Hertfordshire County Council has asked us to share the following important information with you following a significant increase in coronavirus infections amongst 12-16 year olds:
Dear parent/carer
Thank you for everything you and your family are doing to play your part in the fight against coronavirus. Our schools and other education settings have worked extremely hard this term to help keep everyone safe. However, as we move into the Christmas holidays, it is of utmost importance that we continue to stay safe.
We have seen a significant increase in the number of coronavirus infections in 12-16 year olds and would therefore urge you to have a conversation with your child to make sure they understand, and are following, the Government regulations to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The actions you and your family can take to play your part are:
– Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and warm water or use an antibacterial hand sanitiser if soap and water isn’t available
– Stay at least 2 metres (or 1 metre with other measures, such as a face-covering) away from those not in your immediate household
– Wear a face-covering where required and when it is difficult to socially distance
– Self-isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms
– Do not socialise indoors with anyone who isn’t in your immediate household and only meet in groups of up to 6 people outdoors
Some areas of Hertfordshire will be moving into Tier 3 restrictions as of 00:01am on Wednesday 16 December (Broxbourne, Three Rivers, Watford and Hertsmere). Residents in these areas will need to familiarise themselves with, and adhere to, Tier 3 restrictions: www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert
Please remember that while your child is in school, they are in a ‘bubble’, which is carefully managed by the school. However outside of school hours, they should continue to follow the most up to date Government guidelines, and we encourage you to explain this to your child.
If you choose to socialise in a bubble of up to three separate households during 23-27 December, which is the period the Government proposes to relax guidelines, please enjoy this time but please also remember to do so safely by continuing to follow good hand hygiene and socially distance where possible. Coronavirus is known to linger in enclosed spaces, so keeping windows open can also reduce risk.
We wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas.
Hertfordshire County Council