The man spearheading Southend's response to the coronavirus pandemic is urging parents and children to be cautious over the Easter holidays. 

Pupils across the region are now set to begin their two-week break - in which time lockdown restrictions will be eased to allow gatherings of up to six people outside. 

Krishna Ramkhelawon, director of public health in Southend, has thanked all students and parents for their efforts in helping schools reopen. 

Around 94 per cent of pupils returned to the classroom in the week starting March 8. 

Despite Covid cases remaining low across the borough since then, Mr Ramkhelawon is urging families to stick to the rules and not let their guard down over the coming weeks. 

In a letter sent out in all schools in Southend, he said: "The second stage of the roadmap is now fast approaching and from Monday, March 29, the first day of the school Easter holidays, there is a further slight relaxation of restrictions as the rule of six or two households comes into effect.

"While this is exciting and we all want to return to normal, we do not want the number of cases to rise again locally.

"I urge you to stick to the national guidance and encourage you to keep up the good work and help Southend-on-Sea with a safe step out of lockdown."

Mr Ramkhelawon is also asking families to ensure they keep on getting tested for Covid-19 as mixing with other households outside is permitted. 

He added: "Testing is important because one in three people are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t have the known Covid-19 symptoms of a temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss of taste or smell.

"Getting tested when you don’t have symptoms gives some reassurance that you are not unknowingly spreading the virus, and the more you get tested the more reassured you can be.

"As more families mix under the rule of six from March 29, it is more important than ever to keep everyone safe and protect the wider community.

"Please continue to get tested regularly. 

"Thank you for your continued support and cooperation, and enjoy the Easter break."

Covid tests can be book at southend.gov.uk/gettested.