‘We take easy steps to avoid transmission’

Lauren Elliott, 31, and husband Luke, 34, live in Solihull with their fiveyear-old son and threeyear-old daughter

We’re expecting a baby in two weeks, so we’re being extra-careful just now. There’s lots more going on this year than last in terms of Halloween, fireworks and Christmas, but we’re steering ourselves towards outside events – such as winter light ceremonies and pumpkin hunts.

“The children are home schooled, but I own a business called Music Monsters, which teaches young children to play the piano. We hold 20 classes a week, in spaces like theatres, community halls and churches, and have had a few positive tests among students and teachers this term, so we’re keeping as many measures in place as possible, and taking whatever precautions we can.

“All the children work at individual stations, so they can stay within their family units, and we’re strict about asking people not to attend if they have symptoms. We encourage the use of masks as well, and we’re careful about ventilation and cleaning down equipment for 15 minutes between classes.

“At home, the heating is already on but we open windows for ventilation. Both Luke and I take rapid lateral flow tests regularly to feel safe seeing other people, because we don’t want to pass anything on. We also wear masks in shops and on public transport.

“These are all things we can do quite easily, without too much impact on our life. But they might help avoid transmission to somebody who could be much more vulnerable than we are, so they seem like a good steps to take.”