Dear Parents/Carers,
As pupils return to school this week after the half term break, we are urging you to take action to stem a rise in coronavirus rates after the number of Leicestershire cases doubled in just over a week.
We are seeing rises – particularly in children and young people and those in their thirties. This is driven by people mixing more and we’re seeing a number of cases connected to barbecues and parties. Parents are asked to make sure they are being cautious and sensible when organising any ‘gatherings’ such as birthday parties or sleepovers, and are sticking to the latest guidance, including the rule of six indoors. Figures have crept just above the national average in Leicestershire, emphasising the call for people to take care and get vaccinated to prevent further spread.
The picture in Leicestershire reflects the national trend and although we’re talking about relatively small numbers, we could still be in for a bumpy ride if we don’t take action now. Like the rest of the country, the more transmissible ‘Delta’ variant (the variant of concern first identified in
India), appears to be the dominant strain in Leicestershire.
If anyone within your household has symptoms, you must follow the national guidance and get tested. You can book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. Everyone within the household must remain at home until the test result has been received. If the result is positive you must continue to self- isolate for ten days after the symptoms began.
You are also encouraged to test regularly with rapid lateral flow tests. Lateral flow tests are for people aged 11 and over who do not have symptoms Covid-19 and are not self-isolating. You can find out more and order test kits from www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.
We’re in a much brighter position compared to the start of the year. We know it’s been a tough 15 months, but the pandemic isn’t quite over. If you’re getting together with friends and family, take care and be sensible to avoid spreading the virus and crucially, take the opportunity to get vaccinated.
Kind regards
Jane Moore
Director of Children and Family Services Leicestershire County Council
&
Mike Sandys
Director of Public Health Leicestershire County Council