Health chief makes half-term travel warning to high-risk areas as coronavirus cases surge

NORTH East Lincolnshire’s health chief is urging people to think about their half-term plans and not to travel to higher-risk areas.

With the October break looming, and already taking place at some schools, there are concerns families may be considering travelling to higher-risk areas.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s director of public health, Stephen

Pintus, is calling on parents to be responsible during the half-term holiday.

In an interview about the Government’s new alert levels, Mr Pintus, who manages the area’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, said: “We’ve got halfterm 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.”

Mr Pintus, inset, outlined how young people are inadvertently spreading the virus.

He said: “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.”

The warning comes following a spate of positive tests among staff and students at several schools around North East Lincolnshire.

Earlier this week, a nursery child was confirmed to have the virus at Weelsby Academy, leading to some parents taking their children out of the school as a precaution.

Meanwhile, around 73 pupils at Scartho Infants School are selfisolating after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.