Don’t listen to social media - get children tested if you need to

A NUMBER of parents in Leicester have avoided having their children tested for Covid-19 after false rumours circulated that social services would be informed of positive results.

According to concerned residents, the rumour suggested that if a child tested positive, social services would be informed via the track and trace system.

They added the stories had stopped some people from getting a test or getting tests for themselves and their children.

Leicester City Council has now quashed the rumours and has assured parents that social services are there to support families and have no involvement with the track and trace process whatsoever.

In a dig at so-called experts on Facebook and other forms of social media, the council also urged that people get their information from a “trusted source”.

A city council spokesperson said: “There is no truth at all in the rumour that taking your child for a Covid-19 test will result in a visit from social services. They are there to provide support to families who need it most, for all sorts of complex reasons. They are not informed if your child has gone for a test or what the result is.

“It’s absolutely vital to take your child for a coronavirus test if they display symptoms such as a high temperature or new, continuous cough. Only by identifying and isolating the virus will we be able to protect the most vulnerable members of society – some of whom could be in your family or social circle.

“If your child tests positive, you will be asked to ensure that they continue to isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms. Anyone else in the household must also isolate for 14 days. You will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and it is important that you respond quickly and accurately.

“If they are unable to contact you, an officer from the city council may visit your home to ensure that you are aware of the need to selfisolate and collect details of your child’s close contacts.

“There are strict rules in place about handling and protecting your personal information.

“Please remember to get your information from a trusted source and don’t believe everything you read on social media.”