Northampton's Covid-19 escalation not expected to impact return to schools in two weeks' time

A health chief has said she does not expect Northampton's escalation to an "area of intervention" by the Government will impact children returning to school in two weeks' time.

Northampton borough was today (August 21) escalated to the Government's "area of intervention" watch list over its Covid-19 infection rate.

At the same time, the Greencore UK factory in Moulton Park announced it would 'voluntarily close' and ask all staff and their direct households to self-isolate for two weeks after it reported an outbreak of 287 cases last week.

However, a press conference heard today that the move should not stop children going back to school in September.

Director of public health in Northamptonshire Lucy Wightman was asked if the town's place on the Government watchlist would have an effect.

She replied: "At the moment I would suggest not. But we need to reinforce those messages that we are not in the clear.

"Greencore aside, we know our rates have reduced but we still need people to adhere to those restrictions in order to make sure that the trend continues in the right way.

"We'll look at assessing that risk closer to the time but we're already in conversation with universities, colleges and schools within that regard."

Greencore's staff and their direct households have been told to isolate at home for two weeks under threat of fines if they flout the restrictions.