Omicron is already having a severe impact in Wales - and we haven't reached the peak

Responding to the latest review of Coronavirus regulations in Wales, Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said:

“The impact of the Omicron wave is well and truly being felt in Wales. Hospitalisations from Covid are rising to the highest we’ve seen since March 2021, bed occupancy is high and staff absence is at higher levels than normal and is continuing to rise. It is having a severe impact.

“This is resulting in the need to re-prioritise resources across NHS services in Wales to ensure the most essential services continue to be delivered for patients. Inevitably, this means staff are working harder than ever and are therefore incredibly fatigued.

“At this time of intense pressure on our NHS, we urge people to think carefully about how they use services. This might mean using NHS 111 Wales symptom checkers as a first port of call, using your local pharmacy or Minor Injuries Unit for more minor ailments and injuries. Please only use A&E or call 999 in emergency and life-threatening situations.”