Extra restrictions will help fight ‘second wave’ say councils

Four North Wales councils, the Welsh Government and other key partners have agreed to support extra restrictions to help fight coronavirus in the region.

As of tomorrow (Thursday) at 6pm, extra restrictions will be introduced in the counties of  Denbighshire, Conwy, Flintshire and Wrexham.

The restrictions will mean that residents will not be able to travel out of the county in which they live without a valid reason.

By taking early action, partners hope they can slow the upward trend in cases over the past week or so – helping to protect local people from the virus, as well as businesses from more radical lockdown measures further down the line.

The two other North Wales councils – Anglesey and Gwynedd – have lower rates of coronavirus at the moment, but will continue to monitor the situation.

Councillor Hugh Evans, OBE Leader of Denbighshire County Council said: “It makes sense for Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham to act together given the rise in cases. 

"However, it is important to stress that the restrictions will mean that residents will not be able to travel freely between the counties unless they have a valid reason.”

The restrictions which come into effect from 6pm on Thursday will mean that:

• People will not be allowed to enter or leave the county in which they live (Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham) without a reasonable excuse such as travel for work or education;

• People will only be able to meet people they don’t live with outdoors for the time being. They will not be able to form, or be in, extended households (sometimes called a “bubble”). 

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 Evans added: “We can see the instances of Covid-19 rising in Denbighshire and we feel that it is right to act now in order to keep our vulnerable citizens safe.  

"I am keen to reduce the long-term economic impact of Covid on our communities in Denbighshire, so by taking this decision now I hope to avoid the need for the more severe lockdown rules that we saw earlier in the year.”

* Full details about the restrictions including frequently asked questions is available on https://gov.wales/local-lockdown