Wales has announced new measures to limit the spread of Omicron, including introducing the rule of six in hospitality venues.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the Omicron variant is now dominant in Wales.
The new rules will apply from Boxing Day.
They include:
• The rule of six in all gatherings in regulated premises, such as hospitality, cinemas and theatres
• A requirement of two-metre social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces, where reasonable
• Face coverings to be required in hospitality settings at all times apart from when seated
• All licensed premises will need to take additional measures to protect customers and staff, including table service and collecting contact details
• Large events will not be allowed indoors or outdoors. The maximum number of people who can gather at an indoor event will be 30 and 50 outdoors
• There will be an exception for team sports, up to 50 spectators will be able to gather, in addition to those taking part. There is also an exception for events involving children
Nightclubs will also close on Boxing Day.
The new guideline measures come alongside a separate offence prohibiting large gatherings of 30 people or more indoors, or 50 people outdoors, in private homes and gardens.
Mr 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.”