Some Sheffield parents ‘risking safety of others’ by breaking Covid rules outside schools

In his latest weekly position statement, director of public health Greg Fell said that while schools were doing everything they can to keep students and staff safe, a minority of parents were ignoring the rules.

Mr Fell said he had seen evidence that some families in the city were meeting up outside the school setting, and emphasised the importance of following the rules until more people were vaccinated.

And he added that if some people continued to break the rules, it could slow our route out of lockdown and mean getting back to a more normal way of life is postponed.

He said: "I can’t stress these two following points enough. One we’re not out of the woods by a long stretch. The virus is still there. It’s less prevalent but it’s still there and it’s still dangerous.

“And secondly, school bubbles are designed for school because all of the protective measures that are in place around that like ventilation, extra cleaning and face coverings.

"It’s highly unlikely that that’s going to be in place outside of a school environment so children shouldn’t be mixing with their school bubble outside of school.

"We’ve received reports of children having sleepovers and playdates with friends. I’ve received reports of children with symptoms not being tested and being sent back to school.

“That will cause an increase in cases and may slow the implementation of the roadmap and has resulted in whole classes or whole year groups being sent home. Which is disruptive for everybody.”

Mr Fell said that people needed to remember that one in three people who have the virus may not display symptoms and the vast majority of cases are caught in the home.

He also added that transmission occurs much more easily in indoor spaces and when people are in close contact with each other for extended periods of time.

“Please think about what you are doing because the consequences of your actions will have consequences for everybody,” added Mr Fell.

"We know that most of you are being responsible and thank you for what you’re doing to keep people safe.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.