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There is now a national lockdown in Wales following the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus.
In a statement last night, Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said the new strain is “significantly more infectious and spreads faster than the original.”
At an emergency meeting of the cabinet and with the Prime Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Michael Gove of the UK government, it was announced that Wales will head for its third national lockdown at midnight last night.
Along with the new restrictions introduced with the lockdown, there are changes to the rules on extended homes during the Christmas period.
In light of these new restrictions, this is what you can and cannot do in Wales during the shutdown.
Christmas
(Image: AP Photo / Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The national closure in Wales means that thousands of people across the country will have to rethink their plans for Christmas.
Before the announcement, the rules on extended homes were relaxed for a period of five days starting on Wednesday, December 23, but this will no longer be the case.
Instead, two households, and a one-person household, will be able to form a Christmas bubble on Christmas Day alone.
Purchases
(Image: Ian Cooper / North Wales Live)
At the end of the day yesterday, all non-essential retailers, close contact services, gyms and leisure and hospitality centers were forced to close.
It is not yet known how long they will have to remain closed, but the definition of “essential” retailers and goods has not changed since the firewall closed.
Therefore, stores that were able to remain open during that period will be able to do so from today.
Socialize
(Image: Yui Mok / PA Wire)
With Wales now at alert level four, people will be required to stay home.
This is the most severe set of restrictions and means that people will not be able to form extended households.
So as it stands, people who live in Wales can only mix with people who live at home.
A support bubble can be created by single adults or single parents who wish to join another household.
Weddings and funerals can be held with a limited number. Specific details on this have yet to be announced, but during the firewall shutdown the figure stood at 15.
No receptions or wakes will be allowed.
Travel is only allowed for essential purposes, such as work and care responsibilities.
International travel is currently prohibited.
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