WALES could go into another lockdown after restrictions are relaxed over the Christmas period, the First Minister has warned.

This could see the Whole of Wales being placed into Level 4 restrictions - the equivalent of lockdown.

Today, the Welsh Government announced that an updated version of Wales’ covid control plan will be published next week.

The plan sets out four alert levels, with Wales currently at level three.

The national measures were strengthened on December 4 in response to rapidly accelerating levels of coronavirus across Wales.

Further measures have also been announced today which will hopefully curb the spread of the virus.

At the press conference on December 11, the First Minister said the measures will only work if everyone plays their part in controlling the virus.

He added that allowing people to spend Christmas together is not just out of 'sentiment' but 'recognising how tough the year has been', adding it is an 'incredible difficult balancing act'.

He went on the said that 'it is the small acts of selfishness that are getting us in the trouble we are in' and is urging residents to do the right thing to avoid tighter restrictions after Christmas.

The FM said there is legislation on households mixing, two households can form and that is it, but introducing tighter restrictions before Christmas was 'not needed' and introducing more legislation would unlikely 'alter' behaviour.

He said we must give the new measures a 'chance' to work, before introducing tighter restrictions.

At the press conference on December 11, First Minister Mark Drakeford said coronavirus in Wales had worsened over the last two-weeks, but today it was 'now very serious indeed' after deteriorating further.

The potential new restrictions would mean non-essential businesses and attractions will be forced to close once again.

The four alert levels include:

  • Alert level one (low-risk) – this represents the closest to normality we are likely to have before the summer and the widespread take-up of vaccinations.
  • Alert level two (medium-risk) – additional, targeted controls are put in place to maintain infection rates at lower levels. These may be complemented by more targeted local restrictions to manage specific incidents and outbreaks.
  • Alert level three (high-risk) – these are the strictest package of restrictions, short of a firebreak or lockdown.
  • Alert level four (very high risk) – restrictions at this level are equivalent to a lockdown and reflect the seriousness of the situation.

When asked about why an all-Wales approach if cases in the North are lower than the South, the FM said the restrictions are in the 'interests' of people in those parts of Wales where Covid-19 is not as high but is 'heading that way'.

All but one local authority area in the North saw a rise in cases on Thursday and the reason for an All-Wales basis is to 'protect people in North Wales'.

He adds he is absolutely convinced they did the right thing and did it in the interest of people in those parts of Wales where covid isn't as high but is heading that way

If Wales were to enter level four, this would mean the following restrictions:

  • Stay at home and work from home
  • Not create an extended household (excluding a support bubble with single adults living alone or single parents who may join with one other household)
  • Do not travel without a reasonable excuse
  • Schools, colleges and childcare providers will remain open along with universities
  • Crematoriums will remain as will weddings for legal ceremony only

Places and activities that will be closed when at alert level four are:

  • Nightclubs and entertainment venues and attractions
  • Receptions/Wakes
  • Leisure and fitness facilities and public facilities
  • Holiday accommodation unless for essential reasons
  • Hospitality premises except for takeaway and delivery
  • Close contact services
  • Non-essential retail with only click and collect allowed