THOUSANDS of people will have additional restrictions imposed from Tuesday evening as four counties in south Wales go into lockdown.

Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent and Newport will have the same restrictions as Rhondda Cynon Taf from 6pm on Tuesday (September 22) after fears grew over rising coronavirus case numbers.

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People will not be able to enter or leave the areas concerned without a reasonable excuse, including to work if they cannot do so from home, and will only be able to meet others outside their own household outdoors.

Residents have been warned that meetings with people from their extended households will be banned in the four areas.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the tougher restrictions come following rises in coronavirus cases in the areas.