Coronavirus Fears: Kids Banned from High-Fiving the Lollipop Men

Children at a primary school have been told to stop high-fiving the lollipop man in a bid to avoid the coronavirus.

Bosvigo primary in Truro, Cornwall, urged its pupils to refrain from contact with the popular traffic warden.

An email sent out to parents of the school's 320 pupils read: "Dear parents and carers, we are trying to educate our children in the best possible ways germs can be shared and how to avoid doing so.

"Please can we ask that you discourage your children from high fiving Simon our lollipop man.

"We have asked that he refrains from doing so, and with your support, will help send a consistent message to our children."

The high-five ban was not immediately popular with all parents.

One mum wrote online: "Taking coronavirus prevention to a ridiculous level".

"My children high-five the lollipop man every morning as do most other children who attend the school. "Quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I've seen so far...second only to people panic buying loo roll." The school has been contacted for comment.

One mum who is taking the threat of coronavirus more seriously is planning to take the Northern Irish Department of Education to court.

The concerned County Armagh woman has a daughter with underlying health problems including severe asthma, which she fears could be badly affected by the bug.

Last night her lawyers, Phoenix Law, announced plans for a High Court bid in an attempt to have the child's school closed.

Darragh Mackin, acting for the mother, said: "It is clear that the respective bodies have each failed in their respective obligation to our client, and indeed all children, by continuing to require their attendance at school in the circumstance in which they would be at an increased risk of contracting coronavirus.

"There is no time for any further delay.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “We can confirm that we have received a judicial review in relation to school closures. 

"As this is a legal matter we will not be providing any further comment.”