Lockdown extended ‘stay home and save
THE lockdown in Wales will be extended beyond this weekend according to the Welsh Government.
Boris Johnson announced on March 23 the lockdown will be reviewed again in three weeks time.
This would have brought the lockdown to an end after Easter Monday but the Welsh Government have confirmed that this period will be extended.
The news came as it was announced the deaths of 33 more coronavirus patients have been confirmed in Wales, bringing the new total to 245.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Minister for housing and local government Julie James said: “We are extending the lockdown but the formal announcement will be made in Plenary (the Welsh Assembly’s Senedd meeting).
“I am telling you today that we are extending it. The announcements for that will be made in Plenary
“We are definitely extending lockdown and that will not be raised next week.
“We wanted to make sure people didn’t make plans over the weekend as the measures will be in force next week.”
Earlier, a spokesman for Number 10 refused to confirm when the UK-wide lockdown would be lifted, saying an update would be happening around the date of the deadline.
Julie James confirmed that there were reasons for hope but not complacency in the battle against coronavirus
She said: “There are signs the measures are having an effect.
“Our message to Wales is very simple over Easter: Stay home and save lives.”
In the Senedd, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Three weeks of stay at home restrictions that we have all faced end next week.
“We will not throw away the gains we have made and the lives we can save by abandoning our efforts just as they begin to bear fruit.
“There is more work to do in reviewing the regulations and receiving the up to date accienfic advice. I must leave Welsh citizens in no doubt.
“The efforts we have all been making are not yet over.
“They will not be over next week. Before the reactions can be lifted and normality begins there are more for all of us to do.”
Mr Drakeford said he had discussed the extension with the First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Nicola Sturgeon and Arlene Foster, the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, and Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart.
He said there was “more work to do” in reviewing regulations and scientific and medical advice, but said the details of the lockdown extension would be agreed “over the coming days”.
“The efforts we are all making are not yet over. They will not be over next