By Lesley Griffiths, MS for Wrexham

I WISH I could provide some more positive news ahead of the festive period but we are facing an extremely serious situation.

There is a sustained rise in Covid cases across the country, with one in five tests returning positive results.

As a result, last week the First Minister announced Wales would be moving to alert level 4 after Christmas. This means all non-essential retail, including close-contact services and all leisure and fitness centres will close at the end of trading on Christmas Eve.

All hospitality premises will close from 6pm on Christmas Day and on December 28, tighter restrictions for household mixing, staying-at-home, holiday accommodation and travel will apply.

It was also made clear a shorter Christmas is a safer Christmas. Here in Wales, only two households should come together to form an exclusive Christmas bubble during the five-day period.

I recognise this is not the news people want to hear at this time of year when we traditionally come together and celebrate with family and friends.

These latest regulations will have a major impact on people’s lives and the Welsh Government has announced further financial support measures will be made available for businesses affected.

2020 has been a long and difficult year but this latest action is necessary to save lives, protect the health service and control spread of this dreadful virus.

Everyone needs to be careful, cautious and responsible this Christmas. Ultimately, the fewer people we mix with in our homes, the less chance we have of catching or spreading the virus. As the First Minister said in his press conference, we all need to make those small changes to our lives to protect ourselves and our families.

At least there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon and reason to suggest 2021 will be a better year as far as coronavirus is concerned.

Many will be aware the vaccination programme is underway in Wales and across the UK. Some frontline staff in the Maelor Hospital were amongst the first to receive the vaccine anywhere in the UK.

In recent days, more NHS and care home staff have been vaccinated. Last Wednesday, residents in a care home in Mold became the first in the whole of Wales to receive the vaccine.

The rollout will continue to develop and evolve over time, with further announcements set to be made in the New Year. People do not need to contact their GP to arrange an appointment as people will be made aware when they are eligible for vaccination.

In spite of the difficulties we are facing, I do hope readers have a healthy and peaceful Christmas.