Wales has become the first region of the UK to return to a full lockdown – starting on Friday, October 23, until Monday, November 9. The move will see people told to stay at home, and pubs, restaurants, hotels and non-essential businesses all have to close again. The lockdown comes amid growing calls for Manchester to be placed into Tier 3 restrictions, along with Liverpool and Lancashire.
When will Boris give his next speech?
Amid growing pressure from MPs and the Labour Party, the public is now waiting to see if a “circuit breaker” lockdown will be brought into England.
There is already much anticipation for the Prime Minister to clarify the situation.
Now it has been confirmed the PM will give his latest press conference at 5pm today, Tuesday, to announce the next lockdown steps.
Paul Brand from ITV said: “PM had a call with GM Mayor @AndyBurnhamGM this lunchtime. Does that suggest the final signing of a Tier 3 agreement between the top two politicians involved? Deadline was noon.”
“Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam and NHS England’s Medical Director Stephen Powis will flank the PM at today’s press conference. They are expected to set out the latest data, including with regard to hospitalisations (which have proven contentious in recent days).”
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Why has Wales implemented another national lockdown?
At the latest Welsh Government press conference, First Minister Mark Drakeford said a national lockdown was absolutely needed.
Mr Drakeford said the reason was “partly because the gap between those parts of Wales where we have not needed local lockdowns, and local lockdown areas have been narrowing”.
The First Minister said the announcement made on Monday, October 19, was with a “heavy heart”.
Mr Drakeford added: “We all want to see an end to this pandemic and our lives returned to us.
Leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price said a firebreak lockdown was a “last resort” and should only be implemented in emergencies.
Mr Price said: “We are now in an emergency.
“The time the firebreak buys us must be used to build up a resilient test, trace and isolate system in Wales, which means we can prevent being in the position we are currently in.”
Welsh Conservative leader Paul Davies accused Mr Drakeford of “failing to be open and transparent about the evidence”.
Mr Davies added: “The main concern is that this national lockdown is not proportionate.
“The impact on businesses in areas such as Powys, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigon, who have the lowest rates of COVID-19 cases in Wales, will be severe at a time when they are desperately struggling to recover from the pandemic so far this year.”
Local lockdowns and lack of support for businesses and people forced to stay home from work has been a hot topic of discussion in recent weeks.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has hit out at the Government and Prime Minister for implementing lockdowns in already-struggling areas while providing very little financial support.
