During the firebreak, strict … Wales will fall under the toughest coronavirus restrictions in Europe from Friday as it enters a 17-day "fire break" lockdown that mirrors measures put in place in March.. Wales is set to enter a new restrictive lockdown that is being branded a 'fire-breaker'. Ban on visiting Wales from Covid hotspots begins, Circuit-breaker lockdown 'likely for Wales', Second national lockdown considered for Wales. People in Wales are facing a national lockdown lasting at least two weeks in plans described as a "fire-break" by the first minister. The country that says Covid isn't a problem, China's parliament remakes Hong Kong in its own image, Body found in woodland is Sarah Everard's1, Sharon Osbourne sorry for Piers Morgan defence2, Fox host criticised for 'feminine' military tirade3, Downey and Hathaway get 'worst acting' nominations4, No reason to stop using AstraZeneca jab - WHO5, Actor Cliff Simon, Stargate's Ba'al, dies aged 586, Brussels bombers 'murdered elderly man as a test'7, Why science could free Australian 'serial killer'8, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini dies aged 729, Twins peak with more born than ever before10. Shops, gyms, hairdressers and places of worship can reopen. 12 comments. “Everyone in Wales has an important part to play in helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus – we cannot do this without your help. Wales's full - but temporary - national fire-break lockdown is essentially the same as a circuit breaker measure. "The hospitality industry in particular supports tens of thousands of jobs throughout Wales and we do need to be doing everything possible to make sure that these workers in particular are not left unsupported," she said on BBC Radio Wales. It will apply to everyone living in Wales and will replace the local restrictions which … Currently about 2.3 million people in Wales are living in communities under local lockdown rules, with other communities living under different rules. “It is with a heavy heart that I once again ask everyone to stay at home and businesses to shut. "Together with a new national set of rules for the whole of Wales after the fire-break period we would have slowed the virus down enough to get us through to Christmas.". Local parks, playgrounds and outdoor gyms will remain open. We have a small window of opportunity to act. "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," he said. He said a decision was likely to be made on Monday, while talks continue with health officials, scientific advisors and councils over the weekend. The fire-break will start at 6pm on Friday 23 October and end on Monday 9 November. Wales fire-break lockdown: schemes for affected businesses On Monday, the Welsh government announced a fire-break lockdown lasting from October 23rd to November 9th 2020. Secondary schools will re-open after the half-term for children in years seven and eight and most vulnerable children. The British Medical Association in Wales, which represents doctors, said it would welcome a circuit-breaker lockdown. On Thursday morning, Wales' Education Minister Kirsty Williams said the government was discussing "whether a circuit-breaker is an appropriate step". "The numbers the first minister reported today come from TAC (Technical Advisory Cell which advices the Welsh Government) and are the scientific community's best understanding of the number of cases based on a wide range of indicators.". People's behaviour during and after Wales' national firebreak lockdown will determine how successful it is in tackling the coronavirus pandemic, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said. Video, African-American women react to Meghan Markle interview, Body found in woodland is Sarah Everard's, Sharon Osbourne sorry for Piers Morgan defence, Fox host criticised for 'feminine' military tirade, Downey and Hathaway get 'worst acting' nominations, Actor Cliff Simon, Stargate's Ba'al, dies aged 58, Brussels bombers 'murdered elderly man as a test', Twins peak with more born than ever before, Worry over 'holiday in Wales' advice to tourists, Wales Covid travel ban plan 'risks division', Figuring out the stats on coronavirus in Wales, Heat map of Wales' Covid community infection levels. 'We women are pushed out of work because of childcare' Video, 'We women are pushed out of work because of childcare', African-American women react to Meghan Markle interview. Charlotte Griffiths, who owns a beauty salon in Cardiff, said she is concerned over the prospect of more restrictions. Plaid Cymru has been calling on Mr Drakeford to introduce the circuit-breaker without delay, while Labour at Westminster says a similar approach should be adopted in England. Between October 9 and 15, there were 4,127 new confirmed cases of coronavirus recorded by Public Health Wales, based on positive test results but the real level of infections will be much higher. No reason to stop using AstraZeneca jab - WHO. Two households can form a bubble and see each other indoors. A total of 17 areas in Wales are under local lockdown because of rising infection rates - meaning people cannot travel outside of their area and indoor meetings are restricted. “We must come together once again to stay ahead of this virus and to save lives.”, Coronavirus circuit break: frequently asked questions, National coronavirus firebreak to be introduced in Wales on Friday. … It is described as a short, sharp “circuit breaker” or “fire-break” which is intended to help regain control of coronavirus. George Floyd death: How will jurors be selected? Wales will begin a two-week "fire break" lockdown on Friday to try and curb a second wave of rising COVID-19 infections. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Following the end of the firebreak, a new set of national rules will be introduced, covering how people can meet and how the public sector and businesses operate. Biden eyes 4 July as ‘Independence Day’ from virus, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini dies aged 72. How are pubs preparing for a Covid winter? Wales is the second UK nation to decide to go into a full circuit-breaker lockdown, with Northern Ireland taking the decision to put in place a four-week lockdown last week. This strict national lockdown will affect all aspects of our daily lives from travel, work, education and exercise. Welsh Government First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has unveiled the new national rules for Wales, when the fire-break lockdown finishes next week. Read about our approach to external linking. First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed the drastic measure will come into force at 6pm on Friday What we know about what goods are banned in Wales' lockdown firebreak First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that non-essential items should not be sold during the country's firebreak lockdown. The TAC's latest summary says the daily growth rate is estimated by Sage (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) to be between 0.02 and 0.07 in Wales, indicating that infections could be increasing by between 2% and 7% per day. Under the rules of the national firebreak lockdown in Wales, people found to be breaking guidelines could face a fixed penalty notice of £60, rising to £120 for the second breach. "If we do this, we would much rather not have to do this again before the end of the year," he said, adding ministers needed to find rules people could live with. He said the local lockdowns did appear to have slowed the spread of Covid and were "making a positive difference". Small and medium-sized retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, which have to close will receive a one-off payment of up to £5,000. The firebreak will be short but sharp to have a maximum impact on the virus. A Welsh Government spokeswoman said Mr Drakeford was quoting the estimated number of cases, including untested and asymptomatic, not the daily confirmed cases reported by Public Health Wales. Here's how much you could be fined for breaking Wales' 'fire break' lockdown rules. The £80 million fund announced last week to help businesses develop in the longer term, will be increased to £100 million, which includes £20 million ring-fenced for tourism and hospitality. "A set of consistent national rules will be really important, so people can look forward to the end of the year and recognise who they can spend their festive period with.". Health Minister Vaughan Gething said that following any "fire-break" period, consistent national rules would be put in place to keep the level of the virus low. The first minister confirmed on Friday that all the local restrictions would remain in force across Wales "for at least another seven days". A two-week "firebreak" lockdown will be introduced across Wales from 6pm on Friday, October 23 and will run until Monday, November 9. Laura Doel, director of school leaders' union NAHT, said any decision "needs to be communicated clearly to schools and parents". Rosemarie Harris, the leader of Powys council said she also expected the circuit-breaker action to be taken. TRAPPED but make it in a uni house . The new lockdown rules in full can be found here. All of Wales is in lockdown (alert level 4). The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Universities will provide a blend of in-person and online learning, Childcare settings will stay open as normal, NHS and health services will continue to operate. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. "A successful fire-break would re-set the virus at a lower level," he added. People must work from home wherever possible; People must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with either indoors and outdoors, No gatherings will be allowed outdoors, such as Halloween or fireworks/Bonfire night or other organised activities, All non-food retail, hospitality businesses, including cafes, restaurants and pubs (unless they provide take-away or delivery services), close contact services, such as hairdressers and beauticians, and events and tourism businesses, such as hotels must close, Community centres, libraries and recycling centres will be required to close. Wales will go into a short ‘fire-break’ lockdown for two weeks tomorrow (Friday, October 23) which could impact people on this side of the Severn Bridge in England. We all want to see an end to this pandemic and our lives returned to us. People must stay at home, except for very limited purposes, such as for exercise. Currently about 2.3 million people in Wales are living in communities under local lockdown rules, with other communities living under different rules. "Doctors in Wales support, and are calling for as a matter of urgency, a circuit-breaker lockdown for a number of weeks. Businesses affected by the firebreak will be supported with a new £300 million fund, which will open next week: Businesses will also be able to access the support available through the existing Job Retention Scheme or the new expanded Job Support Scheme. “We are all tired of coronavirus and the many rules and regulations we all have to live with. What are they - and how do you avoid Covid? The Welsh Government believes the move - the lockdown will end on Monday November 9 - is essential if the NHS is not to be overwhelmed, if there is … But this time it would be for weeks not months.". “The new national measures are designed to protect people’s health and limit the harm from the virus. "It needs to be made to give everyone enough time to prepare for the impact any school closures may have". This will not be easy, but we will do it together.”. What you need to do at alert level 4. "We've only been open since November of last year, so we've spent the last year building our client base and we're now in a position where we've just broken even from the last lockdown, and it's about to hit again. The Welsh Government will provide a package of almost £300 million to support businesses, which will complement wage-support schemes available from the UK government. "They talk about hospitality and other industries, but they don't talk about the hair and beauty industry. Both terms describe a short, sharp mini nationwide lockdown … Wales Imposes 'Firebreak Lockdown' As Coronavirus Cases Spike : Coronavirus Updates "We know that if we do not act now, it will continue to accelerate," the leader of Wales … Wales will go into a two-week "firebreak" lockdown in its battle against coronavirus from Friday. Unfortunately, we do not yet have a vaccine, which will allow us to do that. We are travellers, because we have to be - we have no district general hospital within the county, we have no higher education, many people go out [of the county] for work, for shopping," she said. However, she said she would be seeking financial support for businesses that will be hit by any lockdown. © 2021 BBC. What does the Welsh Government mean by a “fire-break lockdown”? The First Minister has written to the Chancellor to ask him to give Welsh businesses early access to the new expanded Job Support Scheme from Friday. 'We women are pushed out of work because of childcare' Video'We women are pushed out of work because of childcare', Why science could free Australian 'serial killer', African-American women react to Meghan Markle interview. Wales’ ‘fire break’ lockdown will end on 9 November despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing his own lockdown in England, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said. "Maybe two or three weeks of lockdown, a similar lockdown to before where we are all required to stay at home," she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast. Giving a briefing on Friday, the first minister said any fire-break lockdown in Wales would not be "a magic wand". Supermarkets can also go back to selling non-essential items, which were banned … 4 months ago. "We would all have to stay at home to once again save lives. The fortnight-long action is needed to save lives and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed. Kay Morris. "But I'm focused on the immediate situation, the immediate difficulties faced by our national health service by the continuing spread of the virus in all parts of Wales, and we have to act to deal with that now in this planned and pre-emptive way.". Everything you can and cannot do under new fire break lockdown rules in Wales . Mark Drakeford said it would be a "short, sharp" circuit-breaker to slow down the virus. Mr Drakeford said ministers were drawing up plans for a new business support package before taking a final decision on any circuit-breaker. As part of a short lockdown in Northern Ireland, schools are closing for two weeks at half term. “To be successful, we need everyone’s help. VideoAfrican-American women react to Meghan Markle interview. THE full details of fines which will be imposed for breaking lockdown rules in Wales … She said: "It will affect us a lot, more so because we've only just managed to get back up on our feet from the last lockdown. Wales' firebreak ended on 9 November, with a new set of national rules replacing those during the 17-day lockdown. GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. “Government rules and regulations are here to help. Wales will go into a "short, sharp" national lockdown from Friday until 9 November. "There will be many people who don't get a test who have symptoms and large numbers who are asymptomatic," she said. The new rules which will follow the end of the firebreak lockdown in Wales have been published by the Welsh Government. Adults living alone or single parents will be able to join with one other household for support, Primary and special schools will re-open as normal after half-term. The body reassures states after some halted their rollouts over unproven fears the jab causes clots. You can unsubscribe at any time. Speaking to the people of Wales, the First Minister said: “This is the moment to come together; to play our part in a common endeavour to protect the NHS and save lives. Who truly was the most dishonest president? News CARDIFF. Wales has shown throughout this pandemic that we can come together and take the actions to keep our families and our communities safe. Wales is to undergo a “firebreak” national lockdown with residents ordered to stay at home for two weeks. The firebreak lockdown will end on November 9 and the Welsh Government has said that the fire-break is likely to be the last lockdown for the country until at … New lockdown rules are being introduced across Wales this week. These are the key points and rules you must now follow: The lockdown will last two weeks, starting at 6pm on Friday, October 23. Here's how levels of Covid community infection has changed since the start of September, The General Secretary of TUC Wales Shavanah Taj said: "The question is, what does that look like and how does that actually impact jobs?". The R number is currently between 1.1 and 1.4, meaning continued exponential growth in the number of cases and the seven-day rolling incidence rate for Wales stands at more than 130 cases per 100,000 population. But the real strength we have is in the choices we make and the actions we take together.” Face coverings must be worn in indoor public spaces, which remain open, including on public transport and in taxis. "I'm not comfortable with it, but I would say that there is probably a majority support for it, as long as it is fairly short and sharp and that we have an exit strategy.". A two week fire-break lockdown will start on Friday, October 23 at 6pm. This means family and friends will be able to spend time with each other once again … Mr Drakeford warned that 2,500 people were now being infected with coronavirus every day in Wales, with critical care units in hospitals full. "It is imperative that robust action is taken now without delay, to protect the citizens of Wales, and the Welsh NHS.". Wales's First Minister has announced a new set of rules that will come into effect when the 17-day fire-break ends. People who break the rules could face a £60 or £120 fine, or criminal charges. People will be told to stay at home and pubs, restaurants, hotels and non-essential shops must shut. “This fire-break is our best chance of regaining control of the virus and avoiding a much longer – and damaging – national lockdown. The number of people admitted to hospital with coronavirus symptoms is growing daily and sadly so too are the number of people dying with coronavirus. Non-essential cookies are also used to tailor and improve services. "I can't offer a guarantee… that it would not be necessary to take further measures later in the winter," he added. Cases of coronavirus have been rising sharply in Wales as the virus has woken up for winter. It will apply to everyone living in Wales and will replace the local restrictions which are in force in some parts of the country. Ms Taj said if a short lockdown was brought in, jobs and businesses needed protection. There will also be additional discretionary grants and support for smaller businesses, which are struggling. He said restrictions would not "make coronavirus disappear" but they would "buy time". We're a safe industry, but we're not recognised.". First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford announced new national measures for Wales after the firebreak lockdown ends. Every business covered by the small business rates relief will receive a £1,000 payment. He also suggested that some kind of restrictions would stay in place to prevent free travel from England into Wales without a reasonable excuse, such as work. "We've got to be doing everything possible to avoid mass job losses and business closures at all costs.". "It's clear that the current restrictions are not strong enough to suppress the spread of the virus. "A 'fire-break' would also mean a short, sharp shock to all our lives. While the national and local measures put in place across Wales have helped to keep the spread of the virus in check, there is a growing consensus that additional action is now needed. Pupils will be able to come in to take exams but other pupils will continue their learning from home for an extra week. "Doing nothing is not an option," he said. Read about our approach to external linking. Some of the new measures are still being finalised following the announcement over the weekend about a month-long lockdown in England, which will start on Thursday. "Cases are climbing fast across Wales with the latest figures showing that the number of Covid-related patients in the Welsh NHS has risen by 49% in a week," said Dr David Bailey, from BMA Wales. England has so far opted for regional lockdowns on a … That included considering "what role education has to play in all of that and then we need to be able to give families advance notice if there is to be a change of circumstance". The Welsh Government has offered to pay the extra costs to the UK government scheme to ensure businesses can retain staff. "It will - again - be difficult for Powys. The fire-break will start at 6pm on Friday 23 October and end on Monday 9 November. A short, sharp “firebreak” will be introduced across Wales at the end of this week to help regain control of coronavirus, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced today.