Stick to the rules as lockdown eases

WITH July seeing several weeks where lockdown restrictions were lifted, the big three-weekly review has lost a bit of its hype.

In one respect this is very good news because it means we have enough headroom with the Covid19 virus to make changes more regularly.

On the other hand, it has led to more confusion as the rules are changing so often it can be hard to keep track of what is allowed and what isn’t. The problem with this is that when rules are unclear they stop having any real meaning, are harder to enforce and are ultimately not followed.

Yesterday was the latest threeweek review and the First Minister announced that – from Monday – up to 30 people from any number of households can meet outside, which judging by many parks people are doing anyway. Pubs, restaurants and cafes can also open indoors on Monday, along with bowling alleys, auction houses and bingo halls. In 10 days, after presumably eating and drinking ourselves into obesity with our newfound freedom, gyms and leisure centres will also be able to open.

All this easing will bring us more in line with England where people have now been able to head to the pub and admire its interior for several weeks. But as Wales is lifting the restrictions, parts of England are heading into local lockdown, with the north-west particularly affected.

This spike in cases in England will directly affect Wales but also provides a stark lesson.

The direct impact is obvious. In the north-west of England you can no longer socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. However, there are, as yet, no restrictions on travel to Wales. Though there is a risk to this, if everyone maintains proper social distancing and practises safe hygiene, experts believe the risk is minimal.

The most important thing we can take from the unfolding situation in England is how fast things can change and how clear messaging and forewarning can be key in preventing unnecessary confusion and fallout.

As the rules become harder to enforce, it is also all the more important that we obey them because our future freedoms and the lives and livelihoods of our loved ones and fellow citizens depend on it.