Wales could be heading for another lockdown after Christmas if efforts to reduce the rate of coronavirus cases fail, the First Minister has warned.

Mark Drakeford said today that an updated version of Wales’ Covid control plan will be published next week which will see Wales put in renewed “alert levels” depending on the virus rate.

The plan sets out four alert levels – from alert level one – which represents the closest to normality we are likely to have before the summer and the widespread take-up of vaccinations – all the way up to level four where the restrictions are “equivalent to a lockdown and reflect the seriousness of the situation”.

Mr Drakeford said that if the strengthened national measures, together with the efforts everyone is making, do not succeed in reducing the rates of coronavirus, Wales will need to move to alert level four after the five-day Christmas period, but that this move is “not a foregone conclusion”.

Wales is currently at alert level three.

Mr Drakeford said: “This has been a truly challenging year.

“The impact of coronavirus on us all – on all aspects of our lives – cannot be underestimated.

“Like almost every country in the world, we have put restrictions in place to control the spread of this deadly virus.

“This updated plan shows how the national measures will be introduced in a more uniform way as we move through the pandemic, providing greater certainty for people and businesses."

Under level four, schools would remain open but all visitor attractions and sports facilities would be closed along with non-essential retail.