"Significant wave" of Omicron expected to peak by end of January in Wales
A fifth case of the variant has been confirmed in Wales
Last updated 7th Dec 2021
A fifth case of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has been confirmed in Wales.
All five so far are in the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board area.
Dr Meng Khaw, National Director for Health Protection and Screening Services for Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales is today (Tuesday 7 December 2021) confirming a further case of the Omicron variant in Wales, bringing the total to five cases.
“The new case is in the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board area, and has recently travelled.
“As we have said previously, an increase in cases of Omicron variant in Wales is to be expected.”
Wave of variant expected by end of January
The Welsh Health Minister has said the Government will respond with further measures to tackle the Omicron variant of Covid-19 "as and when" a clearer picture of its impact emerges.
Eluned Morgan said she couldn't give any assurances new restrictions wouldn't be imposed.
Speaking at a press conference, she said: "We can't give you any assurances on that because we are still learning about the situation.
"We believe that the vaccines will give you far more protection and the boosters will give you more protection than if you didn't have a vaccine so we're working on that basis."
She continued: "Clearly, we will be monitoring the situation we will be responding in real time in relation to what is happening within our communities and we are expecting a significant increase in the number of people with Omicron in Wales in the next few weeks.
"Clearly we will need to respond to the situation as and when we see that situation deteriorating - the extent to which we will need to intervene is clearly a matter the Welsh government is still considering."
Wales's deputy chief medical officer has said health chiefs want to see "the minimum restrictions possible" in response to Omicron, but refused to rule out further measures.
Dr Gill Richardson was asked if the expected sharp rise in Covid-19 cases due to the new variant is not followed by an increase in hospitalisations and deaths, if further restrictions over the festive period could be avoided.
Speaking at a press conference, she said: "I think obviously, we would like to impose the minimum restrictions possible whilst maintaining a safe approach to Covid-19 and that includes this variant at the moment."
Dr Richardson said if the public strictly follows all the existing guidance including social distance, hand hygiene and face masks "then we should be able to keep each other safe for as long as possible"
Health Secretary Eluned Morgan added: "I think we also need to make it clear that we are expecting a significant wave of Omicron to hit Wales."
"What we know is that a small reduction in the effectiveness of the vaccine could have a significant impact on the NHS, if we literally saw hundreds of thousands of people being affected by Omicron."