A two week fire break lockdown will come into force in Wales, to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Following scientific advice, a set of measures and actions will be introduced to respond to the virus as it continues to spread across Wales. The short and strict fire break is a package of measures to break the chain of infection in our communities. The restrictions will be in place from 6pm, 23 October 2020 until midnight 08 November into 09 November.

Reducing social mixing will reduce the spread of the virus and in turn the R number. This is our opportunity to bring the numbers of the coronavirus down in our county and country. Provided we all play a part, this will be the break that is needed to get us through this winter and the coronavirus.

Everyone in Wales will be required to stay at home. Other measures and actions that come into force at 6pm, 23 October include:

  • People must stay at home, except for very limited purposes, such as for outdoor exercise.
  • People must work from home wherever possible.
  • People must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with either indoors and outdoors.
  • Adults living alone and single parents can be in a household with one other house for support.
  • All non-food retail, hospitality businesses, including cafes, restaurants and pubs (unless they provide take-away or delivery services must close
  • All close contact services, such as hairdressers and beauticians must close.
  • All events and tourism businesses, such as hotels must close.
  • Primary schools will open after the half term on Tuesday, 03 November. Secondary Schools will also reopen for Year 7 and 8 pupils only, and online learning will be provided for years 9 to 13. Pupils will be able to come in to schools to take exams.
  • Higher Education will continue with a blend of in person and online learning. Students are asked to remain where they are and not to return home.
  • Further Education will be provided online, including Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training (HCT).
  • Community Centres, Libraries and Waste Recycling Centres will close.
  • Unlimited outdoor exercise is permitted.

As is the case already in Ceredigion, Residential Care Homes are closed to visitors and non-essential visits. In addition, Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools are also closed. The Council’s Registration Service will continue to be available at Canolfan Rheidol, Aberystwyth, by appointment only.

The support that is available and answers to frequently asked questions can be seen on the Welsh Government’s website, gov.wales.

Stay apart to play your part. By doing this, we will be protecting the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable, including care services for the elderly and those whose medical conditions make them particularly at risk from COVID-19. We will be protecting the education provision within schools, colleges and universities. We will support the local economy to survive the winter months.

Together, we can keep Ceredigion safe.

20/10/2020