Pembrokeshire County Council’s Leader has said that with ‘local lockdowns’ being introduced in other parts of Wales, communities in the locality have been left with a ‘stark’ reminder that the pandemic has not gone away.

Rules in Wales will be tightened from tomorrow (Monday, September 14) to prevent a fresh coronavirus crisis, with face coverings to become mandatory in indoor public places, along with a new limit on the number of people who can meet indoors,

Councillor David Simpson, has stated that the changes in guidance and local lockdowns in some parts of Wales are a ‘wake-up call’ to all of how quickly things can change.

“This week we have all been starkly reminded that the pandemic has not gone away,” he remarked.

“As many of you will now know, from Monday there will be changes to how many people we can meet indoors and the wearing of face coverings becomes mandatory in shops and enclosed public spaces.

“From Monday, a new limit of six people will be introduced on the number of people who can meet indoors at any one time. All six must belong to the same extended household group.

“These changes have been made in response to rising levels of the virus across Wales.

“I appreciate that some people say Pembrokeshire has low levels, however we must not become complacent.

“The changes over the last week have happened very quickly and shows just how fast coronavirus can spread if we drop our guard.

“In many ways we need to wind the clock back to the key messages from the start of this outbreak: wash your hands regularly and stay 2m apart from other people. This is simple advice and really does make a difference.

“I have said before every day we were making small steps forward so I urge you all not to do something that will cause huge backwards steps and further constraints on our lives.

“It does seem very hard to comprehend that this pandemic has been affecting our lives since March and it will continue to impact on us all if people do not adhere to government advice.

“So this is a plea to you all – please be mindful of your actions as being reckless could impact on you and your family and everyone across Pembrokeshire.

“Team Pembrokeshire has worked hard to keep our communities safe – let’s continue working together, do not drop our guard – we are not out of this storm yet,” added Clr. Simpson.