Where in Wales is in lockdown?
TWO thirds of Wales’ population is now living under local lockdowns after new rules came into effect Monday, September 28.
So what are the new restrictions and where do they apply?
The new rules mean people will not be able to enter or leave the lockdown areas without a reasonable excuse[/caption]What areas of Wales are in lockdown?
Three more council areas in South Wales have gone into local lockdown from 6pm on Monday, September 28, the Welsh Government announced.
Neath Port Talbot, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan will be covered by new restrictions.
Restrictions are already in place in Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelli, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The new lockdowns will affect half of Wales’ local authorities, equivalent to two-thirds of the population.
Welsh Conservative health spokesman Andrew RT Davies said: “The first minister might not want it to be described as a ‘regional lockdown’ but with two million people in the south Wales corridor now under some form of restrictions that’s unfortunately what it is.”
People wear face coverings as they walk along socially distanced floor markings in Cardiff [/caption]What are the lockdown rules in Wales?
The new rules mean people will not be able to enter or leave the lockdown areas without a reasonable excuse in order to curb the spread of coronavirus.
They will not be able to meet indoors with anyone they do not live with, with extended households suspended.
It comes after bans on households mixing came into force in Wigan, Stockport, Blackpool and Leeds on Saturday.
Friends and family
Generally speaking, people in the Welsh lockdown can’t visit friends or family.
Separate households are not allowed to mix indoors.
Up to a maximum of 30 people can meet outdoors, but you should continue to be socially distant from people not from your household.
It is a criminal offence to deliberately meet someone from outside your household indoors.
However, if you need to, you are allowed to leave your area to provide care for or to help someone who needs it, such as an older person, a child or a vulnerable adult.
Transport
If you need to use public transport within your area, you can do so but you must wear a face covering.
However, you are not allowed to leave your area with a “reasonable excuse.”
This includes work, if people are unable to work from home, as well as making a compassionate visit to a loved one or to provide care.
Shops and entertainment
All shops can be open within the local lockdown areas.
However, you should stay within your home area when you go to the shops, and you will need to wear a face covering.
Restaurants and cafes are open, but you can only eat and drink with people from your household.
Places of worship
You can still attend places of worship within your area, so long as you go with people within your household.
No specific rules are in place about religious services in specific areas.
People will be expected to observe physical distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene, and in addition, you will need to wear a face covering.
Schools
Schools and colleges are still open, despite the local lockdowns.
Work
In the areas under lockdown, you may go to work if you can’t work from home.
But working from home, where possible, is the recommended guidance.
Outside exercise
Outdoor sports classes can continue but social distancing should be maintained at all times and the classes must be limited to no more than 30 people.
Cycling is allowed but you must cycle within the boundary of the local authority.
Haircuts
Hairdressers and barbers are open, although you should only attend these within the area.
You will need to wear a face covering.
Gyms
Gyms are open and have to maintain all the safety requirements to protect people from the risk of contracting coronavirus.
As gyms and leisure centres are indoor public places, you will need to wear a face covering when you go there and you will need to keep it on depending on what you are doing.
If you are preparing to exercise, changing or undertaking any activity that isn’t strenuous, especially when in close contact with other people, you will need to wear a face covering.
Pubs
From Thursday September 24, hospitality businesses in Wales – such as pubs, cafes, restaurants, sports clubs and casinos – stopped selling alcohol at 10pm.
However pubs are still open within the local lockdown areas.
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Stricter rules are already in force across large swathes of north-west England, West Yorkshire, the North East and the Midlands, as well as parts of west Scotland.
The new restrictions in three areas of Wales means an estimated 17.8 million people across the UK will be living under additional coronavirus measures by Monday evening, on top of those announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Separate households are not allowed to mix indoors[/caption]