Extra vigilance needed over bank holiday as children due to return to school

The leaders of Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton local authorities met to discuss the latest regional coronavirus position and emphasised the need for extra care in order to further push down the infections rate across the West Midlands.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is the first bank holiday we’ve had since significant easing of restrictions so it is vital we remember that we are not out of the woods and the virus is still very much with us. It is particularly important to remember this with schools re-opening from next week.

“Children have already missed too much school so we mustn’t do anything to put their return at risk; they need to catch up with learning and see their friends again. While schools across the region have worked incredibly hard over summer to make changes to classrooms and ensure safe learning and playtime, everyone has a role to play to support this.

“With many restrictions being lifted and venues re-opening it is easy to forget that household restrictions remain in place, and for good reason as that is where people can unconsciously forget to distance from others. You can still only socialise indoors with no more than two households. So please stay safe and remember to follow the rules – if we all work together we will all be safer.”

• Don’t be afraid to leave a pub or restaurant if you feel they are not complying to correct covid guidance. Businesses in the city should be carrying out correct risk assessments and doing their upmost to keep customers and staff safe.
• If you’re heading to a restaurant or a pub this weekend, make sure to leave the contact details of you and your guests.
• If you’re planning a meal or BBQ with people from outside your household, avoid sharing cutlery, food and drink where possible. Instead, it is advised to bring your own cutlery and ensure it has been thoroughly cleaned before use
• Keep you, your family and friends safe. Only socialise indoors with members of up to 2 households or in any outdoor space in a group of up to 6 people from different households.
• Remember that face coverings are now compulsory in indoor spaces such as shops, public transport and places of worship, unless you have a legitimate reason not to. Try to wear reusable ones, but if you can’t please dispose of them properly.

So enjoy the weekend and let’s welcome our children back to school safely.