Welsh Government will today publish its new Covid control plan as cases spike.
First Minister Mark Drakeford warned last week that Wales was heading back into a new lockdown as infection rates rose.
The latest seven day infection rate in Wales per 100,000 was 430 although there are huge variations across the nation, with 31 per 100K on Anglesey to 808 in Merthyr Tydfil.
This compares to 166 cases per 100,000 in England.
Mr Drakeford revealed there would be four different tiers/levels in Wales under the new system.
He has also said that rather than a blanket national approach that counties could be placed in different tiers.
This follows a huge backlash in parts of Wales with lower Covid rates over the new hospitality rules that prohibit the sale of alcohol and force pubs, cafes and restaurants to close at 6pm.
Officials have confirmed the new plan is due to come out today and health minister Vaughan Gething will give the Welsh Government briefing at 12.15pm.
These are the four tiers.
- Alert level one (low-risk) – this represents the closest to normality we are likely to have before the summer and the widespread take-up of vaccinations.
- Alert level two (medium-risk) – additional, targeted controls are put in place to maintain infection rates at lower levels. These may be complemented by more targeted local restrictions to manage specific incidents and outbreaks.
- Alert level three (high-risk) – these are the strictest package of restrictions, short of a firebreak or lockdown.
- Alert level four (very high risk) – restrictions at this level are equivalent to a lockdown and reflect the seriousness of the situation.
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There is a warning that with cases currently running so high that Wales could enter tier four immediately after Christmas.
This would see the following businesses closed as well as new strict rules on who people can meet and a stay at home message imposed.
- Nightclubs and sexual entertainment venues
- Venues for events and conferences
- Ice skating rinks
- Visitor attractions
- Entertainment venues
- Receptions/Wakes
- Sport courts, skate parks, golf courses
- Leisure and fitness facilities
- Public facilities (click and collect only)
- Holiday accommodation (open only if essential only, for example, for work or other reasons)
- Hospitality premises (except for takeaway and delivery)
- Close contact services
- Non-essential retail (click and collect allowed)
Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said: “We welcome that the First Minister will publish details of the refreshed tier system for Wales on Monday.
"We had previously called for a better understanding of the sorts of measures that Welsh Government might implement and when, and we are pleased that the Covid Control Plan will hopefully provide this clarification.
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“We would appreciate further detail on how regions may move in and out of tiers, which is something that has been a significant concern in some areas of Wales."
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