North Wales Welsh Conservatives have expressed disappointment over the need to impose local lockdowns in four areas – Wrexham, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Conwy – with effect from October 1 at 6pm.
Darren Millar MS, who represents Clwyd West, said:
“We were warned last week that Conwy and Denbighshire were being closely monitored, but had all hoped that cases would not rise further and we could avoid further restrictions.
“This evening’s news will come as a devastating blow to residents and businesses in all those areas affected and I know that many will question whether such measures are entirely necessary.
“The Welsh Government therefore needs to be fully transparent and outline to all residents of Denbighshire, Conwy, Flintshire and Wrexham why such restrictions in these areas are needed, including sharing community by community data so that we can see whether the measures are proportionate.
“Local businesses will also need extra support, especially those in the tourism and hospitality industry.
“Firms were hit for hit for six by the lockdown earlier in the year and are only just beginning to recover, it is essential that they get the support they need.
“I urge people to follow the rules to help keep the number of cases down so that these restrictions can be lifted as soon as possible.”
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member for Aberconwy, echoed this, saying:
“I regret, of course, the need for further lockdowns as have been imposed in South Wales, but really have to question why they are being introduced in 48 hours’ time.
“If there is the need to lockdown, then surely it needs to be done immediately, because Covid doesn’t know one day from the next.”
The Welsh Conservative Member for North Wales, Mark Isherwood MS, added:
“If these measures are necessary, then we need to see what steps are being taken to protect the most vulnerable through shielding, and all of us need to play our part by adhering to social distancing, masks, and hand hygiene, and we need to see a strong public information campaign from the Welsh Labour-led Government to hammer this message home.”
