Wales locking down as COVID-19 cases spike

U.K. authorities impose restrictions to reduce strain on health system

LONDON— Wales has become 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 is resisting loud calls to do the same throughout England.

Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford said Monday his administration was backing a short, sharp “firebreak” to slow the spread of COVID-19. All non-essential retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses will close for two weeks beginning Friday.

“This is the moment to come together to play our part in a common endeavour 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 COVID-19 infections rise throughout all age groups and parts of the country. One of their main goals is to reduce the strain on the NHS ahead of flu season.

The Welsh decision came as officials in Greater Manchester continue to reject efforts to move the region into the highest level of restrictions.

Sean Fielding, a council leader in the Manchester area, told the BBC local leaders are trying to protect residents from the government’s “untested” strategy.

“The logical solution, to me, seems to be to take the advice of your national scientific advisers, do the short-term circuitbreaker lockdown, which will be much less painful because it will be for a shorter period.”