CORONAVIRUS: Stay safe as you enjoy the autumn half-term

As schools break up for half term, people are being encouraged to stay safe when taking part in events or social activities.

As the autumn holidays begin for schools in North Yorkshire, public health officials are asking people to make sure they remember to stick to the everyday Covid-19 safety rules as they change their normal routines or take part in social events.

North Yorkshire’s Director of Public Health, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, said: “It’s important that people look after their mental health and wellbeing by taking part in social events, or marking occasions such as Hallowe’en. We want people to enjoy this time, but also take steps to keep themselves and others safe by following the guidance and taking steps to prevent the virus spreading further.”

People are urged to follow the “Hands. Face. Space” guidance and remember:

• Wash your hands regularly and take hand sanitiser if you go out.
• Wear a face covering indoors where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
• Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or one metre where extra precautions are in place such as indoor ventilation.
• When seeing friends and family you do not live with, or who are not part of your support bubble, do not meet in groups of more than six indoors or outdoors.
• When meeting friends and family you should also follow social distancing rules, meet people outdoors where practical and limit how many different people in total you see socially over a short period of time.

Families are also encouraged to be creative in coming up with alternative ways of having an enjoyable Hallowe’en. While people are not recommended to go trick and treating this year, alternative celebrations include creating a pumpkin trail around your neighbourhood, having an online party with fancy dress, Hallowe’en games and spooky stories, or decorating the outside of your house can all help celebrate the event.

County Councillor Patrick Mulligan, Executive Member for Education and Skills, said: “We know the measures schools have in place in North Yorkshire are proving effective in preventing the spread of the virus within schools, as the overwhelming majority of coronavirus cases in schools tend to only involve one or two pupils or staff. “Now we are entering the half-term holidays, Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night, we’re asking people to make sure they are continuing to follow the restrictions while outside schools and workplaces. We want people to have that social time, but protect yourself and others by not meeting in groups of more than six indoors or outdoors when seeing people you do not live with, or who are not part of your bubble, to protect yourselves and others.

“This applies to play dates, leisure activities, supervised activities for young people and get-togethers. We are now entering autumn and winter and I know people, especially children, may find this hard at times, but the sooner we can bring the virus under control, the sooner we can get back to normal and doing the things we enjoy.”

Keep up to date with Covid-19 guidance and news in North Yorkshire.