The small, UK nation of Wales is going into a full lockdown, with citizens not allowed to leave their homes for two weeks.
Wales is the first nation in the United Kingdom to re-enter a two-week shock lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic in what the Welsh Government is referring to as a “fire-break” lockdown.
Residents of Wales will be required to stay at home from 6pm on Friday, October 23, for a duration of two weeks, following advice from scientists advising the Welsh Government. The scientists called for a total shutdown of at least four weeks.
Both Halloween and Bonfire night have been canceled, as they fall within the lockdown period.
The move was announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford following a rise in cases across the country and follows a ban on travel from high-risk areas in England.
According to the Express, almost a thousand new cases were announced this past Sunday, which puts the national infection rate over 130 per 100,000 people. The city of Cardiff in Wales recorded a high of 270 cases per 100,000 people.
According to the First Minister, the “fire-break” lockdown is designed as a circuit breaker that’s designed to deliver a “short, sharp shock.”
As part of the process, the Welsh Government will be shutting down all non-essential retail and hospitality, schools, and institute a ban on socializing between households.
“The only exceptions will be critical workers and jobs where working from home is not possible,” said First Minister Drakeford, who added that the lockdown would only last for two weeks and not be extended beyond November 9.
The First Minister said that the effects of the lockdown would only be seen and felt after a period of time, and not immediately.
2.3 million people in Wales are currently living under existing lockdown restrictions, which prohibit travel outside local areas. Residents are only allowed to meet others outdoors. Under the “fire-break” rules, residents will not be able to meet anyone outside their immediate families.
Recent Comments