London, Oct 19 (AFP/APP):Wales will become the first territory in Europe to reimpose a full lockdown later this week, after First Minister Mark Drakeford announced Monday that the nation would shut down for two weeks to reduce a surge in coronavirus cases. Approximately three million residents in Wales will be told to stay at home from Friday, except for very limited purposes such as exercise or employment, and cannot mix with each other indoors or outside under the new “firebreaker” measures. Non-food retailers, cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels as well as services such as hairdressers and beauticians must all close for 14 days from 6pm (1700 GMT) on Friday. Schools, which will shut next week for a statutory holiday, will only reopen for primary, special-needs and some secondary school year groups during the second week of the lockdown. Cases have surged across Wales over recent weeks, despite tightened local restrictions in various locations, with the seven-day rolling incidence rate standing at more than 130 cases per 100,000 people. “This firebreak is our best chance of regaining control of the virus and avoiding a much-longer and damaging national lockdown,” Drakeford said as he unveiled the new restrictions. “Unless we act the … Continue reading Wales to become first European territory to re-enter lockdown