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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Sophie McCoid

People in Tier 2 and 3 areas could be banned from Wales after firebreak lockdown

People from areas of the UK with high levels of coronavirus may still be banned from entering Wales when their firebreak lockdown ends early next month.

The country's First Minister Mark Drakeford has said the government will be looking at the infection rates of people in Tier 2 and 3 areas and would be making a decision on whether or not to let them enter Wales after November 9.

There is currently a travel ban on the Welsh border, as the country enforces a two week lockdown with non essential shops, restaurants and bars closed and people encouraged to stay home.

Secondary schools will teach children remotely when half term ends, but primary schools will return to in person teaching.

People are encouraged to work from home and wear a face mask when they are out of their homes.

Speaking about the possible continuation of the travel ban Mr Drakeford said: "I will want to study, over this weekend and into next week, the comparative incidence rates between Wales and parts of England which are under Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions.

"The point of asking people in those places not to travel into Wales was because the rate of virus circulation in those places was so much more than it is here and I'm afraid there is still a significant gap between those places and Wales.

"If that remains the same, then we will expect to have a similar regime after November 9 as we had prior to October 23 because it just doesn't make sense to add to the difficulties we already face by the virus being imported from elsewhere."

Liverpool was the first place to be placed under Tier 3 measures, after infection rates in the city spiralled.

Keep up to date with coronavirus cases in your area by adding your postcode below

But now several more areas have joined the city region in the highest tier, such as Lancashire, Warrington, Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire and West Yorkshire.

And many other areas have been moved into Tier 2, after infection rates continued to rise across vast parts of the UK.

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