Call for clear information on infection rates to exit local lockdown measures as ‘incentive’ for public

A local councillor has called on the Welsh Government to “provide a clear incentive for the residents of Wrexham to respond to lockdown” by providing information on infection rates.

It comes after it was confirmed yesterday evening that Wrexham – along with Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy – will be entering into what the Welsh Government say is a “local lockdown” from 6pm on Thursday.

Under the tighter measures people will not be allowed to enter or leave the Wrexham County Borough Council area without a reasonable excuse and residents will no longer be able to form, or be in, an extended household (sometimes called a “bubble”).

This means meeting indoors with anyone who is not part of your household (people you live with) is not allowed at the moment, unless you have a good reason, such as providing care to a vulnerable person.

Shops, restaurants, pubs and cinemas will remain open. However under the measures you would not be able to visit them with anyone outside of your household.

Residents are also asked to remember to stick to existing guidance, which includes:

– Staying at home if you have Coronavirus symptoms and request a test immediately.
– Working from home wherever you can.
– Avoiding car-sharing.
– Those over 11 must wear a face-mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
– Covering your mouth whenever you sneeze or cough.
– Keeping your hands clean.
– Hospitality businesses in Wales have to close by 10pm, with table service only, and off-licences and supermarkets having to stop selling alcohol from 10pm.

Cllr Hugh Jones, who is overseeing the council’s coronavirus response and test, track, protect system, says it is important that when the local infection rate falls, the public are kept information and the tougher restrictions are lifted.

He said: “I am calling on the Welsh Government to provide a clear incentive for the residents of Wrexham to respond to lockdown.

“By confirming that once the infection rate falls to 25 per 100,000 with a downward trend, local lockdown rules will be lifted.

“This gives people hope and encourages compliance with the rules, people need to see that their efforts will be recognised.”

The new restrictions are being introduced over what has been described as “a rapid increase” in the number of confirmed cases in coronavirus, which have been linked to people meeting indoors, not following social distancing guidelines and returning from summer holidays overseas.

However yesterday’s announcement caught many off guard after the county borough was held up as an example of how an area can “turn the tide” after outbreaks in Rowan Foods and the Wrexham Maelor Hospital over the summer.

Councillor Mark Pritchard Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council concludes: “It’s a balance between people’s health and the economy, and we have to do everything we can to get it right.

“These measures will be kept under constant review as we look to control the spread of the virus in the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.

“In Wrexham we acted early to put in place community testing to protect residents when we had outbreaks at Rowan Foods on Wrexham Industrial Estate, and at the Maelor Hospital.

“Given that all the scientific analysis and figures now show that the virus is spreading in communities across North Wales, we’re all disappointed, but it is right to act early to protect residents and the local economy.

“We’re all aware that this virus takes lives, so can I ask once again that we all work together to keep Wrexham safe.

“These restrictions are not a full scale lockdown of businesses and the hospitality sector – they do enable businesses to continue to operate.

“By acting early we are protecting people’s lives and supporting the local economy. If we didn’t act now we would see more cases and potentially more severe restrictions and greater lockdowns of local businesses.

“Once again, thank you to everyone in Wrexham for their continued support in these extremely challenging times. The way that all communities in Wrexham are working together is something we should all be proud of.”