THE leader of the Vale council has spoken to county residents as Wales prepares to enter the national fire-break lockdown at 6pm this evening (Friday, October 23).

Cllr Neil Moore said he wanted to explain why this new lockdown is so important.

The lockdown is scheduled to end on Monday, November 9.

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Cllr Moore said: "We have all made huge sacrifices over the last seven months or so and seen the introduction of a local lockdown in the Vale last month.

"I am pleased to say that the local lockdown has been successful in slowing the spread of Covid-19 to some degree.

"However, though the spread of the virus has slowed, it has not disappeared in the Vale of Glamorgan and that is certainly true in other parts of Wales.

Therefore, as the transmission of Covid-19 is continuing throughout Wales, we must all work together.

"This is why it is so important that we go further and enter a more stringent lockdown again, but this time for a set period that will end on November 9.

I know it’s going to be hard, no one doubts that and that is why I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their efforts in tackling the virus to date - you have undoubtedly made a difference.

"As I indicated, the virus is abating slightly here in the Vale of Glamorgan, but it could so easily take hold yet again.

"That being the case, we have no alternative but to steel ourselves again over the next two-and-a-half weeks as we fight this horrible disease and protect our NHS."

Cllr Moore said the instructions were simple: stay at home and only leave to exercise locally or to get essential supplies; work from home wherever possible; and do not meet anyone from another household either indoors or outdoors unless in very specific and special circumstances.

From 6pm, all hospitality, non-essential retail, beauty and leisure businesses will close, as will some council services, such as libraries and household waste recycling centres.

Secondary schools will provide learning online only for the week after half-term, other than for children in years seven and eight and those pupils sitting planned exams.

Primary schools and childcare settings will remain open.

Face coverings continue to be mandatory inside the public spaces that remain open, including on public transport and in taxis, except for certain exemptions and exceptions.

Cllr Moore said: "I know these are not easy conditions to live with, but they are easy to comply with.

"I know that the constraints placed on us this year are unlike anything we have ever experienced before.

"They have kept us from loved ones, affected our businesses and impacted our freedoms.

"But it is important to emphasise that these measures, which have such a far-reaching influence on our lives, would not be introduced unless they were absolutely necessary.

"By introducing this short, sharp, shock, Welsh Government aims to slow down the spread of this virus and place our communities in a stronger position, as we head into winter and towards Christmas.

"Hopefully, that in turn, this will mean less severe action is required as we approach the festive period.

"There is no denying that this is an extremely challenging period as residents worry about their mental health, their families and in some cases their livelihoods.

"However, I am directly appealing to everyone to please follow the rules as they are an important step in our battle against coronavirus.

"I’d also like to stress that there is a range of support available to those that need it."

The Council’s Vale Heroes Support Team can put people you in touch with council services and community groups.

Information about grants and other forms of financial support for businesses can also be found online and Cllr Moore said the authority would be working hard, once again, to make these available to support businesses.

He added: "These restrictions will of course have a major impact on our daily lives, but I also want to focus on the activities those living in the Vale can enjoy during this period.

"Outdoor exercise with members of your household is permitted as often as necessary, but should begin and end at home.

"We are blessed with award-winning outdoor spaces, parks, play areas and a stunning coastline, but please do not travel excessive distances to these locations.

"This will keep yourself and family members safe as well as protecting our community.

"Lots of food retailers, such as pubs, cafes and restaurants, will also still be open for takeaway services and essential retail will not close, but there will be some restrictions for non-essential items.

"I’d like to finish this message by again expressing my gratitude for the conscientious way you have adapted to coronavirus restrictions so far.

"I’m sure we can all show a similar resolve as we approach this next challenge.

Please be assured that we will emerge from these trying times, but we all need to stick to the rules.

"Thank you and stay safe."

The Council’s Vale Heroes Support Team can be contacted on 01446 729592.

Alternatively, visit valeofglamorgan.gov.uk