For the third time this year, Wales is going to back into a full lockdown starting on 28 December. Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford said that a ‘sustained rise of coronavirus cases’ meant the country will have to move to its highest tier of restrictions, Level 4, meaning a full lockdown.
Here’s everything you need to know about the rules for this coming lockdown.
What’s new with Wales’ Level 4 lockdown?
The new Level 4 lockdown in Wales comes with rules that are similar to the first lockdown, or the autumn firebreak lockdown.
Some of the rules will come into force on Christmas Eve. Non-essential shops, leisure and fitness centres, and close contact services will shut at the end of trading.
The law will also be changed to limit Christmas mixing to two households. Also, on Christmas day, all hospitality premises will have to close from 6pm.
On December 28, even tighter restrictions for household mixing, staying at home, holiday accommodation and travel will come into force:
- People will be required to remain at home and only mix with their household or support bubble (where single adults or single parents join another household)
- The rules on who you can mix with will apply both indoors and outdoors
- All non-essential travel (including international travel) is banned, but you can travel for essential purposes such as for work and caring responsibilities
- All indoor and outdoor events, as well as visitor attractions, will be closed or cancelled
- Non-essential shops will shut, as will gyms, hospitality businesses, hairdressers, nightclubs, adult entertainment venues and holiday accommodation
- Weddings and funerals can take place at limited capacity, but with no receptions or wakes
- You should work from home wherever possible
The new Level 4 rules will last for three weeks, after which the government might bring back the regional system of lockdowns, but we’ll have to wait and see.
What about right now?
Until 28 December, when the new rules come into force, these rules remain:
- You can travel from Wales to tier one and two areas in both England and Scotland
- Pubs and restaurants cannot serve you alcohol and should close at 6pm, apart from takeaway services
- Non-essential businesses can open
- Two households can form a support bubble and meet indoors or in private gardens
- Up to four people from separate households can meet outside and in indoor environments like cafes, pubs and restaurants, but must book ahead and provide ID
- Groups of up to 15 people can engage in organised activities indoors, and up to 30 people outdoors
- House parties, events and gatherings are not permitted
- Cinemas, bowling alleys, bingo halls, casinos, museums, soft play centres, skating rinks and galleries are closed
Wales’ Level 4 lockdown and your finances
If you are worried about what the new lockdown rules might mean for your finances, you are not alone. The current pandemic has affected not just the physical health but also the financial well-being of many people.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to find or save some extra cash during the lockdown.
Claim the benefits and support you’re entitled to
The government has availed a wide range of financial support and benefits to help those affected by coronavirus, but you need to claim them to get them. These include SEISS, employment and support allowance (ESA), Universal Credit and many more that are all worth checking out.
Check whether you can get a car insurance refund or a lower premium
Some companies have been giving car insurance refunds and offering lower premiums to customers during this pandemic. LV has, for instance, set aside a £30 million refund scheme for drivers negatively affected by coronavirus.
Open a savings account
With the Level 4 lockdown soon to be in effect in Wales, now is a great time to save money. With a savings account, the little you put in every week will add up and grow over time. At the end of these uncertain times, you’ll have a nice little nest egg to use as you please.
