ON THE eve of local lockdown restrictions, Vale of Glamorgan council leader has called on residents to "work together" stop the rise in Covid-19 infections.

Local restrictions are being imposed across the whole of the Vale area from 6pm tomorrow (Monday), the Welsh Government announced earlier today amid "rising rates" of coronavirus in the area.

Following the announcement, Vale council leader Neil Moore said: “This has not been an easy decision and one that I appreciate will have a major impact on the lives of residents.

"However, the number of Covid-19 cases in our local authority area continues to rise and it is vital we take further action now to address that situation.

“These restrictions are being introduced following close consultation with public health experts, the University Health Board, the Local Authority, Public Health Wales and Welsh Government to avoid a scenario like we saw earlier in the year.

"We have all worked hard to recover from that point six months ago and I greatly appreciate that effort. Now I’m calling for further resolve to help ensure those days do not return.

“We have taken a decision today for early and preventative action. One of the main reasons for this is that the sooner we stop the increase in transmission, the sooner the restrictions can be lifted. We must now all work together to make that possible.

“While the introduction of the measures puts us in the same position as our neighbouring areas, it is very important that people remember that the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff, and indeed any other county, are separate places.

"Movement across the boundaries is now prohibited for any reason that is not exempt. This includes exercise and leisure, which should now be taken solely within the Vale of Glamorgan for Vale of Glamorgan residents.

“I am aware this announcement will have an economic impact and our teams will be working with businesses, as they have been throughout the pandemic, to help minimise the extent of that.

“Everyone should be clear on the guidelines around hand-washing, social-distancing, the wearing of masks, self-isolating and getting tested. I know most residents are strictly following these rules at great personal sacrifice. Thank you.

"These additional restrictions are designed to help us keep closer control of the virus, further reducing the opportunity for it to spread. They will help protect you, your family and friends as well as the elderly and vulnerable, who are most at risk.

“I understand that these rules are not easy to live with and we would not ask residents to follow them if they were not absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, they are necessary, and it is imperative that we all work together to protect ourselves, our families and our communities to overcome this terrible virus.”