The number of new weekly COVID cases seems to be slowing, but sadly doesn't seem to be slowing fast enough to be free of the current wave by Christmas.

Last year was a strong COVID Christmas, as the Omicron variant took over from Delta bringing thousands and thousands of new cases.

This time, the wave will be smaller - but still noticeable.

And we break down the big announcements from National Cabinet: PCR testing and the country's COVID strategy in 2023.