FAMILIES were sent home from beaches at Tresaith and Penbryn yesterday (Sunday, April 5).

They were found by police from Cardigan to be ‘enjoying’ an afternoon out at the seaside.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “It’s totally unacceptable. All local beaches are being regularly patrolled to enforce the current lockdown. Stay home, save lives.”

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

Individuals are only 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.

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.