COVID passes could be extended to pubs and restaurants in Wales if infection rates don't fall.

It comes as First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Friday that measures to protect against coronavirus will be strengthened as cases in Wales rise.

Rates of Covid-19 in Wales are currently the highest in the UK.

Wales is to remain at alert level zero, but more measures to protect the public will be taken.

The Welsh Government wants to extend the use of the Covid Pass to theatres, cinemas and concert halls from November 15 subject to a Senedd vote.

The Covid Pass is currently used for people wanting to gain entry to nightclubs, indoor no-seating events with more than 500 people, outdoor no-seating events with more than 4,000 people and any event with more than 10,000 people.

Mr Drakeford said: "At the start of October," he said, "we had hoped we would be past the peak of the Delta wave.

"Three weeks ago cases began to fall back according to the model. In reality they have risen sharply."

The cases in the last few days have been the highest in the whole pandemic.

"The next few weeks are all about getting back on track with the model and seeing cases fall across Wales," he added.

"The next three weeks are vital.

"Cases are too high, and we need to work together to bring them under control.

"We've done it before and we will do it again."

But he said if things have not improved in three weeks, measures may have to be strengthened further.

"If rates continue to rise rather than fall, the cabinet will have to consider raising the alert level and reinstating some restrictions at the next review," he said.

"None of us want these restrictions."

Asked specifically about the hospitality sector, Mr Drakeford added: "If Covid continues to increase, we will reach a point where its impact is such that further measures are unavoidable.

"It's the trend - trend up and we are in trouble. Trend down and we will be able to stay with the restrictions we have."

Under the toughened measures announced on Friday, adults who are fully vaccinated and children aged five to 17 will have to self-isolate until they have received a negative PCR test if someone in their household has symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19.

Unvaccinated people will have to isolate for 10 days following contact with someone who has tested positive, including close contacts outside of their household.

Cases in schools were numerous before half term, so staff and secondary school students will also be encouraged to take twice-weekly lateral flow tests.