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Mum's plan to take Covid-positive child to park sparks Facebook and Twitter debate as Cllr Vince Maple wades in

09:50, 22 September 2021

updated: 14:32, 22 September 2021

A councillor has waded into an argument over taking a Covid-positive child out for exercise.

Chatham councillor Vince Maple has described a Medway mum's plan to take her child outside following a positive test as "completely reckless".

The Facebook post
The Facebook post

Cllr Maple, who is also the Medway Labour leader, was responding to a screenshot from a Medway Facebook group in which the mum asked

"Silly question I know... what is the best time to go to the Rec and avoid people if possible?

"I have to walk the dog and get my son (10) out of the house but he is covid positive."

When numerous responses in the group queried if the mum – let alone the child – should be going out, she responded "he's allowed fresh air, I'm asking in advance to avoid bumping into people."

She added that they lived in a flat and he had ADHD so was struggling with the situation.

One user remarked that the pair "definitely shouldn't be going out", while another suggested 3am as a suitable time.

Cllr Vince Maple, Labour, described the post as "completely reckless". Picture: Medway Council
Cllr Vince Maple, Labour, described the post as "completely reckless". Picture: Medway Council

However, some were more supportive of the mum, with one saying "wow, pitchforks at the ready, he's a child, and I'm guessing the neighbourhood watch are double jabbed so it shouldn't be a problem should it?"

A screenshot of the original question was posted on twitter, with the remark "handy primer on why covid is still spreading in Medway."

Cllr Maple responded: "This is completely reckless behaviour - literally putting other lives at risk.

"Thankfully it is rare as the vast majority of Medway residents continue to do all they can to reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19".

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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