Wales ‘Firebreak’ – Friday 23rd October for 17 days until 9th November
The firebreak, which is put into place to slow the spread of the virus, will take the situation in Wales back into the restrictions in place during the March lockdown. People are asked to stay at home and work from home if possible (unless they are key workers), most businesses will shut down except for essential retail. Non-essential businesses together with leisure, hospitality, hairdressers and community centres, libraries and recycling centres will close, as will all hotels. Restaurants, cafes and pubs will be closed unless they are providing delivery or takeaways.
Places of worship will be closed although not for weddings and funerals.
There will be no household mixing, but it is stated that those in social bubbles will still be able to meet. Schools will reopen after the half term but for secondary school years 7 and 8 only, whilst primary schools will be open.
Travel will be limited to essential travel only (caring responsibilities or work where it is not possible to work from home). Non-essential cross border travel into and out of Wales will be banned under the measures, and all tourism accommodation is closed.
There is assistance for businesses that have closed with £300 million economic resilience fund to help them through the period, with funds becoming available during week 1 of the firebreak. Small to medium retail, leisure and hospitality businesses forced to shut will receive a one off £5,000 payment, businesses covered by the Small Business rate relief will receive £1,000. There will be additional discretionary grants and support for smaller businesses.
For further information visit:
https://gov.wales/national-coronavirus-fire-break-to-be-introduced-in-wales-on-friday