Like all other forces throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, South Wales Police now has dispersal powers to help ensure everyone adheres to the social distancing guidance laid out by the Government and Public Health Wales.

These powers have been granted under the Health Regulations 2020 and came into effect yesterday.

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

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.

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, and
• 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.

Chief Constable Matt Jukes said: "The majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe.

"We hope that the vast majority of our communities will recognise the need to follow the guidelines and stay at home.

"South Wales Police has a track record of maintaining public order and safety in huge events and at times of emergency. We have always done so positively, with pride and professionalism.

"We will continue to do what we do best – engage with people. We will ask them to support their communities and stick to these important restrictions.

"As the public would expect, we will also utilise the new legislation when necessary where individuals show a total disregard for the restrictions which have been put in place to save lives.

"Police officers and other staff who you may speak to in the coming weeks are working to keep you and your families safe and well. They also have families to go home to."

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.

If you are aware of a business that is in apparent contravention of the lockdown, this should be reported to either the Environmental Health Department of your local Council or Trading Standards. This should only be reported to police if there is a disorder or if a crime has taken place. You can find your local Trading Standards office here

Please only call 101 or 999 if it is either an emergency or you need a police response and try to use our online reporting functions where possible.

We appreciate that in these uncertain times, members of the public will want to seek reassurance and the latest information and how this impacts business and individuals.

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford said: "The new law coming into force today sets out what we need people across Wales to do: stay at home to protect our NHS and save lives.

"I want to thank our NHS, and other front line services for the absolutely incredible job they're doing during these incredibly testing times.

"If we all follow these rules, we will stop this terrible virus from spreading, we will save lives, and we will protect the NHS.

"The new powers I have signed into law will give our police the powers they need to protect the public and keep people safe."

Officers will be out and about in the community to ensure that people are complying with the law.

A message to the communities of South Wales from Police & Crime Commissioner Rt Hon Alun Michael: "You don't obey the law because there are police officers standing on every street corner but because we are part of a law-abiding society.

"The fact that police have been given powers of enforcement is a message of just how serious it is and that everybody has to obey the rules that have been set down.

"Don't forget that police officers and staff are as much a part of our community as the rest of us – they have the same worries about their children, about relatives, about elderly parents as do NHS staff - and like NHS staff they are there to help us not some sort of occupying force."