Summary

  • Welsh Government asks everyone to stay at home in a bid to contain the outbreak

  • Schools are only open for children whose parents are key workers

  • Public transport is operating on a reduced scale throughout Wales

  • Four more deaths are reported, taking the total to 16, out of 71 new cases confirmed

  • The Royal Welsh show is the latest major event to be cancelled

  1. McDonald's and Nando's to close all restaurantspublished at 07:13 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2020

    All McDonald's and Nandos restaurants across the UK and Ireland will close today.

    Nando's have already shut their outlets, saying the the "health and safety of our customers and team is our highest priority".

    Fast food giant McDonald's will close all of its more than 1,000 outlets across the UK by 19:00 GMT.

    A McDonald's in CardiffImage source, Getty Images
  2. Plea to keep children at homepublished at 07:05 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2020

    Most children should stay home from school this week, the Welsh Government has reminded parents.

    Schools closed to most pupils on Friday but there are limited places available for certain children.

    Advice to parents said by limiting the spread of the virus the measure should protect those most at risk.

    Teacher and pupilImage source, Getty Images
  3. Letters go out to vulnerable peoplepublished at 06:55 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2020

    About 70,000 people who are deemed most vulnerable to coronavirus will be sent letters advising them to stay at home for three to four months.

    First Minister Mark Drakeford said people would get a letter this week from their GP or consultant to advise them if they should stay at home.

    The isolation could last for 12 to 16 weeks "so they have the maximum shielding from the virus".

  4. What is social distancing?published at 06:43 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2020

    People are being urged to follow social distancing advice to prevent the spread of the virus.

    The prime minister has warned that "tougher measures" could be brought in if people don't act.

    And the first minister called on people to avoid unecessary travel.

    It comes after thousands of people visited tourist hotspots across Wales over the weekend.

    Media caption,

    Coronavirus UK: What is social distancing?

  5. Reduction in public transportpublished at 06:32 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2020

    Public transport is to operate on a reduced scale throughout Wales because of the coronavirus pandemic.

    New timetables are now in place for trains and buses until further notice.

    The changes reflect the fall in demand, reduced availability of staff and the latest public health guidance, transport companies said.

    Transport Minister Ken Skates said it remained "crucial" to keep some services going for key workers and supply chains.

    On Sunday, Transport for Wales said it had seen a rise in complaints about anti-social behaviour amid calls for people to follow social distancing advice

    TrainImage source, TFW
  6. Car makers halt productionpublished at 06:23 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2020

    Welsh firms are expected to suffer as almost all UK carmakers halt production to cope with the coronavirus crisis.

    There are 120 factories in Wales employing about 18,000 people making parts for car companies.

    The biggest - Bridgend's Ford engine plant - halts work on Wednesday and its 1,200 workers will be sent home on basic pay.

    Engine production at Ford in BridgendImage source, PA Media
  7. New powers to be debatedpublished at 06:16 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2020

    We'll be providing regular updates on how Wales is coping on the day politicians debate emergency legislation such as forcing people with virus symptoms to isolate.

    The powers, which would be time-limited for two years, are expected to be approved by MPs.

    Graph
  8. Good morningpublished at 06:12 Greenwich Mean Time 23 March 2020

    Good morning on a day when schools will be closed to many children and transport services are cut as Wales continues to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

    Stay with us for all the latest