NEARLY 3,000 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded across Wales today – but no Covid-19 related deaths have been registered.

In total, 2,889 new cases have been recorded today with the nation’s rate of infection rising slightly, now standing at 500.7 cases per 100,000 population.

Ceredigion has recorded 46 cases today with Gwynedd recording 132.

Powys has recorded 118 new cases with Carmarthenshire recording 147 and Pembrokeshire, 60.

No deaths have been recorded today however, with Wales’ total number of suspected Covid-19 deaths remaining at 6,501.

The Welsh Government cabinet is meeting today to consider what measures to announce on Friday in response to the increase in Covid-19 cases – due in large part to the Omicron variant.

Last week, ministers announced they would be moving from three-weekly reviews to weekly ones, with the next announcement due tomorrow (Friday).

Education Minister Jeremy Miles has also written to headteachers today outlining plans for January.

Pupils will remain at home for two days at the start of term so that schools can plan for a return to class.

The Welsh Government said: "All schools should use the first two days back immediately after the Christmas and new year break as their planning days.

"As term dates vary across Wales, these two days will not be the same for all schools. Each local authority will confirm with schools which dates have been assigned as planning days. Local authorities will also inform schools due to take INSET days at the start of the spring term how these planning days will be allocated.

"All learners will return to onsite provision by Monday 10 January at the latest.”

The National Union of Head Teachers has welcomed the move.

Laura Doel, Director of NAHT Cymru, said: "We welcome the changes announced today on planning days and the relaxation of sessions times.

"Schools have suffered significantly from staff absence since September and, given that the new variant is even more transmissible, we can be certain that Covid will continue to impact on staffing levels. School settings cannot stay open and remote learning cannot be supported if the workforce is unavailable. That is why we urge the Welsh Government to introduce additional mitigation measures, like staggering session times to control the flow of learners and parents coming in and out of school, at the start of next term.

"No-one wants further mitigations in schools, but the continuation of education is a priority. NAHT Cymru has pledged to work with the government, and discussions will continue over the Christmas and New Year period to respond to the rapidly changing situation. But it is essential that school staff have a break over Christmas and we are pleased to see the government has recognised that by giving schools some time at the beginning of term to make any changes."

Meanwhile, people in Powys are being encouraged to help support their relatives to come home from hospital for the festive period, so they don’t spend more time in hospital than absolutely necessary.

There are currently exceptionally high demands upon care services across Powys and it is anticipated that the situation will become more difficult to manage as we move deeper into winter.

Executive Director for People and Organisational Development, Ali Bulman said: “We are already experiencing delays in providing care services to those residents who require them, and we know that this could impact upon people’s wellbeing, potentially leading to people developing increased needs for care and support.

“At the moment, it is becoming increasingly difficult to transfer Powys residents out of hospital and back home when they are ready to leave. This is creating significant bed shortages and ambulances are having to wait at the “front door” of hospitals as a result. This means that paramedics are unable to respond as quickly as usual to other 999 calls in the community.

“The county council are doing everything they can to support people to return home from hospital as swiftly as possible. We have increased the numbers of staff in our hospital and provider services so that we can quickly understand the short-term care that people require when they leave hospital.

“There isn’t enough home-based care to meet demand, however, so we are also working to offer alternative forms of support wherever we can as a short-term measure. This unprecedented situation requires us to all work in partnership, and that partnership includes Powys families.

"If you have a relative or loved one in hospital who is well enough to go home but is waiting to be discharged with home care and community health support, you may be able to help them to get home more quickly if you and your family are in a position to support them at home. Please speak to the staff if this something you can help with.”