Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, announced today that starting at 6pm this coming Friday, the 23rd October, Wales will be going into a circuit breaking lockdown until the start of Monday the 9th November.
He advised this circuit breaker would be a short, sharp shock in order to slow down the spread of the virus and provide some relief to emergency services, saving lives and preventing the NHS from being overwhelmed.
All close contact services, including hair, barber and beauty businesses (including mobile) will need to be closed over this time, including sports and massage therapists.
Businesses affected by the firebreak will be supported with a new £300 million fund, which will open next week:
- Every business covered by the small business rates relief will receive a £1,000 payment.
- Small and medium-sized retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, which have to close will receive a one-off payment of up to £5,000.
- There will also be additional discretionary grants and support for smaller businesses, which are struggling.
For full details of the announcement, restrictions and financial support please click here