Police in North Yorkshire are urging people from areas with the highest Covid infection rates not to travel to the county during the October half-term.
Officers are also asking parents to make sure they know where their children are during the school break and that they understand social distancing rules.
The force said people in Tier 3 areas – such as South Yorkshire, Manchester and Lancashire – should stay out of the region unless it’s for work, education or caring responsibilities.
Superintendent Mike Walker, who is leading the North Yorkshire Police response to Covid-19, said: “North Yorkshire is notorious for providing a warm welcome to visitors. But at the moment, we would ask residents from Tier 3 locations to please stay in their own area and help us with the containment of this virus.”
Officers said they have responded to several reports of young people being in breach of the rule-of-six in recent weeks – and that no enforcement action was needed.
But with the half-term break approaching, they are highlighting the threat these types of gatherings pose to public health.
Superintendent Walker said: “It’s a trying time for everyone, including parents and children, but it’s key that we remember the guidance and ensure that we don’t have a momentary lapse in our resilience to beat this virus.
“I would ask parents and carers to speak to their young people and remind them about the importance of following the guidance over the school holidays.
“We know from medical experts that many young people may not be adversely affected by the virus and indeed unaware they are carrying it. But they can pass it on to those more vulnerable in our families, and it’s them who pay the price for someone else’s poor decisions.”
Superintendent Walker said parents and children should remember that class bubbles do not apply outside of school and that they should keep the guidance around regular hand washing, maintaining social distancing and wearing face covers always in mind.
He added officers will be out on patrol looking for anyone in breach of the rules and that enforcement action will be used – but only as a last resort.
North Yorkshire currently remains in Tier 1, although discussions are being held over a potential move to Tier 2 so that it comes in line with other areas in the region.
What are the rules on travel during half-term?
England is now divided up into three tiers, depending on the rate of Covid transmission in a particular area.
If you live in a Tier 1 area, you can holiday anywhere in England that’s also in Tier 1.
You can holiday with people from other households in private accommodation, but only in groups of six and under – unless your own household or support bubble is bigger.
You can stay in a hotel or B&B with another household, but you should avoid sharing rooms with people outside your household.
You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or support bubble.
People who live in Tier 2 areas should aim to “reduce the number of journeys they make where possible” – according to the government.
You can go on holiday outside your local area as long as you don’t share accommodation with people you don’t live or bubble with, or socialise with them in any indoor setting.
If you live in a Tier 3 area, you’re advised to avoid travelling outside of your local area, unless it’s for work, education or caring responsibilities.
People who live in Tier 3 areas should not visit or stay overnight in another part of the UK, whether in a second home, a private home or guest accommodation.
You may travel to hotels and other guest accommodation within your own area, but you should only do this with people in your household or support bubble.
People from Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas should avoid holidaying in a Tier 3 area.
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