The 17-day firebreak ends in Wales on Monday, 9th November and the Welsh Government has announced a series of new Wales wide regulations to apply from next week. Please remember that the current ‘firebreak’ restrictions remain in place until that time.
From Monday, 9th November:
• All premises, such as restaurants, cafes, pubs and gyms, which closed during the firebreak, will be able to re-open with the relevant safety measures in place.
• People should visit pubs, cafes and restaurants in as small a group as possible and for many, this will only be the people they live with. The regulations will allow groups of up to 4 individuals to meet in a regulated setting such as a restaurant, café or pub. This is subject to strict protections discussed with the hospitality sector, including advance booking, time-limited slots and verified identification. The 10pm end on alcohol sales will remain in place.
• The need to maintain 2 metre social distancing and wear face masks in enclosed public places, including on public transport and taxis, will continue
• People should continue to work from home where possible
• Two households only can form an extended ‘bubble’. People should only meet with their ‘bubble’ in their own homes and only two households will be able to form a ‘bubble’. If one person from either household develops symptoms, everyone should immediately self-isolate
• Up to 15 people can take part in an organised indoors activity and up to 30 in an organised activity outdoors, providing all social distancing, hand hygiene and other Covid safety measures are followed. These activities will not be able to involve the sale or consumption of alcohol. There will be a separate exception for up to 15 people to attend a reception for a wedding or civil partnership or a funeral wake, but these should involve a sit down meal.
• People should continue to avoid non-essential travel as much as possible. There will be no legal restrictions on travel within Wales for residents, but international travel should be for essential reasons only.
• While the England lockdown is in place, travel to and from England will be prohibited by English regulations unless it is for an essential reason such as work, or education. International travel will not be allowed without a reasonable excuse.
• All schools will be open as normal
• Churches and places of worship will resume services
• Community centres will be available for small groups to meet safely indoors in the winter months.
To find out more about the new rules go to the Welsh Government’s Frequently Asked Questions page:
- https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance
To find out more about the current rules for Self-Isolation in Wales and the introduction of Self-Isolation payments for those eligible go to:
- https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/story/news/new-health-protection-measures-self-isolation-payments/