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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Ben Turner-LE & Ellen Kirwin

Wales in two week fire break lockdown from Friday as people ordered to stay home

Wales will go into a two-week "firebreak" lockdown in its battle against coronavirus from Friday.

First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed the drastic measure will come into force at 6pm on Friday

The news comes after nearly 1,000 new cases of coronavirus were recorded in Wales this weekend, taking the countries seven-day infection rate to more than 130.

Cardiff's infection rate is more than this, at 270 cases for every 100,000 people.

The First Minister made the expected announcement at the Welsh Government's 12.15pm press conference today.

What is a fire breaker?

A firebreaker lockdown involves closing all non-essential retails and hospitality.

Mark Drakeford said the fire break will come into force on Friday and last into November.

He said over the weekend, he said, the cabinet met to continue discussions about a time-limited "fire-break".

The Government met again this morning, he said, and have reached the "difficult decision" to introduce a two-week fire-break, starting at 6pm on Friday.

The lockdown will include the half-term holiday and cover two weeks, ending on Monday November 9.

The circuit-breaker lockdown will last for two weeks and is designed to 'reset; the virus, rapidly bring the infection rate down.

Schools will reopen - ut in secondary schools for the week after half term only years seven and eight will go into school.

Pubs, shops and places of worship will close as well as community centres and all leisure and hospitality.

People are asked to stay home wherever possible for two week.

How would a fire breaker be different to other restrictions?

The British Medical Association in Wales believes that the 'current restrictions are not strong enough'.

Should Wales have success with a fire breaker, Labour at Westminster believe that a similar approach should be adopted in England.

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

Dr David Bailey, from BMA Wales said: "Cases are climbing fast across Wales with the latest figures showing that the number of Covid-related patients in the Welsh NHS has risen by 49% in a week,

""It's clear that the current restrictions are not strong enough to suppress the spread of the virus.

"Doctors in Wales support, and are calling for as a matter of urgency, a circuit-breaker lockdown for a number of weeks."

The fire breaker would be different to current Tier 1, 2 and 3 restrictions in England as it will close all non-essential retails and hospitality.

Whereas currently, in Tier 3 which is the highest restrictions, retail shops and restaurants are still allowed to open.

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