News

‘Firebreak’ lockdown comes at right time as Pembs covid cases continue to rise

Published

6 years ago

October 22, 2020

TOMORROWS’s ‘firebreak’ lockdown is coming at an extremely important
time for Pembrokeshire as numbers of positive coronavirus cases rise
in the county.

That’s the message from Pembrokeshire County Council ahead of
restrictions kicking in across Wales at 6pm on Friday.

The Authority is urging people to follow the restrictions.

After months of very low numbers of cases, the county’s infection
rate, which has been rising steadily since the middle of September,
has now gone above 50 cases per 100,000 people – the rate at which
local lockdown measures would have been considered by the Welsh
Government.

Over the period 12 th – 18 th October, there were 63 positive cases in
Pembrokeshire, a rate of 50.1 cases per 100,000.

There were a further 11 cases across the county on Wednesday (21 st
October).

Cllr David Simpson, the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council,
said: “I’ve seen it said in some quarters that Pembrokeshire is unlucky
to be facing going into national lockdown because cases are so ‘low’.

“In fact, the rate has been rising in Pembrokeshire steadily and the
county would now be considered for local lockdown restrictions
anyway.

“We cannot be complacent. Cases are rising in Pembrokeshire and
this firebreak is our opportunity to get these numbers back under
control.

“If we all follow the restrictions we can get back to the low numbers of
infection that we thankfully saw for so long in Pembrokeshire.

“We must all take personal responsibility for doing what we can to
prevent the further spread of Covid-19.”

Public Health Wales now publishes maps of cases for individual areas
within local authority areas, allowing members of the public to see the
rate of infection within their locality.

The maps and all Public Health Wales tables are updated daily at
2pm. Click here for the tables.

Follow Public Health Wales on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/PublicHealthW
Or Public Health Wales on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PublicHealthWales
A series of FAQs about the ‘firebreak’ lockdown is available at:
https://gov.wales/coronavirus-firebreak-frequently-asked-questions

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

49 minutes ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.

News

Welsh Secretary holds first call with new First Minister

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Jo Stevens and Rhun ap Iorwerth discuss poverty, public services, clean energy, steelmaking and economic growth

WELSH Secretary Jo Stevens has held her first call with Wales’ new First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth following the recent Senedd election.

The call took place today, Monday (May 18), with Ms Stevens congratulating Mr ap Iorwerth on Plaid Cymru’s election results and his appointment as First Minister.

The Welsh Secretary said it was important for the UK and Welsh Governments to work constructively together on shared priorities.

Those issues include the cost of living, poverty, public services, economic growth and the delivery of clean energy infrastructure in Wales.

Ms Stevens also raised the importance of collaboration on Welsh steelmaking and the transition at Port Talbot, as well as growth funds, defence and national security.

The conversation follows a call last week between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the new First Minister, during which Mr Starmer also congratulated him on his appointment.

The Prime Minister has offered to meet Mr ap Iorwerth in person in June to discuss shared issues and priorities.