Changes to restrictions in Wales do not apply to residents in England

Residents in Cheshire West and Chester should continue to stay local and only cross the border into Wales for essential reasons.

Cheshire West and Chester Council notes the decision of the Wales Government to lift its ‘stay local’ rules, allowing its residents to travel freely within the country, and to reopen self-contained tourist accommodation.

These changes apply only to residents living in Wales and we are reminding residents that different rules are in place in England.

Non-essential travel across the border with Wales is not allowed for residents in Cheshire West and Chester and people should only be crossing between the countries for essential reasons such as for work, education, health and essential shopping.

If the UK Government feels the conditions are right to move onto the next stage in the roadmap out of lockdown, travel between England and Wales may be allowed from 12 April.

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Our residents have shown resilience over the last year and have stayed at home where possible and tried their best to follow the rules. We have seen a reduction in our rates thanks to their efforts and all those playing their part to vaccinate our population.

“Residents in Wales are being given more freedom from 27 March and we are conscious that these rules do not apply in England just yet. We have seen an increase in our rates already over the last week and it’s vital our residents stay local and protect each other from spreading COVID further, especially if we are going to be able to stick to the national road map plans. Travel across the border should only be for essential reasons.

“We believe businesses in Wales will only be taking bookings from people in Wales. We should not be traveling further into Wales for leisure. We encourage our residents to understand and respect the new rules in Wales, and to stay within our borough. We hope that, from 12 April, everyone will be able to travel more freely.”

Restrictions in England will be relaxed slightly from 29 March when the stay at home rule ends, allowing residents to gather in outdoor spaces in groups of six or two households.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

Pictured - Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council.