Swindon's residents given stark warning ahead of Mother's Day
We have spoken to the Director of Public Health
Last updated 12th Mar 2021
With Mother's Day looming, Swindon's Director of Public Health has issued a stark warning to residents.
Celebrations will be unusual for many people this year, as our region continues to live within stringent lockdown measures.
They have been effective in recent weeks, leading to a largely consistent fall in the local Coronavirus infection rate.
Over the seven days up to and including Thursday 11 March, 68.4 per 100,000 of Swindon's population tested positive for the virus.
That is 28% below the corresponding figure for the previous week, but more than double the current South West average.
'Don't let COVID be your Mum's gift this Mother's Day'
Swindon Borough Council is concerned that residents could now breach restrictions, in order to mark Mother's Day with family on Sunday 14 March.
Steve Maddern has told Greatest Hits why it's vital for people to resist that temptation:
"COVID doesn't care what day it is, or who you're engaging with. So please, as a reminder, no mixing outside of your household.
"Don't let COVID be the gift that you give your Mum this Mother's Day".
Reminder to parents
The majority of schoolchildren across our region have just completed their first week back in the classroom, after the latest lockdown intervention.
Between January 5 and March 5, most pupils moved to remote learning - as the government attempted to reduce Coronavirus transmissions nationwide.
Since returning to school, there have been reports of some Swindon parents not adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Our reporter Matt Hutchinson asked the Public Health Director for more details: