Local lockdown rules in Bangor are being replaced by new national firebreak restrictions from 6pm on Friday 23 October.

Bangor entered local lockdown 10 October, following a significant rise in coronavirus cases in the area, which saw the incident rate rise to around 400 per 100,000 people.

All non-essential travel to and from the area is currently prohibited, without a reasonable excuse such as travelling for work, school or health reasons. This has had implications for those living in Pentir Ward and surrounding areas like Menai Bridge, as they have been unable to shop in Bangor’s supermarkets. The new ‘fire-breaker’ restrictions mean that that people from Anglesey and the rest of Gwynedd can now visit Bangor for essential shopping at the city’s stores and retail parks, such as Bangor High Street and Caernarfon Road.

The “short, sharp firebreak” will be introduced across Wales to help regain control of coronavirus. This means that a series of new restrictive measures will be in place from 6pm on Friday until Monday 9 November 2020.

The Welsh Government said the fortnight-long action is needed to save lives and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.

Cases of coronavirus have been rising sharply in Wales as the virus has “woken up for winter“ – the Welsh Government said: “While the national and local measures put in place across Wales have helped to keep that spread under check, there is a growing consensus that additional action is now needed.”

Between October 9 and 15, there were 4,127 new confirmed cases of coronavirus recorded by Public Health Wales, based on positive test results but the real level of infections will be much higher. The number of people admitted to hospital with coronavirus symptoms is growing daily and sadly so too are the number of people dying with coronavirus.

The R number is currently between 1.1 and 1.4, meaning continued exponential growth in the number of cases and the seven-day rolling incidence rate for Wales stands at more than 130 cases per 100,000 population.

What restrictions will be in place?

  • There are 5 main things:
  • people must stay at home, except for very limited purposes
  • people must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with
  • certain businesses and venues, including bars, restaurants and most shops must close
  • secondary schools will provide learning online only for the week after half-term, other than for children in years seven and eight. Primary schools and childcare settings will remain open.
  • face coverings continue to be mandatory in the indoor public spaces that remain open (subject to certain exemptions and exceptions), including on public transport and in taxis

What shops are open?

All leisure and non-essential retail will be closed. This includes clothes shops, furniture shops and car dealerships among many others. A full list of types of business required to close will be available in our guidance on business closures.

Shops allowed to remain open include supermarkets and other food retailers, pharmacies, banks and post offices. However, wherever possible people should avoid unnecessary visits to these, and use alternative approaches such as online services and deliveries.

How far can I travel to shop for essentials?

There are no set rules on this, but people are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and avoid crowded spaces wherever possible, particularly indoors. Alternative approaches such as online services and deliveries should be used wherever possible.

Am I allowed to use “click and collect” services?

Where shops are allowed to open, they are also allowed to provide a click and collect service. These should be provided in a Covid secure way. You should not travel long distances to access click and collect services.

What will happen after Monday 9 November?

Following the end of the firebreak, a new set of national rules will be introduced, covering how people can meet and how the public sector and businesses operate.

My area is currently subject to local restrictions – do these continue as well?

No – the circuit breaker lockdown will apply in the same way across Wales.

If you break these new laws:

  • You may be told to go home or removed from where you are and returned home.
  • You could have to pay a fixed penalty notice of £60. This will rise to £120 for the second breach,

Or you could have criminal proceedings brought against you, and if found guilty, you will have to pay a fine.

For more information and frequently asked questions visit the Welsh Government website here: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions#section-53247