A leading councillor has put out a plea for parents to remind their children about the need for ‘social distancing’.

Executive member for public health Cllr Tim Hutchings made the ‘ask’ at a meeting of the cabinet on Monday (September 21), when councillors were updated on the local response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: "I have one ask of parents in the county.

"Please keep drumming the Covid-secure message into your children – ensuring especially that they understand the need for social distancing in all settings.

"As a parent myself I understand that challenge. It’s not easy – but I do ask you nonetheless to keep trying."

Cllr Hutchings acknowledged that the reopening of schools and the return of students to university would increase concern amongst some residents.

He said he would like to reassure people that everything possible was being done to mitigate the risks.

He also highlighted the largely successful steps that had been taken to control outbreaks in Watford and Dacorum.

And although he said the largest of the recent outbreaks, in Hertsmere, was "still of some concern" he said it had largely stabilised.

He also highlighted steps taken to increase testing capacity in the county, in Hertsmere and at the University of Hertfordshire, as well as a new facility for key workers.

But he stressed the important role of the public in ensuring that the measures being implemented by public health team worked.

He said: "We can put in to place any number of measures, but without the full co-operation of the public it will come to nought,

"Please regularly wash your hands, maintain social distancing wear face covering when in close proximity to people."