Wales lockdown rules: What you can and can’t do now

HALF of Wales' local authorities, equivalent to two-thirds of the population, are set to be under local lockdowns.

But what are the new restrictions?

Is Wales in lockdown?

Almost two million people in Wales are under local lockdowns.

Neath Port Talbot, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan will have tighter Covid-19 restrictions from 6pm on Monday 28 September.

Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, and Rhondda Cynon Taf are all under lockdown, as is Llanelli in Carmarthenshire.

Welsh Conservative health spokesman Andrew RT Davies said: "The first minister might not want it to be described as a 'regional lockdown' but with two million people in the south Wales corridor now under some form of restrictions that's unfortunately what it is."

What are the new rules and restrictions?

Friends and family

Generally speaking, people in the Welsh lockdown can't visit friends or family.

Separate households are not allowed to mix indoors.

Up to a maximum of 30 people can meet outdoors, but you should continue to be socially distant from people not from your household.

However, if you need to, you are allowed to leave your area to provide care for or to help someone who needs it, such as an older person, a child or a vulnerable adult.

Transport

If you need to use public transport within your area, you can do so but you must wear a face covering.

However, you are not allowed to leave your area with a "reasonable excuse."

This includes work, if people are unable to work from home, as well as making a compassionate visit to a loved one or to provide care.

Shops and entertainment

All shops can be open within the local lockdown areas.

However, you should stay within your home area when you go to the shops, and you will need to wear a face covering.

Restaurants and cafes are open, but you can only eat and drink with people from your household.

It is a criminal offence to deliberately meet someone from outside your household indoors.

Places of worship

You can still attend places of worship within your area, so long as you go with people within your household.

No specific rules are in place about religious services in specific areas.

People will be expected to observe physical distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene, and in addition, you will need to wear a face covering.

Dentists

Dentists are still open and you can visit them, but you need to take precautions.

Schools

Schools and colleges are still open, despite the local lockdowns.

Work

In the areas under lockdown, you may go to work if you can't work from home.

But working from home, where possible, is the recommended guidance.

Outside exercise

Outdoor sports classes can continue but social distancing should be maintained at all times and the classes must be limited to no more than 30 people.

Cycling is allowed but you must cycle within the boundary of the local authority.

Haircuts

Hairdressers and barbers are open, although you should only attend these within the area.

You will need to wear a face covering.

Gyms

Gyms are open and have to maintain all the safety requirements to protect people from the risk of contracting coronavirus.

As gyms and leisure centres are indoor public places, you will need to wear a face covering when you go there and you will need to keep it on depending on what you are doing.

If you are preparing to exercise, changing or undertaking any activity that isn’t strenuous, especially when in close contact with other people, you will need to wear a face covering.

Pubs

From Thursday September 24, hospitality businesses in Wales – such as pubs, cafes, restaurants, sports clubs and casinos – stopped selling alcohol at 10pm.

However pubs are still open within the local lockdown areas.

Weddings

Marriages and civil partnership ceremonies and small receptions can take place in lockdown areas, but guests from outside the area are not permitted to attend the reception.