Coronavirus in Wales: Is Caerphilly in local lockdown?

CAERPHILLY will be put under a local lockdown from 6pm today (September 8) due to a rise in coronavirus cases.

This will be the first local lockdown in Wales, following a spike in cases linked to foreign travel and socialising indoors - here is what we know.

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Is Caerphilly in lockdown?

Caerphilly in south-eastern Wales will be put under local lockdown from 6pm on Tuesday, September 8.

This decision follows a spike in coronavirus cases in the Welsh county borough.

From this time, people will not be able to enter or leave Caerphilly without good reason.

People are able to enter the town for work, in order to provide care or for a compassionate visit.

From September 8, overnight stays in other households will be banned and those over the age of 11 must wear face masks in shops.

Socialising indoors with other households will not be permitted.

The measures are to be put in place in response to a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases, mainly among young people, and they will be reviewed regularly.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “We need the help of everyone in Caerphilly borough to prevent the increasing and onward spread of coronavirus.

"We can only bring this local outbreak under control if everyone pulls together and follows these new steps."

He added: “If we do not see cases falling, we may need to take further steps to bring this local outbreak under control.”

How many coronavirus cases are there in Caerphilly?

There are 55.4 cases per 100,000 population in Caerphilly, which is the highest in Wales.

133 people tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, Public Health Wales reported.

The number of deaths from coronavirus in Wales stands at 1,597.