Police action against those who “knowingly” flout firebreak lockdown rules

Gwent Police has said it will take action against those who “knowingly” go against the new firebreak lockdown restrictions.

There will also be additional patrols carried out over the Halloween and Bonfire Night periods, police confirmed.

The restrictions will come into force at 6pm tonight (Friday, October 23).

Gwent Police’s temporary assistant chief constable, Ian Roberts, said: “Throughout this firebreak lockdown we’ll be continuing to engage with our communities and explain the importance of keeping Wales safe. 

“For those that knowingly go against these restrictions, we will take enforcement action.

“Across Gwent we will be carrying out additional patrols, in particular over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.”

He added: “Working with local businesses and partners, we’ll be ensuring that everyone is doing all that they can to help us prevent the continued spread of this virus.

“We remain committed to responding to all reports of crime and providing an effective service to the communities of Gwent.”

The firebreak lockdown is set to be in place until November 9.

Gwent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “Gwent Police will continue with a strategy of education and encouragement in the first instance. However, these restrictions are very clear and where the police have to enforce them they will do so.  

“If we all play our part now then, hopefully, we can avoid a longer, stricter set of restrictions in the future.

“Please follow the latest guidance from Welsh Government and your own local authorities in the coming weeks.”

What can and can’t we do during the firebreak lockdown?

• People must stay at home, except for very limited purposes, such as for 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.

• No gatherings will be allowed outdoors, such as Halloween or fireworks/Bonfire night or other organised activities.

• All non-food retail, hospitality businesses, including cafes, restaurants and pubs (unless they provide take-away or delivery services), close contact services, such as hairdressers and beauticians, and events and tourism businesses, such as hotels, must close.

• Community centres, libraries and recycling centres will be required to close.

• Face coverings must be worn in indoor public spaces, which remain open, including on public transport and in taxis.

• Adults living alone or single parents will be able to join with one other household for support. These people will be able to form a ‘bubble’ with households outside their council area.

• Primary and special schools will reopen as normal after half-term.

• Secondary schools will reopen after the half-term for children in years seven and eight and most vulnerable children. Pupils will be able to come in to take exams but other pupils will continue their learning from home for an extra week.

• Universities will provide a blend of in-person and online learning.

• NHS and health services will continue to operate.

• Local parks, playgrounds and outdoor gyms will remain open.