Public Health Director’s plea to parents as half term looms

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Director of Public Health, Stephen Pintus, has made an impassioned plea to parents in the area ahead of the October half term.

In an interview about the Government’s new alert levels, Mr Pintus, who manages the area’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, called on parents to be responsible during the break from schools.

Mr Pintus said: “We’ve got half term coming up. People might be going away, and they might be mixing with people from other areas.

“The vigilance applies just as much in half term as it does when children are in school.

“Please help us to keep COVID out of North East Lincolnshire, and don’t bring it back if you are going away.”

Thousands of children will be breaking up for half term next week, and health chiefs have raised concerns about families holidaying close to higher-tier areas.

Earlier in the interview, Mr Pintus outlined how young people are inadvertently spreading the virus:

“We’re still relatively one of the lowest in the country. The increase in cases is largely driven by the younger population.

“They are naturally social animals, out and about and mixing, and that results in a greater potential for transmission. Particularly if people aren’t following those rules around social distancing and hygiene.

“It’s important that people follow the rules, social distance, keeping good hygiene and wearing a face mask in crowded public spaces. If everyone keeps doing their bit and following the guidance then we will be able to keep the rates low.”

If your child starts to feel unwell and shows one or all of the symptoms of coronavirus, they will need to stay at home, self-isolate and get a test.

To find out about the latest Government guidance, visit GOV.UK.