Wales will impose a full "firebreak" lockdown for two weeks from Friday in a bid to reduce soaring coronavirus cases, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Monday.

Traffic passes a sign asking people to "stay home" outside a pub in Flint in north Wales on October 17, 2020. (Photo: AFP)

"Unless we act the NHS will not be able to look after the increasing number that are falling ill," he said, referring to the state-run health service.

"We have now reached the difficult decision to introduce a two-week firebreak starting at 6pm on Friday this week."