WALES will see further restrictions to create 'headroom' for the Christmas relaxations, the First Minister has confirmed.

The devolved nations came together to discus a UK-wide approach to allow families to meet this Christmas.

This means that from December 23-27, travel restrictions will be eased across the UK and up to three households will be able to meet and form a bubble.

However, at the press conference in Cardiff, First Minister Mark Drakeford said relaxing restrictions will allow families to be together, but there is 'always a risk' we will spread or catch the virus.

Further restrictions have now been introduced and will be in force from next Friday, but talks will be ongoing over the weekend to set out what this means.

The FM said there had been tightening of restrictions right across Europe and in the UK a strengthened tier system in England, a two-week lockdown in Northern Ireland and extended restrictions in Scotland.

Mr Drakeford said we need to use the coming weeks to reduce the spread of the virus and create more headroom.

He said they will not return to “fire-break arrangements” but further action will be taken, drawn on evidence from SAGE.

It is less likely a fire-break will happen before Christmas because they are adding to the restrictions today.

As a result, cinemas, bowling alleys and other indoor entertainment venues will close and there will be new restrictions on hospitality from Friday of next week.

The First Minister said: "I know just how hard the sector has worked to put measures in place to protect the public, and I know this will be a worrying time for all those working in the industry.

"That is why over this weekend, we will be working with partners to finalise details of those arrangements and put in place a further package of financial support."

Mr Drakeford will be back on Monday to give further details of the package.

Non-essential retail, gyms etc will continue to operate as now. And new rules will apply to the whole of Wales. He said this is because we need a national effort to bring down the virus.

He added that a national approach 'can continue to protect us all', and said 'none of us want to see further restrictions'.

The FM said the virus is 'cruel and relentless', especially in pursuit of the most vulnerable. It is 'speeding up as we move to winter', and thrives in places with close contact.

Any action taken now will help with Christmas relaxations.

Mr Drakeford also said they could not rule out further lockdowns in the future.

He said the fire-break achieved everything it needed to but as people have mixed, it has 'come back further and faster' than anticipated.

When asked if it would be irresponsible to go ahead with the Christmas relaxations if cases keep rising, the FM said for many people Christmas is a special time and even more so this year.

He went on to say that if we weren't able to find a regulated way, they were likely to see people making the rules for themselves and have an unregulated approach.

So there was never an option in his mind to 'cancel Christmas'.

The FM said there is some hope on the horizon as we move into 2021.