As we approach the half term break, I know many families may be worrying about travel restrictions and staying safe in relation to COVID-19.

Holiday restrictions vary not just from country to country, but also from region to region in the UK. So it is important that you know the rules for your area, to keep yourself and others safe – and also avoid a potentially hefty fine.

Currently, Wirral’s status as a very high risk area, means that residents should avoid:

  • Travelling outside of our local area, unless it's for work, education or caring responsibilities.
  • Staying overnight in another part of the UK and, likewise, anyone living in another area should avoid staying overnight in a very high alert level area such as ours.

This means that holidays or trips that fall outside of very high risk areas are to be avoided – which I realise may affect plans for the half term break.

You can still travel to hotels and other guest accommodation within our area, so if you’re happy staying closer to home you can get away with those in your household or support bubble.

Since the start of this crisis, we have all made sacrifices to do our bit. It’s been tough and it is tiring.

But right now, our borough is under the strictest set of restrictions due to the high numbers of people testing positive for Coronavirus in our communities – and the pressures this is putting on our NHS, our health and care services and our key workers.

The quickest way we’ll leave Tier 3 is through embracing the guidance, and remembering the basics:

  • Wash your hands
  • Cover your face
  • Keep your difference from others

My advice to residents would be to stay up to date with the latest local restrictions and how they affect you at wirral.gov.uk/covidguide

We must do all that we can to try to reduce this spread and help Keep Wirral Well.