bring Wales into line with those areas of Scotland facing the same challenges and are less restrictive than those faced by similar areas in England."
Restrictions on gatherings within homes remain in place. The main requirements are that:
- Other than in very limited circumstances, people must not enter each other’s homes or gardens;
- When you meet people you don’t live with away from your home, in most circumstances, the absolute maximum number of people meeting should be four (not including any children aged under 11);
- Face coverings must still be worn in indoor public places, and:
- You must self-isolate when you are told to do so by NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect.
Mr Drakeford confirmed that the first doses of the new Pfizer vaccine will be used on Tuesday in Wales, but he also warned: "While the vaccine offers hope for the future, the position today in Wales remains very serious."
Almost two-thirds of local authorities in Wales have seven-day incidence rates of 150 cases per 100,000 people or higher.
In two areas – Neath Port Talbot and Blaenau Gwent – the rate has now exceeded 400 cases per 100,000 people.
Rates are rising in all but two areas of Wales.
Mr Drakeford said: "Every day, we are seeing more and more people admitted to hospital with coronavirus symptoms.
"In the last week, we have seen a record number of coronavirus-related patients in hospital and these numbers are increasing.
"Many will be in hospital for three weeks or longer.
"Coronavirus is putting our health service under significant and sustained pressure.
"On Thursday, the ambulance service declared a critical incident – the first real visible sign of the impact coronavirus on day-to-day care."
On Thursday night, the Wales Ambulance Trust that due to demand services were under severe pressure and they urged people to only call 999 it if was critical.
