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Wales’ first minister has issued a circuit breaker lockdown in hopes of preventing coronavirus cases from spreading any further.
The national Wales lockdown, called a circuit breaker, will commence at 6 p.m. on 23 October, according to the BBC, and strict stay-at-home orders will be in place.
The circuit breaker lockdown is meant to reduce spiking coronavirus cases. According to Reuters, the U.K. was up 16,982 new coronavirus cases within 24 hours, says government data of 18 October. Wales’ cases tally in at 950 COVID-19 infections, an increase of 400 since the beginning of October.
Northern Ireland, Israel and Singapore have all designed circuit breakers to reduce COVID-19 cases during the pandemic, according to the BBC.
How Long Will the Circuit Breaker Lockdown Last?
The Wales lockdown stay-at-home orders will last from 6 p.m. Friday, 23 October, until Monday, 9 November, according to The Guardian.
The Welsh government does not plan to extend the circuit breaker, but other restrictions may be placed in the future.
Why Is There a Wales Lockdown?
The strict circuit breaker measures are meant to stop the National Health Service (NHS) from being overwhelmed if the number of cases becomes too much to handle.
The incidence rate is around 120 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, and the government says if the circuit breaker is not used, the outbreak could get worse, according to The Guardian.
The Wales lockdown is meant to prevent the need for stricter measures in the future.
What Are the Restrictions of the Circuit Breaker?
Wales residents must stay home except for essential outings, The Guardian reported.
No one is allowed to visit other households.
All nonessential shops will close, including bars, restaurants and hotels. Barbers, hairdressers, and any other up-close contact services are shut down. Libraries, sports venues must shut.
Places of worship will be closed, except for weddings or funerals.
Who Can Leave Home?
Essential workers and people who are unable to work from home can still go in to work, The Guardian reported.
Essential trips to purchase food, get medicine or seek medical care are permitted.
How Will the Lockdown be Enforced?
The Wales lockdown will be mostly “self-policed,” according to The Guardian, but anyone who breaks the orders could be subjected to penalties or fines.
The government is hoping for a collective effort from all.
Can People Cross the Wales Border?
According to The Guardian, people can cross the border for work-related purposes.
Travel or holidays to Wales will not be permitted.
Will Schools and Universities Be Open?
Although the government has reiterated that keeping children in education is the priority, not all schools will be open during the circuit breaker.
Primary schools and childcare facilities will be open.
Secondary schools will teach online for the week following half-term, except for children in years 7 and 8.
Students will be able to take exams in person.
Universities will remain open and are still teaching in-person and distance-learning classes.
Students at Wales universities are being advised to stay in their accommodations and not travel from university to home unless there is a crucial reason for it.
The week after half-term will be online classes only.
Does Everyone Agree With the Restrictions?
No.
The Tories have criticised the plan and believe it will just be one of the first of lockdown measures to commence, The Guardian reported.
Hospitality and tourism business owners do not agree with the measures and have raised concerns that firms and jobs will disintegrate.
Swansea shop owner Janine Brown told the BBC she was “disappointed” that she will have to close down her shop again, the BBC reported.
“For the two weeks, like the three months before, I don’t earn anything. I have no income whatsoever,” Brown said.
“I’ve got a mortgage to pay, I’ve got bills to pay and now I haven’t got an income.”
What is your opinion on Wales’ circuit breaker? Tell us how you feel in the comments.
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