MARK Drakeford has warned that 2000 cases of a new form of the Delta variant of coronavirus have been identified in Wales, and criticised the UK Government for removing all remaining countries from the red travel list.
At a press conference, the Welsh First Minister announced a package of new measures to avoid tighter restrictions as winter approaches.
Drakeford said Wales has the highest rates of coronavirus in the UK, driven by high levels among younger people and transmission between family members.
He said recently discovered mistakes at a laboratory in England, which led to thousands being told their tests were negative, may have also contributed.
READ MORE: Scotland records 24 Covid deaths and more than 2700 new cases
The Office for National Statistics estimates that as many as one in 40 people in Wales may have the virus, while there are 820 Covid-19 patients in hospital.
Drakeford said: “We have identified around 2000 cases of a new and possibly more transmissible form of the Delta variant in Wales.”
He said preliminary investigations had found the variant was about 10% more transmissible, and those affected were about 10% more likely to become seriously ill.
“It could be when those figures are further investigated that new variant could be more transmissible and more serious,” he said.
Asked why Wales is strengthening measures when they are being reduced by the UK Government, Drakeford replied: “We regret the decisions the UK Government is making in relation to international travel.”
He said the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (Sage) was “almost certain” that a new variant will emerge in the UK, adding: “There is at least a possibility that that variant will turn out to be more resistant to vaccination than the current one we have.
“We have long argued the UK Government shutdown built the defences higher against the importation of new variants of the virus from overseas.”
Drakeford said Wales remains at level zero restrictions, but warned this may change as winter approaches.
Under the new measures announced on Friday, those who live with someone who tests positive must isolate with them until they get a negative PCR test, including children aged five to 17 and people who are fully vaccinated.
Those who test positive must self-isolate for 10 days, and support payments of £750 will continue for people forced to miss work.
The use of Covid-19 vaccination passes in nightclubs and large indoor events is also set to continue, and will be extended to theatres, cinemas and concert halls in two weeks.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to give Covid update today as COP26 spike and lockdown fears grow
Drakeford warned that Covid-19 passports might be extended in the hospitality sector if cases continue to rise.
He also encouraged staff and students in secondary schools to take up the offer of twice-weekly lateral flow tests, and for those who can to work from home.
The legal requirement to wear face coverings in shops will continue, and shopkeepers are being asked to ensure the measures are followed.
The First Minister said Wales had administered 400,000 booster vaccines and urged all those who are eligible to get one.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here