First Minister Mark Drakeford puts Wales into "firebreaker" lockdown

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has put Wales into a "firebreaker" lockdown and has urged people not to drive to the countryside or beauty spots for exercise.

The Welsh Government have now announced that Wales will go into a very restrictive lockdown from 6pm on Friday the 23rd October, in a bid to supress the recent peak in COVID-19 cases.

The measures - which are similar to those experienced in March 2020 - will see all leisure, non-essential retail, pubs, cafes and tourism related businesses close until Monday the 9th November, with a clear message to the public to stay at home, work from home wherever possible and to exercise close to home, specifically stating that you should not drive to the countryside or beauty spots to exercise.

The Welsh Government are expected to publish a full list of businesses that are required to close temporarily before Friday.

The Alliance is however, concerned that advice handed out regarding the checking of livestock and equines "should be limited" but agree with Welsh Government that a contingency plan for caring for your animals should be put in place should you fall ill or need to self-isolate.

In the Government's Q&A statement it states that 'livestock keepers and horse owners are being asked to limit their movement outside the home or farm to a minimum.

'All visits to farms and stables of groups of people and on-farm events, including sporting events should cease'.

We have written to Welsh Government asking for clarification on the need to ask for the checking of livestock to be 'limited' and have asked them to review this.

The Hunting Office has advised registered hunts that hunting activities in Wales should cease after 6pm on Friday 23rd October until Monday 9th November. With animal welfare a priority, hunt employees will continue to exercise their hounds and the hunt horses as part of their routine daily care and to maintain fitness until there is further information available regarding activities after 9^th November.

Here's a very quick snapshot of possible questions the public may have, the full Q&A is available here and we urge you to familiarise yourselves with the rules that come into force on Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel to tend to my animals for welfare reasons?

You should try to put in place alternative arrangements that do not involve travel if possible.

Can I exercise by going fishing or horse riding?

This is not specifically prohibited. However, you should not be driving to get to somewhere to exercise, and the need to carry sports equipment isn't regarded as a justification on its own for driving in these circumstances. This will mean in practice most people cannot do these things for the short period of the lockdown.

All exercise must be undertaken alone or with members of your household.

Can I drive somewhere to exercise?

Exercise should be undertaken locally – from home or as close as possible to the home. In general this should not involve people driving to a location away from home for this purpose. No journeys of any significant distance should be taken, for example, just in order to exercise in the countryside or at beauty spots.