‘Respect Welsh Covid rules’ plea issued ahead of England’s ‘freedom day’

Council chiefs on either side of the Wales-England border are urging people to respect the differences between the two countries’ Covid rules.

Boris Johnson’s lockdown roadmap will reach step four on Monday – or “freedom day” as it has been dubbed – which means most of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England will be lifted despite steeply rising infection rates.

On Saturday, Public Health England reported 54,674 new Covid-19 cases and 41 deaths within 28 days of a positive test across the UK.

The Prime Minister – who is now self-isolating following Sajid Javid’s positive Covid-19 test – said last week: “We know we’re going to see more hospitalisations and more deaths from Covid.”

“But we also know that this wave was clearly foreseen by our scientists when we first set out that roadmap in February.

“We also know that if we were now to delay this 4th step – for instance to September or later – then we would be re-opening as the weather gets colder and as the virus acquires a greater natural advantage and when schools are back.

“But it is absolutely vital that we proceed now with caution. And I cannot say this powerfully or emphatically enough. This pandemic is not over. This disease coronavirus continues to carry risks for you and for your family.”

From Monday, all mandatory restrictions in England, including social distancing and mask-wearing, will be removed, though many of the major retailers will be encouraging people to keep wearing face coverings.

Wales moved to alert level one on Saturday but most of the current restrictions in place won’t be lifted until 7th August when the country moves to alert level zero if it is safe to do so.

Even then, face masks will remain a legal requirement indoors in public places, such as on public transport, in shops and when accessing healthcare.

Flintshire and Cheshire West and Chester councils are advising residents of the different restrictions affecting both sides of the England and Wales border from Monday.

In a joint statement, Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The changes in restrictions follow the success of the vaccination programme, which has weakened the link between infections, serious illness and hospitalisation in both Wales and England.

“However, the Delta variant continues to spread and the virus still poses a serious risk to health. Infection rates are still very high in Cheshire West and Chester and we are seeing more people requiring treatment for Covid-19 in our local hospitals.

“We’re also seeing young, fit people suffering from long-Covid, which is having a major impact on their lives.

“Everyone living, working in and visiting Wales is asked to respect the difference in restrictions between England and Wales, and to stick to the regulations in place.

“Those living, working in and visiting Cheshire West and Chester are also advised to continue to exercise caution in the borough and to get their two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

“People should continue with their use of face coverings in enclosed spaces, particularly on public transport.”

Visitors to Wales are asked to respect staff working in tourism, hospitality and leisure industries.

And people travelling into the country from England on public transport will be required to wear a mask when they cross the border, Mark Drakeford has said.

The Welsh Government confirmed that face coverings will continue to be required on public transport, in taxis, health and social care settings and most indoor public places, as a minimum “while coronavirus remains a public health threat”.

Wales – Restrictions from 17 July: frequently asked questions

England – Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread from 19 July