Wales is set to move into Alert Level Two as new Covid restrictions are introduced from 6am on Boxing Day, the Welsh Government has announced.

Restrictions will come into place in hospitality settings, such as pubs, cinemas and theatres.

Alert Level Two restrictions will mean:

• Two-metre social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces, where reasonable.
• The rule of six will apply to gatherings in regulated premises, such as hospitality, cinemas and theatres.
• All licensed premises will need to take additional measures to protect customers and staff, including table service and collecting contact details.
• Face coverings will be required in hospitality settings at all times apart from when seated.
• 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, where up to 50 spectators will be able to gather, in addition to those taking part. There is also an exception for events involving children.
• Last week new measures were announced for workplaces and retail – these will now come into force on Boxing Day.
• Nightclubs will also close on Boxing Day.

Businesses affected by the measures will be able to access a share of £120m, with Economy Minister Vaughan Gething set to announced further details on Thursday, December 23.

The Welsh Government has said it will not be making new rules about mixing at private homes, gardens, holiday accommodation or outdoors, but will be issuing guidance to “help people stay safe”.

It has advised people to limit the number of people visiting their home, and to encourage visitors to take lateral flow tests before the visit.

It has also advised people to meet outdoors where possible, and to keep indoor spaces well ventilated.

First Minister Mark Drakeford described the Omicron situation in Wales as “very serious” and warned it could infect “large numbers of people in Wales” and increase the number of people needing hospital care in the coming weeks.

He said: “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.

“We are changing the rules for businesses and some public spaces, where lots of different people mix daily and issuing strong and clear advice to help people stay safe in their own private homes and when meeting others.”

He urged people to take up their offer of a booster vaccine and said: “As we enter our second winter of the pandemic, we have high vaccination coverage and tens of thousands of extra boosters are being given every day.

“We also have access to the rapid lateral flow tests to help us all identify signs of infection without symptoms.

“Both of these, together with everything we have learned over the last two years, will help to keep us safe at home without the need for new rules and regulations about mixing at home.”