Fresh calls for people to 'protect themselves and loved ones' as Covid cases in Wales hit record numbers
Wales' deputy CMO Dr Chris Jones is urging people to have the booster jab
One of Wales' top doctor is urging us to do all we can to protect ourselves from Covid 19 as cases numbers surge to their highest level since the start of the pandemic.
Dr Chris Jones, deputy Chief Medical Officer, is encouraging people to get their booster vaccine and follow measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus.
The latest figures show case rates have risen sharply to more than 910 cases per 100,000 people.
Around 6,000 new infections are being confirmed daily, the majority of which are likely to be caused by the new omicron variant.
Public Health Wales figures released on Tuesday for the 48 period from 9am on Christmas Eve to 9am Boxing Day reported 12,378 and 3 deaths.
Dr Jones said: “We are seeing a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases caused by omicron all over Wales.
The majority of these are in younger people and we believe they would have been contracted before Christmas.
“This new variant is very transmissible – it spreads very quickly wherever people come together.
“Please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. This means wearing a face covering in indoor public places; keeping your distance from other people wherever possible and, if you can, reducing the number of people you meet regularly.
“If you have symptoms, self-isolate and arrange to get a PCR test.
“Please also get your booster vaccine – it’s the best way of protecting ourselves.
“Wales is at alert level two and new protections are in place. This is a worrying time but if we all work together and look out for each other, we can keep Wales safe.”
New alert level two measures for businesses and updated and strengthened guidance to help people stay safe at home came into effect on Boxing Day in Wales in response to the predicted omicron wave.