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Member for Clwyd West responds to Conwy lockdown


September 30, 2020 - 1337 views

Residents in Conwy and Denbighshire are set to face additional coronavirus restrictions following an announcement by the Welsh Government’s Health Minister Vaughan Gething.

The Welsh Government has confirmed that both local authorities, along with Flintshire and Wrexham, will be subject to new measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19 from 6pm on Thursday.

They will join the 11 local authorities throughout Wales that are already subject to localised Covid-19 restrictions.

Responding to the announcement, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar said: “We were warned last week that Conwy and Denbighshire were being closely monitored, but had all hoped that cases would not rise further and we could avoid further restrictions.

“This news will come as a devastating blow to residents and businesses in all those areas affected and I know that many will question whether such measures are entirely necessary.

“The Welsh Government therefore needs to be fully transparent and outline to all residents of Denbighshire, Conwy, Flintshire and Wrexham why such restrictions in these areas are needed, including sharing community by community data so that we can see whether the measures are proportionate.

“Local businesses will also need extra support, especially those in the tourism and hospitality industry.

“Firms were hit for hit for six by the lockdown earlier in the year and are only just beginning to recover, it is essential that they get the support they need.

“I urge people to follow the rules to help keep the number of cases down so that these restrictions can be lifted as soon as possible.”

Restrictions in Conwy and Denbighshire include:

- People are not be allowed to enter or leave their local authority area without a reasonable excuse, such as attending a place of education, work or for health appointments.
- People are not allowed to meet indoors with anyone they do not live with – this includes extended households (sometimes called a “bubble”).
- Everyone must work from home wherever possible.
- People must not gather outdoors in groups of more than 30.
- Face coverings are mandatory in indoor public spaces (subject to certain exemptions and exceptions)
- Licensed premises must not sell alcohol after 10pm. This includes pubs, restaurants, off licenses, supermarkets and other retail outlets.