Pembrokeshire County Council’s Leader, has said that it is now more important than ever for everyone across the county to follow Covid rules and guidance to protect everyone.

With six local authority areas in Wales now in local lockdown and restrictions in Llanelli, Swansea and Cardiff introduced this weekend, PCC’s leader Clr. David Simpson says we are once again facing the possibility of the coronavirus regaining a foothold in our local communities and towns.

“Once again another week has passed and we still face challenges in relation to Covid-19,” he stated in his weekly update.

“I must admit this is a more sombre message that I thought I would be delivering this time last week but the fact of the matter is that we are facing rising cases of coronavirus infections in different parts of Wales.

“However, if we continue to work collectively we can keep the virus away from our homes.

“That is why the First Minister introduced new measures which came into force Thursday – including stopping the sale of alcohol in hospitality venues at 10 pm – in a bid to stem the increase of coronavirus cases.

“I do not wish to be seen as a doom-monger but it is now more important than ever that we all follow the rules and guidance to protect everyone – we all have a duty and responsibility to tackle this head on.

“We should work from home wherever it is safe to do so and only meet six people indoors, ensuring that those six people are all part of your extended household.

“I know this will cause grave concern to many but I do not think it is too much to ask that we all observe the two metre safe distancing rule and wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces as instructed by the Welsh Government.

“This includes not only shops but also public conveniences and even our two multi-storey car parks in Haverfordwest and Tenby,” continued Clr. Simpson.

“Some of our libraries are due to re-open on Monday and the same guidance will apply in those facilities.

“I have asked you all before to support each other and continue to battle against this storm – now is not the time to ease up.

“We need to continue to fight and dig deep to ensure we do not go back to the bleak days in April – keep going Team Pembrokeshire.

“We have made progress in the past few months and I would despair if we were to throw all of it away for the sake of obeying some simple rules.

“This week we have seen a turn in the weather. Autumn is now upon us and we all need to keep our loved ones safe. The autumn and winter can be long months for those living alone, especially this year.

“So this weekend I want you all to pick up the phone and say hello to someone. I know I will be encouraging my family to talk to someone. Saying hello can make a huge difference.

“I want to thank everyone that gets in touch with me, passing on concerns and compliments on how the Authority is dealing with Covid-19,” he added.

All licensed premises in Pembrokeshire must now stop selling alcohol at 10pm.

The move is part of further Welsh Government restrictions introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus across Wales.

The main points of the legislation are:

• All licensed premises must stop serving alcohol at 10 pm.

• Pubs, bars and restaurants must close to the public at 10.20 pm and not re-open until 6am.

• All businesses with a licence to serve alcohol must now serve customers sitting at a table. Customers must order, consume and pay for food and drink at that table.

• Supermarkets, off-licences and convenience stores must stop selling alcohol in-store from 10 pm but can remain open beyond 10.20 pm.

Further information relating to the new restrictions and hospitality and retail businesses is available at: https://gov.wales/hospitality-and-retail-businesses-frequently-asked-questions

The rules on the wearing of face coverings in hospitality premises has also changed.

Customers entering and leaving restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes and walking around the premises are now required to wear a face covering.

Customers are permitted to remove face coverings when seated at a table to eat and drink.

Staff working at restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes must now wear a face covering.

Face coverings are mandatory for everyone aged 11 and over in all indoor public spaces, unless you have a reasonable excuse not to wear one.

A series of FAQs on coronavirus restrictions in Wales is available at https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance

Members of the public are also encouraged to download and use the NHS Covid-19 app.

The app was launched yesterday and is available for both Android and Apple IOS operating systems.