RESIDENTS continue to flout the self-isolation lockdown throughout the Cardigan area.

Police in Newcastle Emlyn dispersed a group playing football yesterday (Thursday, March 26), while officers were also at Poppit Sands, advising people to stay at home and not to travel unnecessarily by driving to such locations to exercise.

The car park at Poppit has been closed by Pembrokeshire National Park Authority.

“Cardigan Neighbourhood Policing Team will be patrolling our key beat locations to ensure Government advice is being adhered to. Please restrict your movement and travel for essential purposes only,” said a police spokesperson

The First Minister has signed into law new public health regulations strengthening police enforcement powers in Wales.

Individuals will only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes:

  • Shopping for basic necessities and supplies, which should be as infrequently as possible
  • One form of exercise a day - for example, a run, walk or cycle - alone or with members of their household
  • Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
  • Travelling to and from work, but only where they cannot reasonably practicably work from home

People should stay at least 2m away from each other at all times.

Participating in gatherings of more than two people in public spaces is also not permitted except in very limited circumstances, for example, where it is for essential work purposes. The police will have powers to enforce this.

If people do not comply with these new laws:

  • They can be directed to return home or removed from where they are and returned home
  • They may have to pay a fixed penalty notice of £30, which if not paid within 14 days will double to £60, and if they are issued with a second or subsequent notice the charge will be £120

Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice under the regulations could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.

If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them. However, in the first instance the police will always apply their common sense and discretion.

Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: "Listen and adhere to the advice and fixed penalties won’t become an issue - ignoring the advice and all Welsh forces will use new powers. It’s not a national holiday it’s a national emergency”.

Many people throughout towns and villages in the Tivyside area last night (Thursday, March 27) took the chance to applaud NHS staff for their efforts in combating coronavirus in a UK-wide event organised on social media.