Covid in Wales: Limits on social gatherings come into force

Restrictions have been placed on social gatherings and two-metre social distancing has returned as part of Wales' alert level two measures.

The Welsh government has brought in the rules as the number of Omicron variant cases continues to rise.

From 06:00 GMT on 26 December, groups of no more than six people can meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants in Wales.

Outdoor events are limited to 50, with 30 people allowed indoors, which also applies to private homes.

Children are exempt from these limits on groups. Events such as weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and wakes will also be exempt from these same limits.

Speaking last Wednesday, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious Omicron variant is headed our way."

On 26 December, Public Health Wales, reported 6,548 new cases, just short of Christmas Eve's figure of 6,755, which was the highest since the start of the pandemic.

Within the latest figures, there have also been 304 new cases of the Omicron variant, bringing the total to 1,689.

The first minister added that early action was needed to control the spread of Omicron, and it was a "misunderstanding" to think that if the variant was less severe, this "solves the problem".

Mr Drakeford asked people to "flow before you go" and take lateral flow tests before socialising.

Licensed premises will have to offer table service only, face masks will have to be worn and contact tracing details collected.

Shaun Barnsley, who owns the Millers Arms in Chepstow, said it was another blow to the industry.

"Through the whole of December, we're down about 65% on profit and on customers so it hasn't been as jolly as what it could be," he said.

"We've lost six tables which is our covers inside the pub itself. Last year was a bit easier because we had the marquees outside with the heaters.

"Unfortunately now we've got to have planning permission which is extra cost and we just can't afford that."

He added: "It's just been a struggle for the last 18 months. We were on the way up and then all of a sudden the new variant comes in and we're back down to more closures of certain items we can and can't do in a pub again."

Nightclubs were due to close on 27 December but this has been brought forward by a day.

Wales' rules for fully-vaccinated people who are a contact of someone with coronavirus have been changed - with a switch to daily testing instead of self-isolation, including for the Omicron variant.

As a result of the new restrictions, the Wales Millennium Centre has closed from 26 December until 15 January.

Cardiff and Swansea's Winter Wonderland attractions closed at 20:00 GMT on Christmas Eve.

Parkrun, which organises 5km runs every Saturday morning throughout the UK, has cancelled all of its non-junior events in Wales from 1 January onwards.

Mr Drakeford said the numbers that could attend sporting events would be determined by the ability of the venue to manage social distancing and other reasonable measures.

The first minister set no end date for the new restrictions but said he wanted them in place for the shortest possible time.

Wales now has some of the most stringent Covid restrictions in the UK. Measures are also being imposed in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said there will be no new rules in England before Christmas, but "can't rule out" measures after then.

The Welsh government said a total of £120m will be made available for nightclubs, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses. That includes £60m announced last week.