CORONAVIRUS passes will be required for events at a wider range of venues as cases continues to rise in Wales.

That is according to first minister Mark Drakeford, speaking earlier today at the Welsh Government's coronavirus update briefing.

Mr Drakeford said that his message today was a serious one, speaking against a background of rising covid rates.

Cases, he said, had been rising across the UK, but Wales had the highest of all.

Mr Drakeford said the implementation of Covid passes had gone well so far.

"Covid passes have only been in operation for two weeks," he said, stating it would be too early to define their impact as yet.

They will soon be extended to ticketed indoor venues like concert halls and theatres.

This will come into effect on November 15, pending a vote in the Senedd.

"We are planning to hold the vote in advance of the regulations," he said.

"It will require some nifty footwork on the timetable.

"I hope the positive experience we have had with the Covid pass in Wales will persuade other parties in the Senedd to add the Covid pass into these other settings."

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Asked whether events such as the Wales v New Zealand rugby match, due to be held in Cardiff tomorrow, could be called off amid rising cases, Mr Drakeford said there was no intention to do so at present.

"I will be at the game tomorrow," he said.

"I will show my Covid pass.

"The experience we have had at other games, is that it has been very well managed and observed.

"I saw reports from the Swansea v Cardiff game where the club checked every single pass.

"That tells me, if you are dealing with smaller numbers of people there is no reason why these venues cannot organise themselves."