Mayor sends out plea to young people ignoring Covid regulations in Milton Keynes

Councillor Andrew Geary said there have been "numerous reports" of such groups that are far too large to be considered family bubbles.

"As a parent of two teenage children myself, I know how difficult it is for an age group who are used to being incredibly social to adjust to not meeting their friends.. It's hard on the children to convince them that meeting their friends is just not something that an happen at the moment," he said.

But he has urged the youngsters to follow the rules.

"To all younger people I simply say this and make this plea: Do you want your parents or grandparents who you may live or with or who may be in your support bubble to potentially be the next hospital victim of this pandemic?"

He added: "Generally speaking, the younger you are the less likely you are to develop symptoms quickly and the more easily you can fight the virus. But you still pose a huge threat to older people if you’re carrying the virus.

"That’s the stark reality of this rotten pandemic. Whilst it may not affect you directly it may well have greater, quicker and more long lasting effects on those of an older generation. If you see your friends as part of your permitted daily exercise - and remember that the rules state only one other person in a public place - then please maintain social distancing at all times and be thoughtful of the impacts on others."

Cllr Geary said: The overriding message remains: Stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary for you to do otherwise. It is only by following this instruction that we stand any chance of seeing a drop in the deeply concerning numbers that are reported above."

He has also urged people to shop alone in supermarkets, stating there should be one one customer per trolley or basket unless there is a medical reason for them to be accompanied.