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The Welsh Ambulance Service (WAS) still faces “significant pressure”, despite standing down its critical incident warning.

On Monday December 30, WAS declared a ‘critical incident’ due to increased demand across its 999 service, with more than 340 calls waiting to be answered across Wales.

In addition, more than half of the trust’s ambulance vehicles were waiting to hand over patients outside hospitals.

Bosses have since apologised to patients who waited “far too long” for an ambulance over the 48-hour period.

Judith Bryce, assistant director of operations, said: “While the critical incident is behind us, significant pressures remain, and it’s really important that the public play their part to protect our precious resources for those who need them most.

“For anyone under the weather after New Year’s Eve celebrations, consider what you can do at home to self-care, including for common ailments like coughs, sore throats and diarrhoea.”

Ms Bryce added that people should continue to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

On Tuesday, Jason Killens, the ambulance service’s chief executive, said the critical situation was “very rare”, as he issued a plea for people to use the service “wisely”.

Meanwhile, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has reintroduced mask-wearing in hospital wards and clinical settings due to rising flu cases.

In a statement, the health board said: “Masks will be provided at entrances. The use of masks and correct hand hygiene will help us to protect vulnerable patients and reduce transmission risks.”