‘Parents allowing children to have sleepovers’ driving up covid cases says Labour MP

Some parents are driving up cases of covid by allowing their children to have “parties and sleepovers” according to a Labour MP.

Tonia Antoniazzi, the Member of Parliament for Gower shared the warning of a teacher in the wake of the news that Welsh schools are having to shut their doors because of concerns about the spread of the deadly virus.

Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire councils decided yesterday to close 12 schools in the Cardigan area.

Ms Antoniazzi said: “So tonight my teacher friends are telling me that increasing numbers of students are testing positive for covid.

“It seems that parents are allowing their children to have parties and sleepovers making it impossible to continue to provide quality education to their children.”

Ms Antoniazzi also shared some advice she said from a parent, and former teacher.

It included knowing where your child is especially when they’re not in school, to not allow sleepovers, to minimise socialising apart from organised sports clubs, and that if children not in a sports club ensure that they are out for a limited amount of time.

She added: “We’re all in this together, it’s horrific. No one is finding this easy! Especially for those that have experienced COVID19. We all have a personal responsibility to keep each other safe. Education is hugely important and is a priority over socialising and having fun.

“Christmas is around the corner, our firebreak in Wales has had a positive impact but with people pushing the boundaries now will be an issue for us all in a few weeks time.

“Our key workers and NHS deserve better and our priority is to keep our families safe from Covid-19.

“My point is that we have to prioritise education above socialising. We have to take more personal responsibility for ourselves and children. A classroom is not perfect but it is a (reasonably) controlled environment.”

‘Sky-high’

Ceredigon, which has had the lowest number of positive Covid-19 infections in Wales so far, said that a “significant number” of positive cases were connected to numerous contacts in the Cardigan area.

Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Gynradd Penparc, Ysgol Gynradd Aberporth, Ysgol Gynradd T.Llew Jones, Ysgol Gynradd Llechryd and Ysgol Gynradd Cenarth will be closed from tomorrow.

In the north of Pembrokeshire, Ysgol y Preseli, Ysgol y Frenni Ysgol Eglwyswrw, Ysgol Llandudoch and Ysgol Cilgerran are closing.

Ceredigion Senedd Member Elin Jones said the incidence of covid over 7 days in the Cardigan/Aberporth area was at 202 per 100,000.

“That’s sky-high by Ceredigion standards,” she said. “The Council has taken immediate action in shutting all schools and educational establishments for two weeks. Many retail and hospitality businesses are needing to close.

“My understanding is that some people ignoring coronavirus rules has led to this worrying situation, holding parties in homes. A small minority putting everybody’s health at risk in the Cardigan area.

“Please stay safe everybody and keep to the rules. No part of Ceredigion is immune to this virus and its horrible consequences. Thanks to all working on containing this outbreak in the Cardigan area. Diolch bawb.”

The schools will remain closed for two weeks until Monday 7th December 2020.

“There is overwhelming evidence that the speed and spread of the virus in the Cardigan area means that immediate action is needed,” Ceredigion Council said in a letter to parents.

“We have not taken this decision lightly and this action is in response to the need to act decisively. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we must act to protect our school communities, and indeed the whole of the Cardigan area.

“We ask you kindly to be especially cautious and vigilant in the coming weeks. If your child, or any member of your household is feeling unwell you must stay at home.”