Wales keeps non-essential retail closed as lockdown extended

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has today announced that alert level four Coronavirus restrictions in Wales will continue, keeping non-essential retail and close-contact services closed.

The lockdown restrictions will be strengthened in some key areas to prevent the new, highly-infectious strain Coronavirus spreading from person to person - such as in any shops remaining open and workplaces.

Cases of Coronavirus remain very high in Wales and the new variant strain of the virus – first identified in parts of Wales, London and South East England before Christmas – now has a firm foothold in North Wales.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "The Coronavirus pandemic has reached a significant point. Cases in Wales remain very high and our NHS is under real and sustained pressure.

“The alert level four restrictions we introduced before Christmas must remain in place to keep us all safe. To slow the spread of the virus, we all must stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. These feel like dark times but the new COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across Wales, giving us a path out of this pandemic.

“It will take a huge effort to vaccinate everyone and, despite the end of this pandemic being in sight, it is more important than ever that we follow the rules and stay at home. We have made so many sacrifices

The measures will also be strengthened to close all showrooms. They will still be able to operate click and collect arrangements.