Omicron wave expected to peak in January in Wales - but Delta still 'alive and kicking'

That was one of the key messages from Tuesday's covid update from the Welsh Govermennt.

The Minister for Health, Eluned Morgan, and Dr Gillian Richardson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Vaccines), gave an update on the covid vaccine rollout in Wales.

The process has been ramped up in the face of the Omicron variant, although as yet only four cases have been identified in Wales.

Dr Richardson said Wales would like to impose the minimal amount of restrictions as possible, despite the emergence of Omicron.

There are currently four cases of the new variant in Wales.

"The advice is really to be sensible and cautious, make sure you don't go outside if you're feeling unwell, get tested, and use our Test Trace and Protect system," she said.

People should also take lateral flow tests before visiting anyone who is elderly or vulnerable.

If we follow basic rules like handwashing and social distancing then "we should be able to keep each other safe", Dr Richardson added.

Ms Morgan says Delta is "still alive and kicking in our communities" and is still "a threat".

"We are expecting a significant wave of Omicron" and the peak is expected around the end of January.

"A small reduction in the effectiveness of the vaccine could have a significant impact on the NHS."

Dr Richardson says the new Omicron variant is "the most diversified variant so far" with 32 new changes to the spike protein and 10 changes to the receptor binding domain.

"These mutations mean that this variant may sidestep natural immunity," she added - but there is no evidence that vaccines will be less effective.

Delta was better curbed by two doses than one, and three doses are better than two, she said.

The people at most risk are those who have had not had any jabs.

In South Africa, where Omicron was discovered, there has been a rise in hospitalisations.

Dr Richardson added: "We need to be cautious while we are finding out more about this variant,"

Ms Morgan says the new variant spread very rapidly, but we don't know yet how sick Omicron makes you.

"Our plea today is please help us in this situation.

"We need you to step up when you're called."