Urgent search for teenagers in Plymouth after group returns from Zante holiday with coronavirus

Up to 30 teenagers in Plymouth may have coronavirus after they holidayed on the Greek island of Zante, the city council has said.

At least 11 members of the group of 18 and 19-year-olds have already tested positive for Covid-19, officials said, as they warned residents to take precautions.

Some of the teenagers have since gone on a night out in the Devon city's bars and restaurants, sparking fears of a wider outbreak.

Greece is not currently on the list of countries with quarantine restrictions for UK travellers.

Local officials are working alongside the national contact tracing systems to find the young people thought to be affected.

Plymouth's public health director, Ruth Harrell, said: “We know that some of these young people had no symptoms, and so carried on as normal, including a night out in Plymouth’s bars and restaurants, until they became aware of the risk. That means more people could be infected."

Many of the young people who tested positive had none or "very minor" symptoms of Covid-19, the city's officials said.

But Ms Harrell warned: “While young people might have fairly mild symptoms, and sometimes none that you would notice, our big concern is that we know it can be very serious for people who have existing health problems or are older.

“While we are still below the point of triggering a lockdown, this incident just goes to show how easily life can change. We all need to remain vigilant, whatever age we are, and take proper precautions.”

It comes ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, when the coastal city is expecting an influx of staycation tourists.

Leader of Plymouth City Council Tudor Evans, said: "We cannot afford to be complacent. If you are going out you must follow the guidance. This is our wake up call."

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