Wrexham to remain under ‘local lockdown’ coronavirus restrictions “for at least another seven days”
UPDATE: We asked the First Minister for more about the decision locally – you can read his answer here.
Original information below…
Tougher coronavirus measures in place in Wrexham are set to remain in place for at least another seven days.
There are 15 areas in Wales which are under a “local lockdown“, which restricts people from leaving their county or town without a reasonable excuse or join an extended household.
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.
This doesn’t include single parents or people who live alone, who are allowed to join together with one other household.
All licensed premises have to stop serving alcohol at 10pm and people must work from home wherever possible.
Shops, restaurants, pubs and cinemas remain open if they wish to. However under the measures you would not be able to visit them with anyone outside of your household.
The current measures have been in place since October 1st and were reviewed yesterday.
Today First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed that the tougher restrictions will remain in place in all 15 areas – including Wrexham – for at least another seven days.
Mr Drakeford said: “We have introduced local restrictions in 15 local authority areas as well as in Llanelli and Bangor to control rapid and sharp increases in coronavirus cases.
“These restrictions are formally reviewed every week and we did so again yesterday. The first restrictions came into force in Caerphilly borough just over a month ago, with the most recent in Bangor a week ago.
“The general trend in Wales is a worsening situation and most areas where local restrictions are in place have reported a seven-day trend where covid-19 cases have increased. Working closely with local authorities and public health experts, we have concluded the public health context means we cannot ease restrictions, and they will be in place for at least another seven days.
“There is evidence in all parts of Wales that these restrictions, and the efforts of local people and local services are making a positive difference. Over the last seven days, however, the difference has served to slow down, rather than turn back the virus. I continue to be very grateful to the people of Wales for all the efforts they have made and continue to make.”
Welsh Government have published a Q&A on what the restrictions mean for the area on their site, entitled “Wrexham County Borough lockdown: frequently asked questions”, with the main points being:
- People will not be allowed to enter or leave the Wrexham County Borough Council area without a reasonable excuse
- People 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
- All licensed premises have to stop serving alcohol at 10pm
- People must work from home wherever possible
Previously the Leader of Wrexham Council has indicated he believes the measures will be in place for several weeks at a minimum.
– Wales could introduce a “short, sharp” circuit break ‘for weeks not months’ in bid to stop the spread of coronavirus
– “Increased visibility” of policing as new travel restrictions come into force
– Health Board say “we are seeing an increase in the number of patients being admitted with COVID-19 into Wrexham Maelor Hospital”
– Welsh Government publish changes to Coronavirus Regulations to restrict travel from named areas
– First Minister says local restrictions ‘are making a difference’ but ‘are not going to be enough’
– Wrexham to remain under ‘local lockdown’ coronavirus restrictions “for at least another seven days”
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