As young people across Cornwall prepare to head back to school after the Easter break, Cornwall Council Public Health is reminding parents to be infection aware.
Covid was among a number of viruses that caused issues in schools during the last term and young people are being urged to stay away if they are unwell, especially if they have a high temperature.
Public Health Consultant at Cornwall Council, Brian O'Neill, said: “Maintaining good hand hygiene is one of our biggest tools in combatting all kinds of infections, which can spread easily within a school setting. We would also urge anyone with a high temperature to stay away for at least 24 hours after their temperature returns to normal to reduce the risk.
“Although children with mild, respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend school."
Over the coming weeks children aged between 5 and 11 years old will receive a letter from their GP practice to invite them to book for a covid-19 vaccination.
Brian added: “Encouraging immunisation against Covid, and all the other childhood immunisations remains our best line of defence moving forward.
“Hopefully we can look forward to a calm end to the academic year, with plenty of opportunity to be outside and really keep those germs at bay.”