Wales enters lockdown as COVID19 infections spike

LONDON — Wales became the second nation in the United Kingdom to lock down large swaths of its economy to combat rising coronavirus infections, even as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday resisted loud calls to do the same throughout England.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford said Monday the administration was backing a short, sharp “firebreak” to slow the spread of COVID19. All nonessential retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses will close for two weeks beginning at 6 p. m. Friday — a lockdown similar in scope to the U. K. wide measures imposed in March.

“This is the moment to come together to play our part in a common endeavor to do everything we can together to protect the ( National Health Service) and to save lives,” Drakeford said.

Authorities across the U. K. are imposing new restrictions on business and social interactions as COVID19 infections rise throughout all age groups and parts of the country, filling hospital beds and intensive care wards. One of their main goals is to reduce the strain on the NHS ahead of the winter flu season.

Public health experts say a lockdown can help reset the pandemic at a lower level, giving doctors time to treat the ill and providing breathing room for the government to improve its response. Britain has the deadliest coronavirus outbreak in Europe, with over 43,700 confirmed deaths.

Drakeford said the lockdown will definitely end Nov. 9.

“The benefit will be seen in the weeks that follow,” Drakeford said.

Northern Ireland has already ordered schools to close for the next two weeks, banned most social gatherings and shut down many businesses including bars and restaurants for a month.

The Welsh decision came as officials in Greater Manchester continue to reject efforts by Johnson’s Conservative government to move the region into the highest level of restrictions in the threetier system Johnson unveiled for England a week ago. While the government’s scientific advisers have recommended a short national lockdown, Johnson says his tiered, regional approach limits the economic and social damage from the pandemic on areas where infection rates are lower.

Johnson’s government said talks with authorities in Manchester must be completed urgently because the health situation is deteriorating, but local officials were holding out for more financial assistance for those hurt by the restrictions.