A leaked government document reveals that Wales will introduce, from next week a two-week “fire break” lockdown to reduce the virus.
All but essential retail outlets will close including pubs, bars and restaurants from 6pm 24 October until at least 9 November.
The letter, dated 16 October John Pockett wrote, “The Welsh Government will announce on Monday a ‘circuit break’ lockdown to begin at 1800 on Friday 23 October and continue in force until 0001 on Monday 9 November.
“We have met with officials this morning, but as this is a very fast moving situation with decisions still to be made by ministers, much of the detail has not yet been agreed by the Government.
“Nevertheless, I wanted to let you know what we know so far.”
Pockett warned that the lockdown will “take us back to the situation in March” when pubs, cafes, restaurants and hairdressers were all forced to close.
He wrote, “It covers the half-term break (Friday 23 October – Monday 2 November) but some schools will reopen on 2 November.
“Ministers have not yet determined the details on this; it seems that primary schools will reopen, but a decision on secondary schools (or at least some or part of individual schools) will be made over the weekend.”
All public transport will only be for “essential journeys only” and the Welsh government are yet to decide what level of services would run during the “fire break” lockdown.
It added, “I appreciate that this information is very limited and I am sure that you will have questions, but that, at the moment, this is very much as we know.
“I assure you that we will keep members fully informed as we receive more details from the government.”
The PA news agency was told that the letter was real and is “surmising” what will happen.
Pockett said, “The letter is genuine and it contains what I assume or surmised would be the position. It was me advising my bus operator members to be prepared for something and this is what it may well be.
“It could be more; it could be anything. I think other associations have communicated with their members in the same way.”
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