October half-term is upon us, and whether you live in Torbay and are looking of ways to keep the children entertained or if you are visiting the area, please remember that the rules around COVID-19 still apply.

Dr Caroline Dimond, Director of Public Health, said; “Despite Torbay still having lower rates of infection than much of the country, our rates are now increasing day-by-day. So this half-term I’m urging everyone in the area to please think COVID.   

This means wearing face coverings where required, limiting social contact and thinking COVID, even when meeting in your groups of 6 and continuing to wash your hands regularly. In addition, anyone visiting local attractions is asked to follow and respect any additional measures put in place and to act with consideration at all times”.

Overall the rates of infection in Torbay and South Devon are slightly higher than other areas of Devon. In Torbay, we have seen cases in care homes, schools, early years settings and also in tourism and hospitality settings such as hotels and restaurants.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said; “Together with Public Health, Torbay Council are working hard with all settings to help keep them safe for the people that live in or visit them, and also to support them where cases emerge. However, we do rely on each person that lives, works and visits Torbay to play their part in supporting each other and staying safe to prevent the spread of the virus”.

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company Ltd, said; “As a community we’re working hard to protect the health of locals and visitors enabling everyone to enjoy Torbay in comfort and with confidence. There are local events taking place at a number of attractions this half-term and where you can, plan ahead as many require you to pre-book timed slots. We are a responsible destination, with everyone doing their best to provide everyone with a safe and relaxing environment”.

Remember you can’t see COVID-19 and people you meet may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all so please:

Remember the Hands, Face and Space guidance.

If you do have any symptoms, please self-isolate and please upload your contacts with track and trace to prevent onward spread of the virus.

We all have a responsibility to ensure we keep schools, shops, pubs and restaurants open, to support our local economy to ensure businesses across Torbay remain viable.

We can all get COVID-19 and we can all infect others if we are not care careful so think COVID, and keep Torbay open.

Visit the English Riviera website for information on 'Things to do during October half-term'.

For all Torbay COVID-19 guidance visit the Coronavirus pages.