What the rules mean for people living in an area under local lockdown

THE new rules are being introduced in Llanelli from 6pm today and in Swansea from 6pm tomorrow will mean:

Face coverings must be worn in shops by anyone aged over 11;

People can no longer meet with members of other households indoors;

Extended households will not be allowed, and overnight stays will be banned;

People can only meet others outdoors;

Everyone will be asked to work from home where possible; and

People cannot enter or leave their council area without a “reasonable excuse”.

What constitutes a “reasonable excuse”? Excuses listed in the law for these areas include travelling to work if you are not able to work from home, to go to school, making a compassionate visit to a loved one or to provide care.

You can travel to buy food and medical supplies, seek medical assistance or go to the vets, and move home, but being on holiday or going on holiday are not seen as a reasonable excuse.

Welsh Government advice states:

“Residents cannot leave the area without good reason. Similarly those who live outside the area cannot enter it without good reason.going on holiday is not a good reason.”

What fines could be issued?

People could face fines is they fail to stick to the lockdown rules. Regulations include provisions for a fixed penalty notice to be issued for most types of breaches of the regulations, carrying a fine of £60. This is increased to £120 for a second offence and continues to double for repeated offences, up to a maximum of £1,920.