As Wales moves out of a two-week firebreak lockdown, South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael is calling on individuals, families and communities across South Wales to do the right thing to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

 “While many of the rules are relaxed, it is now more important than ever for us all to take personal and collective responsibility to look after themselves and their families - to save lives and to protect the NHS, he said.

In a statement Mr Michael said: “As we move out of the two-week firebreak lockdown I wholeheartedly support the First Minister’s call for people to think about what they SHOULD do to keep themselves safe, rather than looking what they CAN do within the rules. Those who think that ‘anything goes’ as we emerge from the firebreak simply don’t understand the seriousness of the challenges we face.

“Most people have made real sacrifices over many weeks and months and it would be madness to throw away all that hard work. It should not require laws or police enforcement to bring that about – it’s about individual and collective responsibility to do the right thing.

“Unfortunately there are a minority of people who either pay no attention to the rules or look at the rules for ways of getting round them or pushing them to the limit. Such behaviour is completely reckless and unacceptable and will only force the introduction  of further restrictions. Let’s work together to avoid that happening.

“You only have to read the health data to see the numbers of people being admitted to hospital and dying on a daily basis – it is that serious.

“I have been impressed by the way in which police officers in South Wales have struck a balance between engaging with people and explaining the rules - only resorting to enforcement when it is necessary and proportionate but then doing so without fear or favour.

“Police officers have had to face the same personal challenges as us all during the pandemic so it is commendable that they have played their part with local authority and NHS partners in tackling the pandemic while continuing to tackle crime, violence and exploitation to protect people from harm and keep our communities safe - while also having to keep themselves and their families safe.”

In summary

From Monday 9th November:

• a group of four people are able to meet in indoor public spaces, such as pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes.
• The hospitality sector will also introduce pre-booking, time slots and collect contact details to support the Test Trace Protect system.
• The 10pm curfew on alcohol sales remains in place in Wales.
• The system will be reviewed after two weeks.

6 key rules:

• Maintain social distancing at all times, including outdoors.
• Work from home when you can.
• Meet people outdoors rather than indoors.
• People should only meet with their ‘bubble’ in their own home and only two households will be able to form a ‘bubble’.
• Wear facemasks in indoor public places.
• Avoid non-essential travel as much as possible.

https://gov.wales/coronavirus