16 December 2020

 

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We would like to thank you for your continued support in the fight against Coronavirus. 

Although the number of infections in Liverpool has reduced, the rate of reduction has levelled out and infections in working age and older people are still too high.  We therefore all need to continue to be careful and stay safe by taking key actions to keep infections low around socialising over Christmas and returning to school. 

Holiday socialising

Just because we can mix outside of our household over 5 days over Christmas – doesn’t mean we should.  We urge you consider just how much mixing you will need to do and how you can continue to reduce the risks, as some people such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions continue to be at much greater risk.  Over Christmas we ask that you please:

• Stick to your bubbles 
• Minimise contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, stay in isolation.
• Avoid large gatherings 
• Avoid unnecessary contact 
• Open a window for ventilation 
• Continue to wash your hands thoroughly and more often
• Continue with good respiratory hygiene: use a tissue and catch it, bin it kill it. Remember there are other infections doing the rounds over the winter period including influenza (flu). Please ensure you have your flu vaccination if you are in a vulnerable group.

Christmas advice (from .gov.)  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-the-christmas-period Please follow the local rules on where you can go and who you can meet, including on New Year’s Eve when your Christmas bubble will no longer apply.

 

Children returning to school

To prevent the virus coming back into the school in the new school term we urge all secondary school and college pupils take a Lateral Flow Test once you and they have finished your main Christmas socialising but before returning to school.  Asymptomatic testing is available to all school children.

There are still a number of test centres open over the Christmas Period and into the New Year.  Full details can be found below:

https://liverpool.gov.uk/smarttesting

We would like to thank you again and wish you a Merry Christmas and well-deserved restful break.

Yours Sincerely,

 

 

Matt Ashton

Director of Public Health, Liverpool

 

 

Steve Reddy

Director of Children’s Services, Liverpool City Council