Critical message to us all is to stay indoors to help save lives
Who must close now and who can remain open...
BORIS Johnson has placed the UK on lockdown to tackle the coronavirus, threatening police fines for anyone who ignores new measures including a ban on public gatherings of more than two people.
The Prime Minister detailed a short list of reasons why individuals can leave their homes as he ordered the immediate closure of all shops selling non-essentials items.
He ordered people to only leave the house to shop for basic necessities “as infrequently as possible” and to perform one form of exercise a day.
Or they could seek medical help, provide care to a vulnerable person or travel to work if “absolutely necessary”, he said in a televised address from within Downing Street.
“That’s all – these are the only reasons you should leave your home,” he said.
“You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say ‘no’. You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.
“If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”
The moves comes after concerns over the weekend that people have not been following social distancing advice. To ensure people follow the rules, Mr Johnson ordered the immediate closure of non-essential stores including those selling electronics and clothing.
All public gatherings of more than two people – other than those you live with – will be barred, the PM said.
Other premises being shuttered are libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship.
All social events including weddings and baptisms will be stopped. Funerals, however, can continue.
Mr Johnson said the measures will be “under constant review” and will be considered for relaxation in three weeks if the evidence allows.
He said “no prime minister wants to enact measures like this” as he reminded the public of the support programme to aid ailing businesses and struggling individuals.
But he said the drastic new measures allowing people to only leave home for the “very limited purposes” were necessary to slow the spread of the disease.
“To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it – meaning more people are likely to die, not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well,” he added.
Mr Johnson had been facing widespread calls to impose tough restrictions on the nation amid concerns people are ignoring social distancing advice.
His plea was echoed by First Minister Mark Drakeford. Urging people to follow the new rules and to only leave the house once a day – and then only if absolutely necessary to buy essentials – he said: “Now these are really big changes for us all. We are making them because of the speed the virus is continuing to spread. Please help us protect you and to save lives. Together, we can do this.”
The calls came as one more person died in Wales after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total to 17.
They include a 71-yearold, who had underlying health conditions, who was being treated at Princess of Wales Hospital in
Bridgend. Public Health Wales confirmed on Tuesday that the number of confirmed cases in Wales of Covid-19 now stands at 478 after 60 more people were diagnosed.
But the overall figure is expected to be much higher as only a small proportion of people, including healthcare workers and patients already in hospital, are currently being tested.
The number of cases diagnosed in the Cwm Taf University Health Board area, which covers Bridgend, is 23 and for Cardiff and Vale, the figure stands at 96.
Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “60 new cases have tested positive for novel coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 478, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. Novel coronavirus is now circulating in every part of Wales.
“One further death of individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported to us, taking the number of deaths in Wales to 17.
“We offer our condolences to the family and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.”
On Tuesday during plenary in the Senedd, Mr Drakeford described the
Covid-19 pandemic as “the worst medical crisis for a century” and expressed his thanks to the NHS and everyone following the rules.
It was also revealed that Wales has 305 invasive ventilators in Welsh hospitals, with 30 more maintained as part of pandemic stock. A further 270 are on order.
Robust plans are also in place to double bed capacity in intensive care by freeing up space in operating theatres, recovery rooms and in private hospitals.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the current occupancy rate of beds in intensive care units (ICU) in Wales stands at just 45%, even though the average is around 80% normally. He said about 15% of patients in ICU are suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Mr Gething also confirmed that there will be a “significant push” for all health boards, ambulance services and Velindre staff to be given personal protective equipment.
The midwifery-led units in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant have both closed their doors temporarily, as has the minor injuries unit at Barry Hospital.
A consultant at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital admitted he felt “helpless and unprepared” for the onslaught of coronavirus cases.
But he stressed that he felt “honoured” to be working with such dedicated doctors, nurses and other staff in such trying circumstances.
“I have worked in the NHS for nearly 25 years now but never in my medical career have I felt so helpless and unprepared,” said Dr Biswas.
“I can see a giant wave of disease and illness coming towards us, but there is very little that any of us can do to get out of its way.”
Meanwhile, prisons in Wales and England have been on immediate lockdown with all visits cancelled.
Bridgend MP Jamie Wallis has welcomed the new restrictions on movement.
He said: “Porthcawl was teeming with people at the weekend. I had hundreds of e-mails from residents concerned at what was happening.
“I know other parts of Wales, like Snowdonia, were also affected but we had a situation in Porthcawl where residents were afraid to leave their homes to go for a walk because there were so many people around.”
He added: “Nobody wanted to bring in these restrictions but there was a fear that if people continued to act so recklessly by gathering together and ignoring the rules on social distancing then a lot more people would die. It’s as simple and as stark as that.”
He also welcomed a decision by BCBC leader Huw David to set up an education hub for children in Porthcawl.
“West Park Primary is being opened for the children of key workers and I want to thank him for listening to my representations that there was need to establish a hub for the Porthcawl area. I also hope that the council will be able to expand the list of essential occupations that will be covered as it becomes clearer how many children are involved.
“If we all work together in national government, Welsh government and local government then we can ensure that this current emergency is contained and that as many lives as possible are saved.”
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THE Government has published a list of retailers that are allowed to stay open during the coronavirus lockdown.
People have been told only to leave their homes if it is absolutely essential. Shops selling key items have been allowed to stay open but people are urged to only go to the shops if they have to.
If people continue congregating in groups of more than two or don’t follow the rules laid out by Mr Johnson, police have the power to issue fines.
The Government has now published documentation detailing exactly which retailers are allowed to keep physical stores open and which must shut. All retailers are allowed to sell online.
Takeaways can continue to provide delivery but people must not consume food on the site.
The lockdown started at midnight on Monday and will be reviewed in three weeks.
Environmental health and trading standards officers will enforce the rules and businesses breaching them face “potentially unlimited fines”.