FIRST Minister Mark Drakeford has said that imposing new restrictions on the hospitality industry in Wales is a "matter of deep regret".

On Monday, he said people meeting in hospitality settings were not having 'glancing contact' with others, such as in a supermarket, but sitting together for a period of time.

"When we get together in that way, whether it is in our own home or in a hospitality setting, the virus thrives and the cases rise and we end up with the position that we see in Wales today," he said.

"It is a matter of deep regret because of all the work that the sector has done and all the people that work in it, that we are having, as in England and as in Scotland, to add this measure to the repertoire of actions that we are taking to make sure that when we go into that Christmas period, those five days when restrictions will be relaxed for households, we've created a position in which the risk to one another and to our health service can be contained."

The Minister went on to say that no other rules will change – meaning that extended households will remain as they are, for example.

But he added: "When the English lockdown ends on Wednesday of this week, we will look into new travel restrictions in and out of Wales and will make a further announcement this week."

At present, there are no travel restrictions within Wales.

The Welsh Government simply asks everyone to “think carefully about the journeys they take and the people they meet."

But on counties that share a border with England, like Wrexham and Flintshire, that travel over the line should remain under limited and essential circumstances, such as for work or education.

Mr Drakeford warned the public in border areas not to ‘take advantage’ of the difference in rules once hospitality in Wales becomes restricted.

He adds: "Over the last four weeks pubs in England have been closed and pubs in North Wales were open.

"My message then was not to take advantage and it's the same now: observe and follow the rules for whatever part of the UK you live."

Also at the press briefing, Mr Drakeford said he could not provide a fresh update on the Maelor Hospital outbreak.

However, when asked about a localised cluster of coronavirus cases at Llangollen Fechan Care Home, the Labour MS says it shows the “awful” consequences that can happen when coronavirus gets into a care home.

He said virus can find its way around defences if we are not careful.

The minister said Welsh Government are starting testing lateral flow for care homes which could mean people can visit under careful conditions.

He says: "Visitor pods are being welcomed by the sector. We are doing more to create conditions for families to be reunited.

"Whatever action is taken has to respect the vulnerability of those individuals and the impact coronavirus in a care home can have."