Covid case rates in Wales are rising almost three times faster than in England despite tougher restrictions being in place, according to the latest figures.

       People in Wales have been living under alert level two measures since Boxing Day, which include mandatory face coverings in all indoor settings, a six person limit for meeting in public places and the closure of all nightclubs.

       Despite the measures, the country's Covid cases have almost doubled since Dec 26, with an overall increase of 94 per cent, according to the latest government data. In comparison, England’s cases have increased by only 34 per cent.

       Under England's current Plan B measures - which are less strict than in Wales - people have been told to work from home wherever possible, wear face coverings on public transport and in public places, and show proof of their Covid vaccination status to access large events and nightclubs.

       It comes as Wales' First Minister confirmed on Friday that alert level two measures will remain in place for at least one more week due to case rates "rising steeply".

       "Cases are far higher now than they were at the peak of all previous waves," Mark Drakeford told a Welsh Government press conference.

       He said the omicron "storm" had now hit Wales, and warned that the "peak" of the wave could be another 10 to 14 days away.

       "Omicron is now the dominant form of the virus in Wales and cases are rising rapidly every day," he said, adding that previous Covid waves "are nothing compared to the size and speed" of omicron.

       The latest figures show there are more than 2,300 cases per 100,000 people across Wales, compared to 1,271 across England.

       Mr Drakeford also said that a total of 994 Covid patients are currently in hospitals, representing a 43 per cent increase in a single week. "That number is the highest we have seen in Welsh hospitals since March of last year," he said.

       Of the 40 people with coronavirus in critical care, he said that "the majority have not been vaccinated".

       The First Minister added that the "worrying figures" are still in line with modelling forecasts, but warned that the public health situation in Wales had "changed dramatically" since Christmas Day.

       Mr Drakeford came under criticism in December after the Welsh Government introduced a ￡60 fine for anyone unnecessarily travelling to the office after Boxing Day to curb the spread of omicron.

       The enforcement of work-from-home rules was branded "outrageous" and critics were quick to point out that Welsh people could legally still visit a pub, shop or restaurant, but could effectively be criminalised for going to work.

       Mr Drakeford said the rules would be re-evaluated on a weekly basis due to the speed at which omicron is spreading through the community, and added that its infectiousness continues to be a "cause for concern".

       "Over the next two weeks it will be more important than ever to keep on doing all those things which have helped to protect us all throughout the pandemic," he said.