WALES' First Minister Mark Drakeford said the UK Government was advised four weeks ago that a “short, sharp circuit-breaker period was the most likely to be effective in turning back the virus”.

He said the advice came from Sage - the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies that advises central government.

Mr Drakeford told CNN: “I asked the Prime Minister for a Cobra meeting, where we could look together at that advice. I’m afraid we haven’t had one.

“I imagine – but it’s not for me – that it’s too late to do this in England to incorporate the half-term week.

“We were very much forced on making sure that one of the two weeks would incorporate half-term here in Wales because we are giving the top priority to keeping schools open as much as we can.”

Mr Drakeford said earlier that the measure was necessary to reduce the spread of coronavirus and prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed.

The “sharp and deep” lockdown will begin on October 23 and last until November 9, with everyone in Wales “required to stay at home”.

“The only exceptions will be critical workers and jobs where working from home is not possible,” Mr Drakeford said.