National approach to controlling Covid spread would be ‘grossly unfair’ to North Wales

A national approach to tackling the spread of Covid would be “grossly unfair” to residents and businesses in North Wales, an MS has said.

It follows the announcement that new restrictions will come into force in Wales in a bid to make headroom needed to enable the Christmas relaxation of measures.

Earlier this week a broad set of UK-wide rules were announced aimed at helping people come together during the festive period.

However, First Minister Mark Drakeford said on Friday that a “further national effort” was needed to created the “headroom” needed as cases of coronavirus have started to rise again after the end of Wales-wide firebreak.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has responded by calling on the Welsh Government to adopt a targeted and proportionate approach rather than a Wales-wide blanket approach.

He is also asking for clarity over pre-Christmas restrictions after he claimed people in North Wales were unsure about where they are allowed to travel to and what recreational activities they are permitted to do.

He said: “It is grossly unfair to impose the same level of restrictions in Conwy and Denbighshire as Covid-19 hotspots in South Wales.

“The virus is circulating at different rates in different parts of the country and the Welsh Government must adopt a targeted and proportionate approach to tackling the spread rather than a Wales-wide blanket approach which will wreak havoc on businesses and the jobs that depend on them, especially in the hospitality and entertainment industries.

“People in North Wales also need urgent clarity on pre-Christmas restrictions on things like travel and recreational activities.

“The current situation is confusing and will cause many to inadvertently break the rules.”

Under the latest restrictions in Wales, cinemas, bowling alleys and other indoor entertainment venues will be expected to close – and new measures will also be imposed on the hospitality industry.

The latest rules, which have yet to be finalised, will come into force from Friday, 4 December.

The First Minister said he will announce the details tomorrow, including what appears to be a large package of financial support for the hospitality sector.

Mr Drakeford said: “We need to use the coming weeks to reduce the spread of the virus and to create more headroom for the Christmas period.

“That doesn’t mean a return to firebreak arrangements but the cabinet has agreed to take further specific and targeted action to reinforce the current national measures we have in place.

“There will be new restrictions in the hospitality industry which will come into effect on Friday of next week.

“I know just how hard the sector has worked to put measures in place to protect the public and I know that this will be a worrying time for all those working in the industry.

“Over this weekend we will be working with partners to finalise the details of the new arrangements and to put in place a further major package of financial support to respond to the challenges and changes faced in that industry.”d