New coronavirus restrictions are being introduced in four local
authority areas in North Wales – Denbighshire, Flintshire, Conwy
and Wrexham – following a rise in cases, Health Minister
today announced.
The new measures will come into force at 6pm on Thursday 1
October, to protect people’s health and control the spread of
the virus in the four areas.
The new restrictions will apply to everyone living in
Denbighshire, Flintshire, Conwy and Wrexham:
- People will not be allowed to enter or leave each of these
areas 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;
The restrictions will be in addition to the rules that apply
everywhere in Wales, including:
- All licensed premises must stop selling alcohol at 10pm
- Everyone over 11 will be required to wear face coverings in
indoor public areas – as is the case across Wales.
Health Minister, , said:
“Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in coronavirus cases in
four north Wales local authority areas – in Denbighshire,
Flintshire, Wrexham and Conwy. These are largely linked to
people socialising indoors and are the pattern of transmission
similar to what we have seen in South Wales.
“We have worked closely with local authority leaders and the
police in North Wales and we all agree about the need to take
swift action to control and the spread of the virus.
“Large parts of Wales will now be subject to local restrictions
but I want to be clear – this is not a national lockdown. These
are a series of local restrictions to respond to rises in cases
in individual areas.
“It’s always difficult to make the decision to impose
restrictions but we hope that these measures will make a
positive difference – just as we have seen in Caerphilly and
Newport, where local residents have pulled together and
followed the rules.
“It is important we all work together and support each other.
This isn’t just about protecting ourselves, it’s about
protecting each other.”
The restrictions are being introduced following a rapid
increase in the number of confirmed cases in coronavirus, which
have been linked to people meeting indoors, not following
social distancing guidelines and returning from summer holidays
overseas.
The Welsh Government met with local authorities, health boards
and police across North Wales today (29 September) to discuss
the situation across the region, and what measures could be
taken to prevent the further spread of the virus and how to
protect people’s health.
The local restrictions will not be introduced in Anglesey or
Gwynedd at this stage, where cases are lower.
The new local restrictions will be kept under regular review.
They will be enforced by local authorities and by the police.
