COVID-19 is on the rise in Solihull schools, with up to 44 per cent having at least one confirmed case, up from 41 per cent earlier this week.
However Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of the Borough Council, said for the majority, there was little evidence of the virus being transmitted between pupils and staff within schools and as a consequence it was important that everyone in the community observed the rules to help to reduce the disruption to education.
“Our school leaders are responding quickly when there is a confirmed case and doing everything possible to keep their schools Covid-safe, and are only closing ‘bubbles’ as a last resort,” he said.
“Our current rate of cases across Solihull (78 out of 100,000) means we will remain a government area of national intervention with tighter restrictions.
“These include a ban on households mixing in people’s homes and gardens (excluding bubbles), having to wear face coverings in pubs and restaurants at all times apart from when you’re eating or drinking.
“But business compliance is absolutely essential to helping us reduce the transmission of Covid-19.”
His comments come after the Council used new powers to take decisive action against Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel for their refusal to follow the guidelines. This followed a post funeral ‘party’ involving in the region of 200 – 300 guests.
Ignoring the fact that there was no proper social distancing, guests weren’t asked for their details for test and trace purposes and no obvious anti-Covid measure were in place.
The hotel is now banned from holding any events until January 10, 2021 and the manager fined £10,000 by the Police.
“Together we have to try and stop the virus spreading further or we risk ever tighter restrictions on our daily lives and our economy,” said Coun Courts.
“The messages remain, keeping your distance is the most important thing you can do alongside washing hands and wearing face coverings. These simple actions will help to reduce transmission.”
