Audio By Carbonatix
The number of people in Wales with the new variant of coronavirus is likely to be a lot higher than currently known, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said.
He told today's press briefing: “The figures we have at the moment that we know of are over 600 cases of the new variant in Wales, but that is almost certainly, as our public health colleagues tell us, a significant underestimation.”
“Only a proportion” of the Welsh tests go to the two Lighthouse labs currently able to detect the new variant, he added.
Drakeford also said that discussions are underway to offer people working on Christmas Day “compensatory arrangements”.
With the latest rules only allowing household mixing on 25 December there are concerns that some key workers may decline to work that day in order to spend time with their families.
In Northern Ireland, the government has offered flexibility on which day families can come together.
Latest Stories
-
Communities affected by construction of Akosombo Dam urge government to speed up compensation process
10 minutes -
World Cup visa scandal: Sports Ministry not shielding anyone – Sports Minister’s special aide
30 minutes -
World Cup visa scandal: Over 30 people misrepresented as GTA board members to US Embassy – Vincent Assafuah alleges
32 minutes -
Fire destroys wooden structure near Yesu Mo Villa at Bush Road
33 minutes -
NDC threatens sanctions over oversized campaign posters, gives aspirants 5 days to comply
1 hour -
Star Oil paid GH¢2.7bn in taxes, levies in nine months of 2026
2 hours -
Samson’s Take: The rule of law is cheaper before the bulldozer
2 hours -
GRA blames system failure for delay in issuing receipt over passenger’s customs duty
2 hours -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses World Cup visa scandal, beach demolitions, education strikes, BRICS bid
2 hours -
NC-PTAs welcomes end of teachers’ strike, urges parents to prepare children for Monday
2 hours -
Government procures over 2,000 transformers as Ghana’s electricity access hits 89.13% – Energy Minister
3 hours -
UTAG-UG threatens strike on October 19 over unpaid allowance
3 hours -
Let The Constitution direct Chieftaincy to deliver “All Development Is Local”
4 hours -
John Jinapor outlines renewable energy, nuclear power priorities for 2027
4 hours -
Ghana explores centre of excellence for hearing, communication and cochlear implant care
5 hours