“This is a fast-moving form of coronavirus, which has the potential to cause a large wave of infections in Wales," the First Minister has said this evening.

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford issued a statement tonight following the 8pm address to the nation by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"We are learning more about the omicron variant every day," said Mr Drakeford.

“This is a fast-moving form of coronavirus, which has the potential to cause a large wave of infections in Wales. This could lead to large numbers of people needing hospital treatment at a time when our NHS is under significant pressure.

“Our best defence continues to be vaccination. Emerging evidence shows the booster dose is vital.

“We are doing everything we can to accelerate our vaccination programme to increase the number of people who will receive their booster in the coming days and weeks. Older people and those at greatest risk are being prioritised at the moment.

“We are increasing the number of clinics and their opening hours; we have asked all available staff to join vaccination teams to support this national effort.

“Please make having your booster a priority. It will be one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against coronavirus and this new variant.

“The Cabinet is closely monitoring this rapidly changing public health situation and has moved to a weekly review cycle.

“We are facing a very serious situation and we may need to take further steps to keep Wales safe. I will continue to keep Wales updated.”

It comes following an announcement earlier today that the country's four chief medical officers and NHS England's national medical director recommended to ministers that the UK go up to Level 4 from Level 3.