Covid restrictions Wales: Rule of six, two metre distancing, table service and face coverings to become compulsory on Boxing Day

A fresh set of Covid restrictions are set to come into force in Wales at 6am on Boxing Day, with the rule of six, two metre distancing in all public settings, table service and face coverings to become compulsory to combat a rise in cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Announcing the new measures, First minister Mark Drakeford said: “We are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, fast-moving and very-infectious Omicron variant is headed our way.

"This new form of coronavirus could infect large numbers of people in Wales, disrupting daily lives and businesses and could cause an increase in the number of people who need hospital care in the coming weeks.

"We will do everything we can to protect people’s health and livelihoods in Wales – this means taking early action to try and control its spread. We are changing the rules for businesses and some public spaces, where lots of different people mix daily and issuing strong and clear advice to help people stay safe in their own private homes and when meeting others.”

Additionally, he said, £120m will made available for businesses affected by the new restrictions, double the new £60m package announced last week, with details to be announced tomorrow. 

The news follows on a tightening of restrictions announced for Scotland yesterday, whereby pubs and restaurants will be required to reintroduce one metre physical distancing between groups of guests and to reinstate table service to prevent crowding at bar areas for three weeks starting on Boxing Day. The government of Northern Ireland is expected to announce new restrictions later today.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out imposing any new restrictions in England before Christmas despite a rapid rise in Covid cases, most concentrated in cities and in the capital, but warned that the government is tracking the data "hour by hour" and is prepared to impose restrictions after December 25 if necessary.