Warning to schools as Covid cases rise again

FRESH advice to cut coronavirus infection rates in Westcountry schools has been issued amid a new spike in cases.

Cornwall’s director of public health, Rachel Wigglesworth, has written to parents and schools with suggestions to help curb the number of Covid-19 cases in the Duchy. Schools are now seen as the biggest source of infections in the South West.

Ms Wigglesworth will also contact headteachers to suggest students and staff wear face coverings in shared spaces, as well as reducing mixing between different year groups.

She said: “Managing Covid-19 cases is becoming increasingly challenging for schools, early years providers and colleges in Cornwall.

“In the week ending September 24, under-18s accounted for 50% of all cases in Cornwall. Therefore, I am writing to education settings to offer advice and guidance so that we work together to try and bring these case numbers down.”

In Devon, cases have also risen by 20% in the county council and Plymouth areas, but have fallen slightly in Torbay. Devon’s director of public health, Steve Brown, also said the increase was particularly acute in educational settings.

In Cornwall, Ms Wigglesworth highlighted the importance of continuing the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance. “These simple steps helped reduce the spread of the virus. Where possible, we should continue to follow them,” she said.

“Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser are easy and effective tools to stop the spread of Covid and infections such as colds and norovirus.”