On Monday 19 October the Welsh First Minister announced an escalation of restrictions to apply to the whole of Wales, from 18:00 on Friday 23 October for a period of 17 days, until Monday 9 November.
The short, time-limited “firebreak” lockdown will be similar to the first lockdown in March, amongst the main points listed on the Welsh Government website are the following:
- People must stay at home, except for very limited purposes.
- People must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with.
- Leisure businesses and venues, including pools, community centre etc. will be closed.
- Secondary schools will provide learning online only for the week after half-term, other than for children in years seven and eight. Primary schools and childcare settings will remain open.
- Face coverings continue to be mandatory in the indoor public spaces that remain open, including on public transport and in taxis.
Whilst professional sport can continue (without spectators), all community amateur sport and training cannot. This, unfortunately, means that all face to face diving and training including Club and Centre activity will be suspended in Wales from 18:00 on Friday 23rd for the 17-day period.
The Welsh Government has specified that travel is limited to essential travel only, for example, for caring responsibilities or for work purposes where people cannot work from home. Exercise is permitted but must be undertaken alone or with members of your household.
Member safety and that of the whole diving community is essential as is that of the wider population. We all hope that this short-term lockdown can produce a break in the currently increasing Covid-19 cases and that diving activities will be quick to resume after this temporary lockdown. We, therefore, encourage everyone to abide by the law and supporting guidance to work to keep everyone safe.
