Local lockdown measures introduced for the Vale of Glamorgan
Precautionary lockdown measures are to be introduced to the Vale of Glamorgan in an effort to curb a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases
Sunday 27 September 2020
From 6pm on Monday 28 September the following additional restrictions will apply within the local authority area.
- People will not be able to leave or enter the County without a reasonable excuse.
- Extended households will be suspended. This will mean that meeting indoors – in your home, or in places such as a café, bar or restaurant, with anyone not in your immediate household will not be allowed.
These measures are being introduced alongside lockdown arrangements for Neath Port-Talbot and Torfaen. The restrictions are the same as those currently in place in many local authority areas, including neighbouring Bridgend, Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Cllr Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “This has not been an easy decision and one that I appreciate will have a major impact on the lives of residents. However, the number of Covid-19 cases in our local authority area continues to rise and it is vital we take further action now to address that situation.
“These restrictions are being introduced following close consultation with public health experts, the University Health Board, the Local Authority, Public Health Wales and Welsh Government to avoid a scenario like we saw earlier in the year. We have all worked hard to recover from that point six months ago and I greatly appreciate that effort. Now I’m calling for further resolve to help ensure those days do not return.
“We have taken a decision today for early and preventative action. One of the main reasons for this is that the sooner we stop the increase in transmission, the sooner the restrictions can be lifted. We must now all work together to make that possible.
“While the introduction of the measures puts us in the same position as our neighbouring areas, it is very important that people remember that the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff, and indeed any other county, are separate places. Movement across the boundaries is now prohibited for any reason that is not exempt. This includes exercise and leisure, which should now be taken solely within the Vale of Glamorgan for Vale of Glamorgan residents.
“I am aware this announcement will have an economic impact and our teams will be working with businesses, as they have been throughout the pandemic, to help minimise the extent of that.
“Everyone should be clear on the guidelines around hand-washing, social-distancing, the wearing of masks, self-isolating and getting tested. I know most residents are strictly following these rules at great personal sacrifice. Thank you. These additional restrictions are designed to help us keep closer control of the virus, further reducing the opportunity for it to spread. They will help protect you, your family and friends as well as the elderly and vulnerable, who are most at risk.
“I understand that these rules are not easy to live with and we would not ask residents to follow them if they were not absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, they are necessary, and it is imperative that we all work together to protect ourselves, our families and our communities to overcome this terrible virus.”
The Covid-19 infection rate has risen sharply in the Vale over the last few weeks, with latest figures indicating 34.4 people in every 100,000 are being diagnosed with the virus each week.
Public health advice suggests that significant contributors to the rise have been people from different households meeting indoors at each others’ homes or socially. In addition, the virus has spread across the region as people have travelled to socialise in other areas, taking it with them, or bringing it back on their return.
Under restrictions announced by Welsh Government previously, hospitality businesses and off licences must now stop selling alcohol at 10pm.
That comes on top of existing instructions already in place, which include:
- People must work from home wherever possible.
- Wearing a mask when indoors in public places.
- Always observing social distancing.
- Washing hands regularly.
- Staying at home if you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms, or you are asked to by a contact tracer
- Getting a test if you have symptoms.
Under these additional restrictions, indoor public venues, such as bars, pubs and restaurants will remain open to Vale residents only and should only be visited with members of the same immediate household.
An individual should not enter or leave the Vale of Glamorgan Local Authority area apart from in exceptional cases, the details of which can be found on the Council website and Welsh Government website.
These include: being a key worker, going to work where it is impossible to work from home, attending school or college, visiting an elderly or vulnerable relative, attending a medical appointment or to purchase essential items that cannot be accessed locally.
It is no longer permitted to form an extended household or “bubble”. Your immediate household, meaning those living in the same premises, will be allowed to meet others outside only and social distancing must take place.
There are some limited exceptions to this. For instance, if you must visit an elderly or vulnerable person to care for them, or if you care for a child who does not have someone living with them that can perform that role.
Meeting outdoors in groups of up to 30 people from within the Vale of Glamorgan is still allowed, though it is important to practice social distancing in such a setting.
Schools and other educational establishments will remain open and transport to and from them will continue in line with the latest Welsh Government guidance.
Visits to Council care homes remain restricted to outdoors only with stringent social distancing arrangements also in place there.
The Council is urging communities to work together and support one another during the pandemic. The community response has been exceptional to date, and by continuing to work together, it is hoped these restrictions will not have to be in place for a significant period of time.
For anyone who finds themselves in crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, they can contact the Council’s Crisis Support Team on 01446 729592.
Information about support and assistance that can be accessed from the Council and Community Groups via the Vale Heroes initiative.
Vale Heroes
Further information on coronavirus from Welsh Government
Coronavirus Updates