The regulations restore protections in hotel businesses, including licensed premises, and in cinemas and theaters when they reopen after the holiday season.

Strengthened guidelines will be issued to help people stay safe in their homes and when meeting other people.

Drakeford said £ 120million would be available for nightclubs, retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism affected by the switch to alert level two – double the package of 60million pounds sterling announced last week.

“We are facing a very serious situation in Wales. A wave of infections caused by the new, rapid and highly infectious Omicron variant are heading our way, ”said Drakeford.

‘This new form of coronavirus could infect large numbers of people in Wales, disrupting daily life and businesses, and could lead to an increase in the number of people requiring hospital care in the weeks to come.

“We will do all we can to protect the health and livelihoods of the people of Wales – this means taking early action to try to control its spread.

“We are changing the rules for businesses and some public spaces, where many different people mix on a daily basis, and posting strong, clear advice to help people stay safe in their own private homes and when meeting with others. . “

From Boxing Day, the alert level two measures will mean:

– A general social distancing requirement of two meters in all premises open to the public and in workplaces, where this is reasonable.

– The rule of six will apply to gatherings in regulated places, such as hotels, cinemas and theaters.

– All licensed establishments will need to take additional measures to protect customers and staff, including table service and collection of contact details.

– Face coverings will be compulsory in reception establishments at all times, except in a seated position.

– Large events will not be allowed inside or outside. The maximum number of people who can meet for an indoor event will be 30 and 50 outdoors.

– There will be an exception for team sports, up to 50 spectators can gather, in addition to the participants. There is also an exception for events involving children.

Last week, new measures were announced for workplaces and retail – they will now take effect on Boxing Day. Nightclubs will also close on Boxing Day.

The Welsh government will not be setting new rules for mixing in people’s private homes, including gardens, in holiday accommodation or outside meetings.

Instead, guidelines will be issued to help keep people safe, which includes limiting the number of visitors, performing a lateral flow test before the visit, and meeting outdoors, if possible. .

There will be a separate offense for large gatherings – more than 30 people indoors or 50 people outdoors – in private homes and gardens.

Mr Drakeford added: ‘The most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves from Omicron is to be fully immunized – that also means having the booster. If you are eligible for a recall, please make it a priority in the coming weeks.

“As we enter our second pandemic winter, we have high vaccine coverage and tens of thousands of additional boosters are given each day.

“We also have access to rapid lateral flow tests to help all of us identify signs of infection without symptoms.

“Both, along with everything we’ve learned over the past two years, will help us stay safe at home without the need for new rules and regulations on home mixing. “

The Senedd has been recalled and Mr Drakeford will make a virtual statement from 1.30pm and members will then have the opportunity to ask questions.

It comes as the number of Omicron cases identified in Wales rose from 204 on Tuesday to 640.

Meanwhile, workers in Wales could be fined £ 60 for going to their office under new coronavirus laws if they can work from home.

The Welsh government has changed the legislation to make unnecessary attendance at a workplace a criminal offense, amid the spread of the Omicron variant.