First Minister to announce 'further measures' for Wales following Cobra meeting

A UK-wide Cobra meeting with the First Ministers of the devolved nations took place on Tuesday morning Credit: PA

Read the latest: Pubs to close early to curb spread of coronavirus, First Minister announces

The First Minister for Wales will announce further measures to be implemented in Wales in response to continued Covid transmission.

It follows a UK-wide Cobra meeting on Tuesday morning, where the First Ministers of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the prime minister met to discuss a "series of actions" following a rise in coronavirus cases around the UK.

Following that meeting, a Welsh Government spokesperson said, “The meeting discussed a series of UK-wide actions in response to the increase in Covid19 transmission, some of which, such as the need for people to work from home wherever possible, are already in force in Wales. The First Minister will set out which further measures will be implemented in Wales later today.

“The First Minister also welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to having a regular and reliable rhythm to UK-wide decision making – with the devolved governments having a clear and important role in that process.”

Mr Drakeford is due to make a television statement at 8:05pm following the prime minister's address at 8pm.

On Monday, the Welsh Government confirmed a further four local authority areas in Wales would be subject to tighter restrictions following a spike in Covid cases.

People living in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Merthyr and Newport will not be able to enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse, such as travel for work or education from 6pm on Tuesday evening.

Boris Johnson has ordered pubs in England to close at 10pm from Thursday Credit: PA

More restrictions have been announced in England including advice for people to work from home where possible and the closure of pubs at 10pm from Thursday. The new restrictions, which Mr Johnson said would be a "legal requirement" for people to follow in England, are likely to be in place for six months.