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Welsh Prime Minister Mark Drakeford has announced a two-week national shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
When does the ‘circuit breaker’ lockout start in Wales?
The “stay at home” circuit breaker takes effect at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23 and will remain in place until the beginning of Monday, November 9. The Welsh government says it definitely will not be extended after this, but cannot rule out further restrictions later this year or next.
Why have the measures been introduced?
The Labor-led government says a “deep and tight” circuit breaker is needed to prevent the NHS in Wales from being overwhelmed. The R number is at 1.4 and the seven-day continuous incidence rate is more than 120 cases per 100,000 population. The government argues that if it does not incorporate the circuit breaker now, even more extreme measures, such as an indefinite lockdown, could be necessary. He says the time will be used to improve the test and trace system and prepare the field hospitals.
Are the restrictions the strictest in the UK?
England has so far resisted a national circuit breaker, preferring its three-tier system of restrictions. Northern Ireland has introduced a form of circuit breaker that covers the whole country, but people have more freedom to meet, shop and play sports than in Wales. Scotland has imposed strict restrictions on the central belt, but again, they are not as severe as the Welshman moves.
What has been the reaction to the Welsh circuit breaker?
Conservatives in Wales are very critical. They claim this will be the first in a series of “ongoing lockdowns” and argue that it is not proportionate because some areas of Wales, such as parts of the west, have low levels of coronavirus. Plaid Cymru supports the measure and has called for the nation to join. Hospitality and tourism chiefs have expressed concern that it could lead to business collapse and job losses.
What will the restrictions be?
People must stay home except for very limited purposes. They should not visit other homes or meet people they do not live with. Bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels and non-essential shops must close. Hairstylists, barbers, estheticians, tattooists, and sports and massage therapists must close. Libraries, golf and tennis clubs, and landfills must close. Driving lessons and exams should be postponed. Places of worship will not be open to the public, except for weddings or civil union ceremonies or funerals.
How will the circuit breaker be applied?
People who break the rules could face notices of fixed penalties or fines, but the government has said it expects the measures to be self-policing. He wants the country to act collectively in a “concerted national effort.”
Who will be able to leave home?
Key workers and people whose jobs mean they can’t operate from home can go to work. Others may only leave for very limited reasons such as shopping for food, picking up medications, exercising, although this should start and end from home whenever possible, hospital visits, or to provide care.
Are people allowed to cross the border?
People can cross the border to work if they cannot do their work from home. But people are not allowed to travel to Wales for a holiday, nor are they allowed to visit second homes.
And the schools?
The Welsh government has repeatedly said that it will do everything it can to keep children in education, but has not been able to keep all schools open. Elementary schools and nurseries will be allowed to open, but high schools will provide online learning only during the week after the semester, except for children in Years 7 and 8. Students will be able to come in to take exams.
What will happen in universities and colleges?
Universities should be allowed to continue to provide a combination of classroom teaching and blended learning. All students living in Wales, and all Welsh students living elsewhere, are asked not to travel between university and home unless absolutely necessary. Colleges will go online-only for the week following the semester.
What support will be available to affected companies and individuals?
The companies will be supported by a fund of almost 300 million pounds, which will open next week. Drakeford has written to UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak to request that Welsh companies have early access to the job support scheme from Friday.
