Pembrokeshire County Council’s Leader has once again urged the public to adhere to lockdown rules ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend and until the country is ready to return to ‘normal life’.

As lockdown continues during the COVID-19 pandemic, Councillor David Simpson has reminded everyone to listen to the advice given and Government guidelines.

“I appreciate that over the last few months we have been faced with very distressing news on a daily basis. Every day we see scenes and hear updates from all over the world highlighting the human and economic costs that this pandemic has enacted on us,” he said.

“In Pembrokeshire we also hear of businesses being closed during lockdown, people losing their lives and the way the pandemic has affected us.

“We could never have dreamt or imagined the unprecedented times that we are in, and we could never have contemplated being under a lockdown for such a duration

“Normality now seems strange and I’m sure that some people will be anxious about venturing out again. However, others will be very keen to start returning to ‘normal life’.

“I want to re-emphasise that we are still under lockdown and we are not yet ready to start going out and about. We do need to be mindful that undoing this hard work would be against government advice and could impact on lives.

“I’m also aware that what you see outside your window each day is the same as it was back in early March. However, we need to be prepared to slowly get back to normal again following all the expert advice that will be given when that time comes.

“This weekend we will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of VE day. But remember, if you are going to celebrate you need to stay at home and remember social distancing still applies – it is not the time for a street party,” continued Clr. Simpson.

“I want to highlight a point to you all about where we are now and about taking time to evaluate and consider what to do next.

“With Covid-19, we will need to slowly rebuild, grow confidence back and support each other. Families, friends and communities will need time to grow again. I can assure you that this will happen and we will hopefully become stronger having reflected on what we have been through.

“In life, unfortunately, we are met with challenges and this has been a huge challenge. I am very proud of the way everyone in Pembrokeshire has reacted and worked together to ensure we get through this.

“I would again remind everyone that we still need to follow the rules. I know that some people are arranging “street parties” this weekend. But this is against the advice issued regarding gatherings and social distancing still applies.

“Everyone please be patient, stay calm and most of all consider how your actions may affect or impact others.

“Our care teams and health workers are toiling to keep our most vulnerable safe; so please continue to play your part and stay at home and stay safe.

“I find it difficult to comprehend why anyone would disregard the government advice.

“You would not walk into a burning house, so do not risk catching this virus by ignoring the advice!

“I urge you all to stay at home this weekend; the time to get back to normal is coming but not yet. Do not undo all the hard work.“A Bank Holiday weekend does not mean that we can just go out for no reason or jump in the car for a spin. This weekend is no different to the previous 43 days. We still remain in lockdown.“I recognise this is difficult and we have all had to make sacrifices but we need to ensure we do not endanger more lives. We do not want to spread the virus by ignoring guidelines.“Council officers will be out patrolling over the weekend to ensure compliance with the regulations and we will also be liaising with the police,” he added.